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California High-Speed Rail Paid $592,900 Improper Consultant Travel

By Drooid · Sep 17, 2026, 12:08 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

California High-Speed Rail Authority paid $592,900 in consultant travel that violated state rules and contracts.
Inspector General found the authority spent over $2 million on travel for four consultants in FY 2024-25 and FY 2025-26.
Investigators reported $680,500 of $1.15 million reviewed lacked approval.
Report flagged $81,000 unallowable under state travel rules and $543,400 unallowable under contracts.
Authority will tighten travel controls, improve documentation and seek reimbursement for improper costs by March 2027.

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Story summary

California High-Speed Rail Authority paid $592,900 in consultant travel that violated state rules and contracts.
Inspector General found the authority spent over $2 million on travel for four consultants in FY 2024-25 and FY 2025-26.
Investigators reported $680,500 of $1.15 million reviewed lacked approval.
Report flagged $81,000 unallowable under state travel rules and $543,400 unallowable under contracts.
Authority will tighten travel controls, improve documentation and seek reimbursement for improper costs by March 2027.