>Instead we're spending billions to build a slow, circuitous route to Fresno. Because with a big project like this, everyone wants to claim some slice for them

>Instead we're spending billions to build a slow, circuitous route to Fresno. Because with a big project like this, everyone wants to claim some slice for themselves. The optimal route crosses counties like Fresno, which means they can veto the project (or at least delay it). They use that as leverage to extract benefits for themselves, like changing the route so it passes through their county seat.