SoCal Lawmaker Introduces Bills To Localize Rail Project Jobs

SACRAMENTO (KCBS) – With billions of dollars in federal stimulus money coming to California for the high-speed rail project, legislation has been introduced to make sure small businesses and local employees are included in the project.

Southern California Senator Curren Price introduced three bills on Friday to make sure standards are included in the High Speed Rail Authority's business plan that give small business and local employees work in the project.

"We think it certainly is proper and legal to insure that a certain percentage of jobs, as it goes through an area, are going to be available for those residents in the area," said Price.

KCBS' Anna Duckworth Reports:

He said as the most expensive single infrastructure project in U.S. history, the train line represents an important opportunity to create jobs in California, jobs that he said everyone should have a chance at.

"Frequently, the contracts are large and need to be unbundled, so the smaller companies have a chance to work on the project," said Price.

Construction on the first section of the rail line, between Merced and Bakersfield, is scheduled to start next year.

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