(KMJ) California High-Speed Rail Authority CEO Ian Choudri has resigned, saying he needs to focus on personal and family priorities.
The departure comes during a two-day meeting of the agency’s governing board and after nearly two years marked by budget shortfalls, construction delays, and growing scrutiny over management decisions.
During Choudri’s tenure, the rail authority lost $4 billion dollars in federal funding after failing to meet key deadlines tied to train purchases. State officials initially challenged the funding cut in court but later dropped the lawsuit and shifted their focus to attracting private investment.
Last month, state investigators found consultants working for the rail authority charged taxpayers for first-class flights, premium rides, and other questionable travel expenses, some reportedly linked to trips requested by Choudri. Earlier this month, the board moved to limit his contracting authority.
According to reports, the board had also been considering additional disciplinary action, including possible termination.
The controversial project, passed by California voters in 2008 with a $10 billion bond, was supposed to link San Francisco and LA by 2020.
The latest projections pin the cost up to $231 billion with completion expected by 2040.
