SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The AP reported that as contractors submit bids to design and build the first 30-mile stretch of track for California’s $68 billion high-speed rail system, a union that represents state engineers is questioning whether all the construction work will be thoroughly scrutinized.

Bid requirements state that the independent contractor that would design and build the first phase of the project would hire the inspectors charged with testing the work on that segment. The inspections would then be submitted to the California High-Speed Rail Authority. The union and some lawmakers told the AP that the arrangement could present a conflict of interest and that independent inspectors who are not aligned with the construction company are needed. For the full story, click here.