Was it ever really going to happen?
No, it was never going to be completed.
But it was going to pay several government cronies and relatives for many years of “consulting” work.
If it is a great idea, then make it a private company.
Much like the Texas rail, a great idea. Except for the opposition and cost.
“Was it ever really going to happen?”
Like the high speed rail in Texas (between Houston and Dallas) and California’s high speed rail, the answer is always the same: ONLY if they can get the FEDERAL GOVERNMENT to pay for it, as state legislatures cannot print money.