Governor Newsom welcomes new CEO of California High-Speed Rail
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~ SACRAMENTO - In a significant development for California's high-speed rail project, Governor Gavin Newsom welcomed the new CEO of the California High-Speed Rail Authority, Ian Choudri, on August 8, 2024. The Authority's board voted to approve Choudri's appointment this morning.

Choudri brings with him over 30 years of leadership experience in the transportation sector. He takes over as CEO at a crucial stage for the ambitious high-speed rail project in California. Earlier this year, former CEO Brian Kelly announced his planned retirement after six years leading the project and over 30 years of experience in transportation policy issues in the state.

The selection of Choudri as the new CEO comes at a time when the project has made significant progress. With historic funding from the Biden-Harris Administration, completion of all environmental reviews from Los Angeles to the Bay Area, trainset selection underway, and construction of stations and tracks on deck, nearly 14,000 jobs have been created.

Governor Newsom expressed his confidence in Choudri's abilities and stated that he is taking control at a crucial moment for the project. He also thanked Brian Kelly for his leadership and bringing California closer to realizing its dream of high-speed rail.

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The Governor emphasized that this project is not just about one railway line but about transforming ground transportation for the world's fifth-largest economy. It also showcases what is possible with enough vision and determination while bringing a cleaner transportation future to California. This is vital for California's economic future as it connects whole regions with fast and efficient service from the Bay Area through Central Valley to Southern California.

In his statement, incoming CEO Ian Choudri acknowledged that this is a once-in-a-lifetime project that has captured national attention. He expressed his eagerness to join the dedicated employees at the Authority and work collectively towards making their mark on high-speed rail in California.

Choudri's extensive experience covers all aspects of high-speed rail development, including initial planning, stakeholder management, feasibility studies, construction, operations, and maintenance. He currently serves as the Senior Vice President at HNTB Corporation, an American-based infrastructure design firm with a proven track record of working on federal and state-level transportation projects.

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Choudri also serves as a national strategic advisor to multiple rail, transit, and transportation agencies that require an understanding of unique technical, regulatory, and financial challenges. In California, he has worked with the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority to develop a tunnel mobility solution that will transport passengers between the Ontario Airport and the future Brightline West terminus in Rancho Cucamonga.

With over a decade of experience working on high-speed train technology and train control systems in France and Spain earlier in his career, Choudri possesses in-depth knowledge and understanding of complex projects and train systems.

In other news related to Governor Newsom's recent announcements on August 7th, he made several appointments to various boards. Kirk Haynes was reappointed to the Board of State and Community Corrections while tribal-state gaming compacts were signed between the State of California and the Timbisha Shoshone Tribe and with the Elem Indian Colony of Pomo Indians of the Sulphur Bank Rancheria. Additionally, California's first-in-the-nation earthquake warning system successfully notified millions ahead of a recent quake through emergency alerts. This further solidifies California's position as a leader in emergency management and disaster preparedness.

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