August 14,2014
Two key boards approved acquisition and construction along the Central Valley segments of the high speed rail project this week adding to the momentum the project got from two recent lawsuit wins.
Monday the federal Surface Transportation Board formally approved the Fresno to Bakersfield leg of the route that authorizes construction in Kings County – where a hotbed of opposition has been trying to halt the effort.
Then on August 13, the State Public Works Board approved acquisition of 158 parcels of land needed to build the Fresno to Madera leg as well as some parcels on the second leg from Fresno south. The parcels range from E Mountain View Ave in Fresno County south into Kings County as far as Hwy 198.
In addition the board approved acquiring by condemnation five parcels in Fresno and Madera counties after unsuccessful negotiations with property owners.