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High-speed rail reaches major milestone for route between Bay Area and Los Angeles – The Mercury News


FILE -This undated file photo provided by the California High Speed Rail Authority shows an artist’s rendering of a high-speed train traveling along the California coast. Aing buyers’ remorse over a proposed $68-billion bullet train project.

The USC Dornsife/Los Angeles Times survey finds 55 percent of voters want the ambitious high-speed rail bond issue that was approved in 2008 placed back on the ballot — and 59 percent say they now would vote against it. (AP Photo/California High Speed Rail Authority) FILE -This undated file photo provided by the California High Speed Rail Authority shows an artist’s rendering of a high-speed train traveling along the California coast. (AP/California High Speed Rail Authority)

Building high-speed rail between downtown San Francisco and downtown Los Angeles has moved a step closer to reality following the last environmental clearance for the multi-billion dollar project.

The California High-Speed Rail Authority’s board of directors last week approved the final environmental document for the 38-mile segment between Palmdale and Burbank. That means the 463-mile project between the Bay Area and Los Angeles County has now received environmental clearance, an important step before construction can begin.

“This is a transformative project for the state of California as a whole, and (the) approval is a major milestone for connecting San Francisco to Los Angeles in less than three hours. It’s also transformational for Los Angeles County, connecting Palmdale to Burbank in a way that’s never been possible before,’’ said CEO Brian Kelly in a statement.

The board’s approval moves the section connecting the Antelope Valley to the San Fernando Valley closer to being “shovel-ready” when funding becomes available, officials said. The project as a whole still needs more than $100 billion to be completed.

Authority Board Chair Tom Richards called the approval a historic milestone that closes the gap between Los Angeles and San Francisco.

“We value our authority team and its tireless support and collaboration with local and regional agencies and stakeholders as we work together to improve transportation in California for future generations,’’ he said in a statement.

Current plans call for a reduction in tunneling though the Angeles National Forest and San Gabriel Mountains for this last segment, compared to other alternatives. Less tunneling through these regions lessens impacts to communities and environmental resources in the region, officials said.



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