California Finalizes High-Speed Train Route

[marmar]

via MassTransitMag:



California Finalizes High-Speed Train Route


Ecology, Environment & Conservation Business


CALIFORNIA - Now the voters will decide. Today, the California High-Speed Rail Authority approved the Bay Area to Central Valley HST Final Program Environmental Impact Report/Environmental Impact Statement (EIR/EIS), outlining the planned route from San Francisco to the Central Valley. After an exhaustive review of route options, the Pacheco Pass alignment was selected to connect the Bay Area with the Central Valley via high-speed train. The Authority's decision was a final step in completing the program-level environmental analysis for the 800-mile system, which determined the overall statewide route.

The Authority concluded that the Pacheco Pass alignment was the fastest and most environmentally responsible option for the high-speed train system, minimizing impacts on wetlands as well as the San Francisco Bay and eliminating the need for another San Francisco Bay crossing, bridge or tunnel. At the same time, the Authority also committed to boosting regional rail commuter service in partnership with local and regional agencies and transit providers such as ACE and BART trains, via the Altamont Pass between Sacramento/Northern San Joaquin Valley and Oakland/San Jose.

Authority Chair, Quentin Kopp, was exhilarated by today's decision, "the Authority's approval of environmental findings, and the least environmentally hurtful Pacheco Pass alignment to San Jose and San Francisco's Transbay Terminal, represent a landmark act. All segments of the Project now possess a valid certified environmental analysis."

Proposition 1, a $9.95 billion dollar bond measure, is on the November ballot with $9 billion for building the high-speed train system and $950 million for improvements to other rail services that connect to the high-speed train service. Proposition 1 requires a simple majority vote for approval.

San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom, who testified in support of the high-speed train system, hailed the action as a bold step for the future of California. "Energy efficient high-speed trains are essential for the economic future of the Bay Area as well as the future of the state in terms of our competitiveness. This is a vision that we can manifest in our lifetime. But now is the time to get moving, to lead with innovative and creative approaches to transportation and energy use. Now is the time to build this high-speed train." ......(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.masstransitmag.com/online/article.jsp?siteSection=3&id=7127

[Vogon_Glory]

1. Incidentally, the California High-Speed Rail Initiative Passed n/t