Commentator Scott Jennings criticized a taxpayer-funded wildlife bridge project in California, pointing to rising costs, delays, and what he described as broader concerns about government spending under Gov. Gavin Newsom.
Jennings introduced the issue by highlighting the project and its growing price tag, stating, “And it is another day and another edition of one of our favorite segments called What in the world is going on in Gavin Newsom's California.”
He added, “This latest story comes from Christopher Rufo over at City Journal.”
He continued, “It is a doozy, a $114 million wildlife bridge over the 101.”
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He acknowledged the project’s stated purpose before questioning its execution, saying, “Now on the surface, it sounds good, we're helping animals cross the road.”
He added, “Who would be against that?” Jennings then argued the situation becomes more complicated upon closer examination, stating, “But look closer and it's like everything else in California.”
He added, “You realize it's not that simple.”
Jennings described the project as excessive, stating, “This is a gold plated monument to government excess.”
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He outlined its timeline, saying, “They broke ground on this back in 2022.”
He added, “The projected cost was $92 million and the completion date was to be 2025.”
He continued, “Well, it's now 2026 it's behind schedule, and now we're up to about $114 million 10s of millions over budget.”
He questioned the benefits to taxpayers, stating, “What are taxpayers getting out of this?”
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He added, “Well, not better roads.”
Jennings continued, “The traffic isn't any better, the communities aren't any safer.”
“This is effectively a designer wildlife crossing for mountain lions and butterflies.”
Jennings also pointed to what he described as an expansion of associated roles tied to the project, stating, “Now the story gets better.”
He added, “It's not just a bridge.”
He continued, “It is also an ecosystem of consultants and bureaucrats and soil experts and habitat planners, environmental reviewers.”
He said, “It is a full blown taxpayer funded jobs program for professional plate spinners.”
He concluded by raising questions about spending priorities and leadership, stating, “So maybe, just maybe, in California, it might be time to ask a basic question, is this really the best use of our money?”
Jennings added, “Is Gavin Newsom really the best person to be spending it in Gavin Newsom's California?”
He said, “These questions seem to rarely get asked.”
He concluded, “We'll keep tabs on California as Gavin Newsom plots his 2028 presidential campaign.”
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