Was the article really about design firm PB? I don't think so. Anyway, PB changed its name to WSP a few years ago.

The article says, "inflationary increases and better cost projections" caused the $1.3 billion boost. I will let BOB2 take a crack at explaining what cost projections might be about. I imagine construction costs are going up, and so are property values if they are still buying the land.

Is it possible it will really be running in the Central Valley in 10 years?:

"Beyond that, the plan calls for expanding to 171 miles connecting Merced, Fresno and Bakersfield, which it calls 'three of the fastest growing areas in California.' It calls for testing electrified high-speed trains by 2025 and put those trains in service by 2028-29."