I have read the Power Broker, and I don't think it really has anything to do with getting things build in spite of regulations. Sure he got things built, but the modern regulatory state wasn't really an issue in the 1950s.
Also part of the reason why foreign consultants are hired is because the US has so little experience building high speed rail, and when the domestic civil engineers do design things, you get over engineered concrete monstrosities, like the Millbrae Bart station.
Also part of the reason why foreign consultants are hired is because the US has so little experience building high speed rail, and when the domestic civil engineers do design things, you get over engineered concrete monstrosities, like the Millbrae Bart station.