announcer: so, what's the biggest issue in america today? i don't think we're probably ever doing enough for our environment. the war in iraq religious yahoos freedom of speech i get angry about it, but it's like... ya' know, in my own apartment. i probably believe in all those causes, but i'm...i'm not really doin' anything. and >> good morning, everyone. in the director of the transbay

joint powers authority. [applause] on behalf of the tjpa, i would like to welcome everyone to this historic occasion -- the groundbreaking of the first high-speed modern railway station in the united states. [applause] today marks the culmination of a very long journey and an enormous amount of hard work by many people to make this day a reality. there were many challenges along the way, but we had a great vision, a huge optimism, remained focused, and most importantly, have the ongoing support of the public to fulfill their expectations. here is what we are delivering to the public starting today. the first new high-speed rail station in the country, the first modern regional bus station in more than 60 years. after more than 100 years, a downtown san francisco train station, all line one modern landmark building designed by

world-class architects and engineers. that will be surrounded by new residents and new workers. this will be a 21st century building for a 21st century region and state and a world- class building for a world-class city. i would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of our speakers today and also recognize the countless number of people across the san francisco bay area, california, and washington, d.c., who worked with us to make this happen. many are here today and others in spirit. thank you all. we made it. the grand central station of the west coast is starting construction. [applause] thank you. now, i would like to introduce our first speaker, the chairman of our board, nathaniel ford. he serves as the chair of the transbay