California HSR - Project Update - March 2012

San Francisco to San Jose Section High Speed Train Winter 2012 Project Update March, 2012 The California High Speed Rail Program is the most significant infrastructure project undertaken in the United States since the interstate highway system. The California High-Speed Rail Authority continues to make key decisions on various aspects of this project from small business participation, environmental justice issues and revision of the business plan. Our goal is to keep you and other stakeholders informed of ongoing progress and developments. Your participation in this project is key to its success. We hope this update supports your continuing involvement in the development of the nation’s first high-speed rail system. Why California is Pursuing High-Speed Rail With the state’s population expected to grow to 60 million by 2050, California faces three choices regarding its transportation system: try to build more freeways and expand airports to meet the increased demands; do nothing; or develop a high-speed train system connecting our population centers, as many other countries around the world have successfully done. At a total cost about half of what it would take to provide the same capacity on new freeways and at expanded airports, high-speed rail delivers many other significant economic, social and environmental benefits. Recent Statewide Project Activities Construction Development Advances The California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) has approved terms and conditions were issued with a Request for Proposal (RFP), a process that allows Design-Build teams to bid on construction of the first high-speed rail project in California. The RFP was issued within the last week. Five design-build teams have been identified as “qualified” to submit bids on the first segment of the high-speed rail project in the Central Valley. These firms will now be allowed to submit proposals competing for contracts to build the backbone of the high-speed rail system in the Central Valley. Proposals will be scored on whether they meet strict guidelines for technical competence, deadline schedules, methods of operation and costs. The winning bid will include a CHSRA policy and goal that says 30 percent of the work will go to small businesses. The “qualified” design-build teams are: FIRM Small   Business (SB) Contact NON-SB   CONTACT CALIFORNIA BACKBONE BUILDERS Christopher Smith csmith@ferrovial.us.com (512) 637-8592 Daniel Filer dfiler@ferrovial.us.com (512) 637-8587 CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED RAIL PARTNERS Lynn Romano Lynn.romano@fluor.com (949) 349-2896 Chuck Lines Chuck.lines@flour.com (949) 349-4512 CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED VENTURES Verenise   Di Salvi Verenise.DiSalvi@Kiewit.com (707) 439-7300 Ext. 7357 Jeff Riley Jeff.riley@kiewit.com (707) 439-7300 DRAGADOS/FLATIRON/ SHIMMICK Shannon Reid DFS-hsr-sb@flatironcorp.com (707) 742-6078 Walter Quincy wquincy@flatironcorp.com (707) 742-6039 TUTOR PERINI/ZACHRY/ PARSONS Sarah Morris Sarah.Morris@tutorperini.com (818) 362-8391 Ext. 5637 Or Mike Barge Mike.Barge@tutorperini.com (818) 362-8391 Ext. 5572 Gerald Brown Jerry.brown@tutorperini.com (818) 362-8391 Small and Disadvantaged Businesses are Encouraged to Seek HSR Subcontract Opportunities The California High-Speed Rail Authority is encouraging Small and Disadvantaged Businesses to seek subcontract opportunities with the five design-build teams that have been short-listed through the Authority’s Request for Qualifications (RFQ) process. These firms will now be allowed to submit proposals to the recently released Request for Proposals (RFP).  “This is the time for small and disadvantaged businesses to really mobilize and talk to the qualified teams to partner up and find contract opportunities on this multi-billion dollar project,” said Tom Richards, Vice Chair of the California High-Speed Rail Authority Board. “With a goal of 30 percent for small business participation, we are very interested in seeing the benefits diverse small businesses bring to the make-up of the design/build teams that will bid on this project.” Business Plan Update On November 10, 2011 a draft updated Business Plan for the project was released that describes a phased approach to construction that will allow the California High-Speed Rail Authority (Authority) to adapt to changing financial conditions as it moves forward, section by section. The new business plan introduces a “building block” implementation approach to connect the state’s major Northern California and Southern California population centers with high-speed trains, and updates cost estimates, ridership figures and funding expectations to reflect current economic realities. The Authority collected public comments on the Draft Business Plan through January 17, 2012. The Business Plan project team is currently incorporating the comments as appropriate into a final updated Business Plan, which will be brought to the Authority Board for adoption before it is submitted to the Legislature. For more information, visit the webpage (http://www.cahighspeedrail.ca.gov/Business_Plan_reports.aspx).  The Revised 2012 Business Plan will be released to the public in advance of the April 5, 2012 Authority Board meeting. Partially Revised Bay Area to Central Valley Draft Program EIR The Authority is circulating the Bay Area to Central Valley High-Speed Train (HST) Partially Revised Draft Program Environmental Impact Report (PRDPEIR) in order to address the November 2011 Town of Atherton legal challenges and court rulings regarding the 2010 Bay Area to Central Valley High-Speed Train Revised Final Program Environmental Impact Report. A public hearing was held on February 9, 2012, and comments were accepted through February 21, 2012. For more information, visit the webpage (http://www.cahighspeedrail.ca.gov/ba_cv_program_eir.aspx). Authority Moves Forward on Agreement with Southern California Transportation Agencies  The California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) Board of Directors voted during their March 1 meeting to support the development of a Memorandum of Understanding with Southern California transportation agencies that outlines a shared commitment to progress the development of high-speed rail while providing funding for local early investment projects in Southern California that will improve rail service immediately. Agencies that have already approved the MOU include: Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG), Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro), Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC), San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG), San Bernardino Associated Governments (SANBAG), and the Southern California Regional Rail Authority (Metrolink). Specifically, the Authority would identify $1 billion in Prop 1A or other funds that could be used for early investment projects along the high-speed rail corridors, as defined in the Authority’s Business Plan. Meanwhile, regional agencies would work with the Authority to find matching funds in order to improve existing railways and deliver the HSR system sooner to Southern California. The coordinated effort defines a new interagency partnership, promoting a cohesive rail system that will enhance connectivity. San Francisco to San Jose Section In the Bay Area, the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) has taken the lead in developing a draft Memorandum of Understanding with Bay Area transportation agencies that outlines a similar commitment to Southern California to progress the development of high-speed rail while providing early investment projects primarily in the Caltrain corridor (San Jose-San Francisco). MTC is coordinating with Caltrain, VTA, SF MTA, BART, SFCTA, and the San Mateo Country Transportation Authority. This draft MOU will be presented to the Authority Board at an upcoming meeting. Additionally, Caltrain continues to coordinate with its local stakeholder communities on how to implement the blended approach proposed by Congresswoman Eshoo, State Senator Joe Simitian and Assemblyman Rich Gordon. Under this approach, which the Authority has embraced, high speed trains would operate with Caltrain primarily on the existing two-track system from San Jose to San Francisco. Caltrain in a joint effort with the Authority and corridor stakeholders is working on defining a blended system that would accommodate Caltrain, high speed trains and freight trains. FOR MORE INFORMATION, TO SCHEDULE A BRIEFING OR REQUEST MATERIALS If you or your organization would like to request a briefing or have informational materials provided, please call or email the project outreach team via the contact information provided below. Visit: http://www.cahighspeedrail.ca.gov/ Call: 888-365-0122 E-mail: san.francisco_san.jose@hsr.ca.gov PARA OBTENER MÁS INFORMACIÓN, PROGRAMAR UNA REUNIÓN INFORMATIVA O SOLICITAR MATERIALES Si usted o su organización desea solicitar una reunión informativa o que se le entreguen materiales informativos por favor llamen o envíen un correo electrónico al equipo de enlace del proyecto por medio de la información de contacto proporcionada a continuación. Visite: http://www.cahighspeedrail.ca.gov/ Llame: 888-365-0122 Correo electrónico: san.francisco_san.jose@hsr.ca.gov 查詢詳情，安排匯報，或索取材料 如果您或您的組織需要介紹或提供的信息資料，請致電或電郵項目外展隊，通過下面提供的信息聯繫。 網址：http://www.cahighspeedrail.ca.gov/ 電話：888-365-0122 電郵：san.francisco_san.jose@hsr.ca.gov ÑEÅ BIEÁT THEÂM CHI TIEÁT, LAÁY HEÏN ÑEÅ ÑÖÔÏC CHÆ DAÃN HOAËC YEÂU CAÀU TAØI LIEÄU Neáu quyù vò hoaëc cô quan cuûa mình muoán yeâu caàu coù moät buoåi chæ daãn hoaëc xin ñöôïc cung caáp taøi lieäu, xin goïi hoaëc email cho nhoùm tieáp ngoaïi döï aùn qua thoâng tin ñöôïc neâu döôùi ñaây. Vieáng: http://www.cahighspeedrail.ca.gov/ Goïi: 888-365-0122 E-mail: san.francisco_san.jose@hsr.ca.gov

California HSR - Different sections moving ahead

Bakersfield – Palmdale Section At the February California High-Speed Rail Authority Board Meeting, the Authority Board approved the Supplemental Alternatives Analysis (SAA) Report for the Bakersfield to Palmdale Section of the California High-Speed Train project. The approval of the SAA allows the alignment to move forward with developing the section Draft Environmental Impact Report/Environmental Impact Statement (EIR/EIS) by early 2013. The report was prepared to document additional evaluation and analysis of the proposed alignment alternatives identified in the preliminary report, and to identify the proposed alignment alternatives to be studied further as part of the EIR/EIS preparation process. For more information on the Bakersfield-Palmdale section, visit:http://cahighspeedrail.ca.gov/lib_Bakersfield_Palmdale.aspx Palmdale – Los Angeles Section The Supplemental Alternatives Analysis for the Palmdale to Sylmar section is scheduled to be presented to the California High-Speed Rail Authority Board at the April 2012 Board meeting. To prepare, the regional team continues to work with stakeholders in the Santa Clarita Valley, Acton and Agua Dulce communities. At the April Board meeting, the regional team will recommend alignments to be studied through the environmental review process. For more information on the Palmdale-Los Angeles section, visit:http://cahighspeedrail.ca.gov/lib_Palmdale_Los_Angeles.aspx Los Angeles – Anaheim Section The Los Angeles to Anaheim team is continuing to refine plans in the section, emphasizing the blended approach that will exist in this corridor. In an effort to continue working with corridor cities, agency partners, and stakeholders, the outreach team participated in many successful outreach events throughout the corridor to seek feedback on the system. Recent events included the Great Train Expo and the Construction Managers Association of America Owner’s Night. In March the team will be participating in Orange County’s Largest Mixer. For more information on the Los Angeles-Anaheim section, visit:http://cahighspeedrail.ca.gov/lib_Los_Angeles_Anaheim.aspx Los Angeles – San Diego (via the Inland Empire) Section  The Los Angeles to San Diego (via the Inland Empire) Section remains in the Alternative Analysis stage.  The Preliminary Alternatives Analysis was approved by the CHSRA Board in March 2011.  Further study of alternatives is needed in this section, as multiple corridors remain in some areas and analysis is needed to determine the appropriate alternatives to carry forward into environmental documentation and preliminary engineering. This further analysis and outreach to key stakeholders will begin this spring with the preparation of a Supplemental Alternatives Analysis, anticipated to be completed at the end of 2012.  For more information on the Los Angeles-San Diego (via the Inland Empire) section, visit:http://cahighspeedrail.ca.gov/lib_Los_Angeles_San_Diego.aspx

U.S. Transportation Secretary LaHood Affirms Obama Administration Commitment to High-Speed Rail

Commitment towards HSR at State, Federal and County level U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, in a meeting with Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and Southern California business leaders in early February, affirmed the Obama Administration’s commitment to California high-speed rail and discussed how investments in high-speed rail are essential to keeping California’s economy moving forward. “High-speed rail is absolutely essential to California’s economic future” said Secretary LaHood. “President Obama has challenged us to build an economy that works for everyone. Now is the time to connect people who need work with the work we need to do, beginning here in California.” Through a “Buy America” approach to construction, the Obama Administration is ensuring that high-speed rail projects are built with American-made products. In addition, 30 rail companies from around the world have pledged that if selected for high-speed rail contracts, they will hire American workers and expand their bases of operations in the United States. “We need to invest in the Central Valley today for high-speed rail to come to Los Angeles and San Francisco tomorrow,” said Secretary LaHood. “At this make or break moment, America needs a transportation jobs bill that includes resources to continue building a national high-speed rail network.”

California HSR information release

San Jose to Merced Section High-Speed Train Winter 2012 Project Update February, 2012 In light of recent developments on the California High-Speed Rail Program, we would like to provide a status update and information on recent and upcoming project activities at the Statewide level and for the San Jose to Merced section. As with any project of this scale, there are many challenges the California High-Speed Rail Authority (Authority) is addressing simultaneously and there are many questions being asked by the public and decision makers. As you will see below, we are diligently continuing to evaluate alignment alternatives, work with local representatives and the public, provide information and gather feedback as the project moves forward.  It is our goal to keep you informed as activities unfold, and we look forward to your continued involvement. Why California is Pursuing High-Speed Rail With the state’s population expected to grow to 60 million by 2050, California faces three choices regarding its transportation system: try to build more freeways and expand airports to meet the increased demands; do nothing; or develop a high-speed train system connecting our population centers, as many other countries around the world have successfully done. At a total cost of about half of what it would take to provide the same capacity on new freeways and at expanded airports, high-speed rail delivers many other significant economic, social and environmental benefits. UPDATE SNAPSHOT The following provides a brief overview of statewide and project level activities and answers some common questions.  Click on the hyperlinks below to read more about recent activities. A new draft Business Plan introduced phased implementation, updated cost estimates, ridership figures and funding expectations to reflect current economic realities.  The Partially Revised Bay Area to Central Valley Draft Program EIR was released on January 6, 2012 and comments were accepted through February 21, 2012. A public meeting was held on February 9, 2012. The California High-Speed Rail Peer Review Group submitted a report to the California Legislature recommending stopping bond funding of the project until a long-term funding source could be established.  The Authority released a response pointing out inaccuracies and shortcomings of the Peer Review Group’s claims. The San Jose to Merced Section has continued studies and public outreach in the San Jose, South Santa Clara County and San Joaquin Valley areas in preparation of releasing a Draft EIR/EIS later this year. The Merced to Fresno Section has announced the “hybrid” route as the preferred alternative and is in the process of completing a Final EIR/EIS for release in mid-2012. RECENT STATEWIDE PROJECT ACTIVITIES Business Plan Update On November 1, 2011 a draft updated Business Plan for the project was released that describes a phased approach to construction that will allow the California High-Speed Rail Authority (Authority) to adapt to changing financial conditions as it moves forward, section by section. The new business plan introduces a “building block” implementation approach to connect the state’s major Northern California and Southern California population centers with high-speed trains, and updates cost estimates, ridership figures and funding expectations to reflect current economic realities. The Authority collected public comments on the Draft Business Plan through January 17, 2012. The Business Plan project team is currently incorporating the comments as appropriate into a final Revised 2012 Business Plan, which will be brought to the Authority Board for adoption before it is submitted to the Legislature.  For more information, visit the webpage (http://www.cahighspeedrail.ca.gov/Business_Plan_reports.aspx). Partially Revised Bay Area to Central Valley Draft Program EIR The Authority has circulated the Bay Area to Central Valley High-Speed Train (HST) Partially Revised Draft Program Environmental Impact Report (PRDPEIR) in order to address the November 2011 Town of Atherton legal challenges and court rulings regarding the 2010 Bay Area to Central Valley High-Speed Train Revised Final Program Environmental Impact Report.  A public meeting was held on February 9, 2012, and comments were accepted through February 21, 2012.  For more information, visit the webpage (http://www.cahighspeedrail.ca.gov/ba_cv_program_eir.aspx). Peer Review The California High-Speed Rail Peer Review Group submitted a report to the California Legislature recommending that bond funding of the project be postponed until a long-term funding source could be established.  The Authority released a response to the Legislative Peer Review Committee’s report rebutting several of the claims, including several factors relating to the feasibility and financing of High-Speed Rail.  The Authority’s response reiterated that its “Business Model” relies heavily on private sector involvement, anticipating that private operators will provide the rolling stock and operations and maintenance.  The Authority also clarified the phasing and blending approaches in the 2012 Draft Business Plan that reduce impacts, costs and public opposition to the development of high-speed rail.  For more information, visit the website (http://www.cahighspeedrail.ca.gov/pr_01032012.aspx).  To download the Authority’s letter to the California Legislature, click here (http://www.cahighspeedrail.ca.gov/WorkArea/DownloadAsset.aspx?id=11536). PROJECT SECTION UPDATES San Jose to Merced The San Jose to Merced section of the system is 125 miles long. Starting at the Diridon Train Station in downtown San Jose, trains would travel south through Gilroy, east through the Pacheco Pass to the vicinity of Chowchilla, to connect with the Central Valley section (Merced to Fresno). To learn more, please visit the San Jose to Merced section of the Authority website (http://www.cahighspeedrail.ca.gov/San_Jose_-_Merced.aspx). Supplemental Alternatives Analyses Supplemental Alternatives Analysis Reports presented on May 5, 2011, included studies on new alignments added in Morgan Hill-Gilroy, Pacheco Pass, and San Joaquin Valley Crossing subsections, SR 152 alternatives and “Wye” alignments (where the east-west tracks meet north-south tracks). San Jose Visual Design Guidelines The Authority and the City of San Jose have continued to work in partnership to develop aesthetic design guidelines for HST aerial and at-grade infrastructure through the City of San Jose.   The Visual Design Guidelines document is available on the City of San José Department of Transportation website (http://www.sanjoseca.gov/transportation/highspeedtrain/highspeedtrain_home.asp) South Santa Clara County Workshops A fourth round of community workshops for the Morgan Hill – Gilroy subsection were recently held to give a project update, discuss station location and design options, and alignment alternatives. The presentation for the meeting is available online (http://www.cahighspeedrail.ca.gov/assets/0/152/256/266/daeea7ea-5490-4424-9b18-728579f2118b.pdf). Gilroy Visioning Process The Authority has been working in close coordination with the City of Gilroy on their visioning process for a Gilroy High-Speed Train station.  More information can be found on the City of Gilroy’s website (http://www.gilroyhighspeedtrain.org/). San Jose to Merced Section Draft EIR/EIS Comments received on the Supplemental Alternatives Analyses, the San Jose Visual Design Guideline and other project issues will be considered during the preparation of the Draft Environmental Document for this section. Public circulation of the Draft EIR/EIS for the San Jose to Merced section is now anticipated to occur in late 2012. For an overview of the EIR/EIS process, visit the webpage (http://www.cahighspeedrail.ca.gov/assets/0/152/159/d5b7f1b8-c902-4050-b246-522b707a9b2f.pdf). Merced to Fresno Merced to Fresno Section EIR/EIS and Recommendation of Preferred Route Three routes were fully analyzed in the Draft EIR/EIS, which was released August 15, 2011. On December 13, 2011, after reviewing extensive public comments and feedback from Central Valley residents, agricultural groups and businesses, the Authority identified the “Hybrid Alternative” as the locally preferred alternative (LPA). Work is now underway to respond to comments received in a Final EIR/EIS. Following the publication of the Final EIR/EIS, anticipated in mid-2012, the Authority and FRA will select an alignment and station locations. Once an alignment has been approved for that section, a Record of Decision (ROD) and Notice of Determination (NOD) will be issued allowing the project to move forward to final design and construction. More information is available on the Authority’s website (http://www.cahighspeedrail.ca.gov/Merced_-_Fresno.aspx). FOR MORE INFORMATION, TO SCHEDULE A BRIEFING OR REQUEST MATERIALS If you or your organization would like to request a briefing or have informational materials provided, please call or email the project outreach team via the contact information provided below. Visit: http://www.cahighspeedrail.ca.gov/ Call:   800-881-5799 E-mail: san.jose_merced@hsr.ca.gov Para más información sobre California High-Speed Train Project, por favor Ilame al1-800-881-5799, envíe un correo electrónico a san.jose_merced@hsr.ca.gov o visite la Página Web www.cahighspeedrail.ca.gov.

HIGH-SPEED RAIL IDENTIFIES PROSPECTIVE DESIGN-BUILD CONTRACTORS

High Speed Rail in california moving as planned. 

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ) HSR11-16 NOTICE OF OFFEROR SHORTLIST

The California High-Speed Rail Authority has determined that the following firms have submitted qualified Statements of Qualifications as a result of Request for Qualifications HSR11-16, Initial Construction Section, and Construction Package #1. These firms will now be allowed to submit bids on the first segment of the high speed rail project in the Central Valley when the Request for Proposals (RFP) is released.

The companies on the high-speed rail design-build shortlist are listed in alphabetical order as follows:

•   California Backbone Builders (Ferrovial Agroman/Acciona)
•   California High-Speed Rail Partners (Fluor/Skanska/PCL)
•   California High-Speed Ventures (Kiewit/Granite/Comsa EMTE)
•   Dragados/Flatiron/Shimmick a Joint Venture
•   Tutor Perini/Zachery Construction/Parsons 

SDBE program - High Speed Rail - California

The California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) will hold a listening session/open house to address questions and seek feedback about the Small and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program, which seeks to ensure that small businesses throughout California share in the economic opportunity afforded by the construction of high-speed rail.  CHSRA will hold an additional meeting in Southern California to be announced at a later date. A meeting was held in San Francisco on Thursday, December 1, 2011. Following are the details for the Central Valley meeting: DATE & TIME Tuesday, December 13, 2011     Stop by anytime between 9 a.m. and 12 noon

HIGH-SPEED RAIL AUTHORITY RELEASES PREFERRED ROUTE THROUGH VALLEY

• Press Release

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  HIGH-SPEED RAIL AUTHORITY RELEASES PREFERRED ROUTE THROUGH VALLEY 

  Train stations in downtown Merced and downtown Fresno 

    

  SACRAMENTO, Calif. – After reviewing extensive public comments and feedback from Central Valley residents, agricultural groups and businesses, the California High-Speed Rail Authority released a staff report today recommending a preferred route for the Merced to Fresno Section. 

    

  “This is an exciting step, moving us closer to initiating construction,” said Dan Leavitt, Deputy Director of Planning for the California High-Speed Rail Authority. “We have listened to residents, businesses, agricultural and community groups and it is clear the hybrid route has the least impact on communities and is the most cost efficient.” 

    

  The recommendation of the preferred route advances the northernmost Central Valley segment toward construction. Construction of this segment will generate thousands of jobs in one of the state’s highest unemployment regions. 

    

  "We are looking forward to being the birthplace of California’s high-speed train system,” said Fresno Mayor Ashley Swearengin. “We are ready to put people to work building a system and a station that will connect Fresno to all of the other major cities in California. This project has the potential to transform and improve California’s future." 

    

  “We are thrilled that we’re one step closer to seeing a high-speed train station in downtown Merced,” remarked Dr. Lee Boese, Jr., Co-Chair of the Greater Merced High-Speed Rail Committee. “This project will enhance the lives of residents in Merced and surrounding areas, as well as provide long-term economic growth for our business community. I agree with the Hybrid route recommendation, it will avoid impacts to the small towns of Planada and Le Grand. While we know that the high-speed train will serve as a powerful economic stimulator for our State, we want to continue to work closely with the Authority to design a system that will minimize negative impacts to existing businesses and agriculture. This is truly an exciting step forward.” 

    

  The Authority began studying and evaluating potential routes for the Merced to Fresno Section, a corridor of approximately 65 miles, from 2001 to 2005. Based on this analysis, five alternative north-south alignment routes were identified in 2010. In August of this year, that list was narrowed to three routes, which were included in the Authority’s draft EIR/EIS. Based on continued community feedback and further analysis, the Authority selected the “Hybrid Alternative” route, which combines elements of the other two routes identified in the draft EIR/EIS. 

    

  The Hybrid Alternative generally parallels the Union Pacific Railroad and State Route 99 between Merced and Fresno. To avoid impacts to downtown Madera, this route travels east to be adjacent to the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) corridor. The station locations proposed along this route include downtown Merced between Martin Luther King Jr. Way and G Street and downtown Fresno at Mariposa Street. 

    

  “Not only does this route have the fewest overall impacts but the hybrid route is financially sensible, saving hundreds of millions compared to the other two routes,” said Leavitt. 

    

  It is estimated that the Union Pacific Railroad / State Route 99 would have cost $1 billion more than the Hybrid Alternative and the BNSF route would have cost $500 million more. 

    

  The Board of Directors will receive a presentation from Authority staff on this recommendation at the regularly scheduled December 13, 2011 meeting in Merced and are expected to take action. The Authority has recommended that this route be identified as the preferred alternative in the Final Environmental Impact Report/Environmental Impact Statement (EIR/EIS), which is now being prepared and scheduled for release in early 2012. There will be an opportunity for public comment at the board meeting and also following the release of the Final EIR/EIS. 

    

  “The Authority will continue to reach out to property owners, residents and businesses in the project area over the next few months and throughout 2012 to discuss the route, mitigation efforts and ways that we can work together to move the project forward,” said Leavitt. 

    

  The southernmost 24 miles along the Hybrid Alternative, from Ave 17 in Madera County through the City of Fresno to the downtown station, will be the first construction area included in the 130-mile initial construction segment. 

    

  The “Merced to Fresno Staff Recommendation: Preferred Alternative” report is available on the Authority’s website at: http://www.cahighspeedrail.ca.gov/Merced_-_Fresno.aspx. 

    

  California’s High-Speed Train Project    

    

  The California High-Speed Rail Authority is developing a San Francisco Bay Area to Los Angeles and Anaheim high-speed rail system that will operate at speeds of up to 220 miles per hour. The full system will connect all of the state’s major urban centers, including Sacramento and San Diego. Initial infrastructure construction will begin in the Central Valley, the backbone of the system, in 2012. The project is being funded through voter-approved state bonds, federal funding grants, local funding, and public-private partnerships.