California’s high-speed rail agency found its new leader. And he comes with decades of rail experience, including high-speed transportation.

The California High-Speed Rail Authority chose Ian Choudri as the agency’s newest CEO.

Choudri most recently worked as senior vice president for infrastructure company HNTB Corp. He will replace Brian Kelly, who was the authority’s CEO for six years.

“(Choudri’s) strong understanding of complex transportation projects will help build on the progress we’ve been making and lead the organization forward on a path to passenger service,” said Tom Richards, the rail authority’s board chairman, of Fresno.

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New CEO’s High-Speed Rail Experience

Choudri has more than 30 years working in transportation. He previously worked on high-speed rail projects in France and Spain.

A future connection between Ontario Airport and the Brightline West terminus in Rancho Cucamonga is among his work.

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime project that has the attention of the nation,” Choudri said. “I look forward to joining the ranks of the dedicated employees at the authority, rolling up my sleeves, and working collectively to make our mark on high-speed rail in California.”

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High-Speed Rail Enviro Review Nearly Complete

All but 31 of the 494 miles of the high-speed rail footprint from San Francisco to Los Angeles has received environmental clearance.

The authority plans to have the Central Valley segment — from Merced to Bakersfield — running by 2030.

The federal government recently awarded the project $3.1 billion in federal grants.

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The U.S. High-Speed Rail department called the project the “most ambitious” in the nation.

“Ian Choudri is the right executive at the right time to lead America’s most ambitious high-speed rail project as it advances toward initial operations,” said Ray LaHood, USHSR coalition co-chair.