State Senate Appoints Perea to High-Speed Rail Board
By Bill McEwen, News Director
Published 5 years ago on
August 22, 2019
Share
Henry R. Perea, a longtime passenger train advocate, is the newest board member of the California High-Speed Rail Authority.
“I’m excited to be part of a team that is going to make critical decisions moving the project and Gov. (Gavin) Newsom’s vision for it forward.” — Henry R. Perea
The state Senate appointed Perea to the position Wednesday.“I’m excited to be part of a team that is going to make critical decisions moving the project and Gov. (Gavin) Newsom’s vision for it forward,” Perea said. “When I got the call, I was pleasantly surprised.
“Making high-speed rail happen is not just vital to the Valley’s economic development but also to connecting the state and expanding high-speed rail across the country.”
Perea’s Deep Rail Roots
Perea, a former Fresno city councilmember and Fresno County supervisor, has spearheaded efforts to bring high-speed rail’s heavy maintenance facility to Fresno. In addition, he has served on various boards overseeing the management of Amtrak passenger trains servicing the Valley and the Bay Area.
His rail roots run deep, as his father worked 35 years for the Southern Pacific Railroad.
Perea’s appointment gives the CHRA board a distinct Valley flavor. Fresno businessman Tom Richards already serves on the board. In addition, Assemblyman Joaquin Arambula of Fresno is an ex officio board member.
Perea has steadfastly defended California’s high-speed rail project despite its delays, cost overruns, and poor management. The latest cost estimate is $77 billion — $20.4 billion to complete 171 miles of track from Merced to Bakersfield by 2028.“People have to remember this is the biggest infrastructure project in the United States today. There are going to be problems and there have been. You acknowledge them and you fix them,” Perea said earlier this year.
Perea’s appointment gives the CHRA board a distinct Valley flavor. Fresno businessman Tom Richards already serves on the board. In addition, Assemblyman Joaquin Arambula of Fresno is an ex officio board member.
Bill McEwen,
News Director
Bill McEwen is news director and columnist for GV Wire. He joined GV Wire in August 2017 after 37 years at The Fresno Bee. With The Bee, he served as Opinion Editor, City Hall reporter, Metro columnist, sports columnist and sports editor through the years. His work has been frequently honored by the California Newspapers Publishers Association, including authoring first-place editorials in 2015 and 2016. Bill and his wife, Karen, are proud parents of two adult sons, and they have two grandsons. You can contact Bill at 559-492-4031 or at Send an Email
BTC Scammy Scams, Impact of Blockchain on Global Markets: Crypto The WonderDog Show
Economy /
2 hours ago
US Vetoes Full United Nations Membership for Palestine
World /
3 hours ago
Barbara Corcoran: 1% Interest Rate Drop Will Send Housing Prices ‘Through the Roof’
Housing /
3 hours ago
Cavinder Twins Are Returning to Miami for Their Last Season
Sports /
4 hours ago
Biden is Off on Details of His Uncle’s WWII Death as He Calls Trump Unfit to Lead the Military
Politics /
7 hours ago
US and UK Issue New Sanctions on Iran in Response to Tehran’s Weekend Attack on Israel
World /
7 hours ago
Will State AG Rob Bonta Jump Into 2026 Race for CA Governor?
Opinion /
8 hours ago
Latest
Videos
Business /
50 mins ago
City Council Finally Gives New NW Fresno Costco a Green Light
Economy /
2 hours ago
BTC Scammy Scams, Impact of Blockchain on Global Markets: Crypto The WonderDog Show
World /
3 hours ago
US Vetoes Full United Nations Membership for Palestine
Housing /
3 hours ago
Barbara Corcoran: 1% Interest Rate Drop Will Send Housing Prices ‘Through the Roof’
Sports /
4 hours ago