Despite the usual disinformation from the usual worthless source, there is some serious concern and movement toward an HSR "do-over" with several folks in the legislature. At least one of the candidates for governor who has been, quietly critical all along is very concerned about where this project is now, and the potential for blowback from the electorate.

The goofy conspiracy theories from ranting nut jobs aside, this project is in serious trouble. I've also spoken to at least one member of the Assembly about a plan B, and why such an audit might be helpful in clarifying the projects goals and objectives, and finding more cost effective ways to save this mess from complete failure.

A Federal audit would be about the match issues and requirements, which is more legal and technical, regarding the appropriate use and match of just those funds. This is troublesome issue, but one for which the FRA (wrongly, in my best professional opinion) gave the CHSRA a "waiver" (which may not have been legal). Given that, it would be difficult for the Feds to ask for repayment, so I suspect that audit isn't going to happen.

The proposed state "audit" would likely go back over the history, goals, objectives, and how we got here, what we did wrong, and then try to figure out what we are supposed to be doing and why we are doing it, so we can maybe then figure out what we are doing, and how we can fix it.