California High-Speed Rail Authority extends public review period and sets virtual hearing for Bakersfield to Palmdale section

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the California High-Speed Rail Authority has extended the deadline for public comments for the Bakersfield to Palmdale section of the bullet train project.

Additionally, the previous hearing originally scheduled for April 9 has been re-scheduled as a virtual webcast meeting on April 23, 2020, from 3 - 8 p.m. Comments may be submitted over the internet or by phone.

Photo Credit: CAHSRA

For more information:

Bakersfield to Palmdale Environmental Documents

April 23 Webcast Registration/Info

CaHSRA issues draft EIR/EIS for Bakersfield to Palmdale segment of bullet train

The California High Speed Rail Authority (CaHSRA) has just released a draft Environmental Impact Report/Environmental Impact Statement (EIR/EIS) for a segment of the project that will connect Bakersfield to Palmdale in Los Angeles County.

The approximately 80-mile section of the state-wide project will include stations in Bakersfield and Palmdale while passing through or near the communities of Edison, Tehachapi, Rosamond, and Lancaster. It will close the existing passenger rail gap between Northern and Southern California.

The CaHRSA will be accepting public comments on the draft EIR/EIS until April 13, 2020, as it undergoes a required CEQA and NEPA review. The final EIR/EIS will be issued in 2021.

In addition, public hearings will be held as follows:

Lancaster
March 4,2020
5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Jane Reynolds Park Activity Center
716 Oldfield Street
Lancaster, PA 93534

Bakersfield
March 5, 2020
5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Edison Middle School Gym
721 S. Edison Road
Bakersfield, CA 93307

Rosamond
March 26, 2020
5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Rosamond Public Library
3611 Rosamond Blvd.
Rosamond, CA 93560


For more information on the document and other ways to submit comments: Bakersfield to Palmdale Draft EIR/EIS

CaHSRA Issues Draft 2020 Bullet Train Business Plan for Public Review and Comment

The California High Speed Rail Authority (CAHSRA) has just released its draft 2020 Business Plan and is seeking comments from the public.

Photo: CaHSRA

The plan emphasizes the CAHSRA's intent to use existing funding to complete a Central California interim line connecting Merced, Fresno, and Bakersfield. It also outlines major program progress in Northern California, Central California, and Southern California.

Estimated costs are consistent with the 2018 Business Plan and the 2019 Project Update Report.

“This plan outlines how this program will advance to meet California’s mobility, environmental and economic objectives,” said Authority CEO Brian Kelly. “We are in an exciting time for this project and the electrification of transportation in California. In 2020, there will be 350 miles of electrified high-speed rail in development. In the next 18 to 24 months, we will work to environmentally clear the full Phase 1 system between San Francisco and Los Angeles/Anaheim. This transformation is well underway in California. Now is not the time to turn back,” Kelly said.  

The public comment period started February 12 and closes on April 12, 2020.

Further information on the draft plan can be found at this link: 2020 Draft Business Plan

HSR Authority to hold Open House meetings on Bakersfield to Palmdale route

http://www.examiner.com/article/hsr-authority-to-hold-open-house-meetings-on-bakersfield-to-palmdale-route

Congressman Kevin McCarthy (R-Bak) recommends no more federal funds for CA HSR

Congressman Kevin McCarthy (R-Bak) recommends no more federal funds for CA HSR

Photo © Frank Maccioli

Jerry Brown issues revised California budget, includes $2.8 billion for HSR

Jerry Brown issues revised California budget, includes $2.8 billion for HSR

Put up or shut up, feds draw line in the sand for CA HSR

More political turmoil for HSR.

Put up or shut up, feds draw line in the sand for CA HSR

Daniel Krause, CEO of CA4HSR © Frank Maccioli

HSR Authority to host meeting for potential contractors at CSUB

 Another bullet train meeting in Bakersfield.

HSR Authority to host meeting for potential contractors at CSUB

HSR meetings scheduled to discuss Fresno to Bakersfield Draft Revised EIR

HSR meetings scheduled to discuss Fresno to Bakersfield Draft Revised EIR

Photo © Frank Maccioli

What do you think? Does HSR need Obama to win?

http://news.yahoo.com/does-california-high-speed-rail-obama-win-november-210600302.html

Bullet train at another project milestone, Merced to Fresno EIR/EIS Hearing

Another step in a lengthy process:

Bullet train at another project milestone, Merced to Fresno EIR/EIS Hearing

Mickey Mouse flexes muscles - bullet train will reach Anaheim

Will Bakersfield residents be able to ride HSR all the way to Disneyland?

Mickey Mouse flexes muscles - bullet train will reach Anaheim

Photo © Frank Maccioli

HSR Board delays meeting, releases revised Business Plan today

New and revised business plan released today. Board Hearing relocated and postponed for one week.

HSR Board delays meeting, releases revised Business Plan today

HSR business plan to be approved next week - but, when does the public see it?

 When does the public get less than a week to review and comment on a landmark public works project? Apparently when it's about California's High-Speed Rail project.

HSR business plan to be approved next week - but, when does the public see it?

Rep. Kevin McCarthy and Bullet Train Chairman Dan Richard at CSUB tonight

 Town Hall meeting at CSUB tonight.

Rep. Kevin McCarthy and Bullet Train Chairman Dan Richard at CSUB tonight

More opposition to HSR popping up in affected Bakersfield neighborhoods

Just who is/are High-Speed Boondoggle?

More opposition to HSR popping up in affected Bakersfield neighborhoods

photo by F. Maccioli

Ca. State Senate to hold HSR informational hearing - budget may be at risk

Will HSR funding be included in the 2012-2013 state budget?

Ca. State Senate to hold HSR informational hearing - budget may be at risk

Pro-HSR group launches new effort to secure California funding

Pro-HSR group launches new effort to secure California funding

Supervisors oppose HSR, Maggard says maintenance facility won't be built here

More bad news for California High-speed Rail:

Supervisors oppose HSR, Maggard says maintenance facility won't be built here

 Kern County Supervisor Mike Maggard

HSR Board elects new Chairman, approves Bakersfield/Palmdale study

Get the scoop on this week's CaHSRA Board meeting:

HSR Board elects new Chairman, approves Bakersfield/Palmdale study