CHSRA, Palmdale enter into station-area planning agreement

Written by Jenifer Nunez, assistant editor

The California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) and the city of Palmdale, Calif., have entered into a station-area funding agreement, allowing the city and CHSRA to initiate the planning process for the proposed high-speed rail station adjacent to the civic center and the Palmdale Transportation Center (PTC). This agreement allows both parties to study ways to promote economic development, encourage station area development and enhance multimodal connections between the station and the city.

 

“The development of a high-speed rail system is a game-changer for Palmdale and all of the communities in the Antelope Valley,” said Palmdale Mayor Jim Ledford. “We’re working very closely with CHSRA to deliver this project as quickly as possible and one of the key steps is this station planning component. From the economic development opportunities to the shops, services, housing and jobs this station complex will provide, we’re eager to get this station planned and built with trains providing critical and essential mobility for our residents.”

Currently the fastest growing city in Los Angeles County, Palmdale residents have one of the longest commutes in the country, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. As part of this agreement with CHSRA, the city of Palmdale will receive $600,000 in grants to explore options and seek public input for the design and development of the PTC. The money will support planning efforts focused on both the integration of the high-speed rail station into the region and the analysis of opportunities to promote economic development and sustainable community strategies.

“We’re thrilled to work with the city of Palmdale to develop a high-speed rail station that will not only help the city thrive economically, but also cut down the commute time significantly for workers heading to Burbank and Los Angeles,” said Dan Richard, CHSRA Board Chairman. “Palmdale is a growing region and high-speed rail will help meet those demands with an efficient and cleaner mode of transportation.”

 

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