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The California high-speed rail project has been plagued by delays, cost overruns, and controversy since its inception. But how bad is it really? This episode takes a closer look at the project's history, its current state, and the people affected by it.

The project, which was initially estimated to cost $33.5 billion, has now ballooned to a staggering $230 billion. The state has spent nearly $6 billion in delay and change order fees to contractors, with some companies raking in $170,000 a day in delay fees. The project's CEO, Ian Chowdhury, admits that the process has been flawed from the start, and that building happened too soon. But despite these setbacks, Chowdhury remains optimistic, saying that with proper funding, the project will be up and running by 2039.

But what about the people affected by this project? We hear from a farmer who had 81 acres of his land taken by the state for the project, and a business owner who has seen his property disrupted by the constant construction. The state's handling of the project has been criticized by many, including the inspector general, who says that the project's plan is dramatically incomplete and needs to be revised.

If you want to understand the full extent of the California high-speed rail project's problems, tune in to this episode to hear the shocking truth. Join us as we explore the project's history, its current state, and the people affected by it.

The California high-speed rail project has been plagued by delays, cost overruns, and controversy since its inception. But how bad is it really? This episode takes a closer look at the project's history, its current state, and the people affected by it.The project, which was initially estimated to cost $33.5 billion, has now ballooned to a staggering $230 billion. The state has spent nearly $6 billion in delay and change order fees to contractors, with some companies raking in $170,000 a day in delay fees. The project's CEO, Ian Chowdhury, admits that the process has been flawed from the start, and that building happened too soon. But despite these setbacks, Chowdhury remains optimistic, saying that with proper funding, the project will be up and running by 2039.But what about the people affected by this project? We hear from a farmer who had 81 acres of his land taken by the state for the project, and a business owner who has seen his property disrupted by the constant construction. The state's handling of the project has been criticized by many, including the inspector general, who says that the project's plan is dramatically incomplete and needs to be revised.If you want to understand the full extent of the California high-speed rail project's problems, tune in to this episode to hear the shocking truth. Join us as we explore the project's history, its current state, and the people affected by it.

OC Native John Phillips brings wit, political connections and insight to “The John Phillips Show”. Phillips began his radio career as the youngest major-market radio talk show host in the country. He is also CNN political commentator, a columnist for The Orange County Register and makes regular appearances on cable news.

John was formerly a sports anchor and executive producer for “McIntyre in the Morning”, producer for “The Al Rantel Show”, news writer for the KNX Morning News with Frank Mottek and Gail Eichenthal, and a guest host on virtually every show ever cancelled by KABC.

Though in his mid-thirties he is a ten-year veteran of KABC

John’s interests: The Angels, Palm Springs, movies, cruises, home Improvement and airline travel.

OC Native John Phillips brings wit, political connections and insight to “The John Phillips Show”. Phillips began his radio career as the youngest major-market radio talk show host in the country. He is also CNN political commentator, a columnist for The Orange County Register and makes regular appearances on cable news.
John was formerly a sports anchor and executive producer for “McIntyre in the Morning”, producer for “The Al Rantel Show”, news writer for the KNX Morning News with Frank Mottek and Gail Eichenthal, and a guest host on virtually every show ever cancelled by KABC.
Though in his mid-thirties he is a ten-year veteran of KABC
John’s interests: The Angels, Palm Springs, movies, cruises, home Improvement and airline travel.

The John Phillips Show

The John Phillips Show delivers sharp wit, insider political analysis, and unfiltered takes on the news of the day. A longtime radio host and columnist, John brings his deep industry connections and years of experience to every episode—breaking down politics, culture, and current events with a mix of humor and insight. Whether he's diving into California issues or national headlines, John keeps it smart, engaging, and always entertaining.

The John Phillips Show delivers sharp wit, insider political analysis, and unfiltered takes on the news of the day. A longtime radio host and columnist, John brings his deep industry connections and years of experience to every episode&mdash;breaking down politics, culture, and current events with a mix of humor and insight. Whether he's diving into California issues or national headlines, John keeps it smart, engaging, and always entertaining.

$5.7 BILLION in Delay Fees?! The Shocking Truth About CA's High-Speed Rail

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/a7b0bd27-d748-4fbe-ab3b-a6fa0049bcf6/clips/1f6f2df8-bcf8-4658-b6ef-b4b101856268/transcript