As the 8th largest economy in the world, and a major producer of technology, entertainment and agriculture, California is a major global player. Will California's international competitiveness be enhanced by linking various parts of the state with HSR? Given the high cost of HSR and the current federal retreat from funding, is this project a viable option for the state? Under what circumstances would the private sector invest in HSR development in California? How could the politics of localism be managed to create a system that works financially? Moderator: Sean Randolph President Economic Institute Bay Area Council HSR and the "Grand Central Station of the West" Project Maria Ayerdi-Kaplan Executive Director ...