California High-Speed Rail Authority aims to complete the 119-mile Central Valley line in 2020

California High Speed Rail Authority

Advancing California’s leadership in building a modern, clean, and sustainable transportation system, the California High-Speed Rail Authority has issued its Draft 2020 Business Plan for public review and comment.

The Draft 2020 Business Plan affirms the policy recommendation to the Authority Board to develop a clean, electrified Merced-Fresno-Bakersfield high-speed rail interim service line in California’s Central Valley with the funding currently available. The plan also outlines major program progress in all three regions of the state—northern California, Central Valley and southern California.

Notably, the Draft Business Plan estimates costs consistent with estimates contained within the 2018 Business Plan and 2019 Project Update Report.

“This plan outlines how this program will advance to meet California’s mobility, environmental and economic objectives,” said Authority CEO Brian Kelly. “We are in an exciting time for this project and the electrification of transportation in California. In 2020, there will be 350 miles of electrified high-speed rail in development. In the next 18 to 24 months, we will work to environmentally clear the full Phase 1 system between San Francisco and Los Angeles/Anaheim. This transformation is well underway in California. Now is not the time to turn back,” Kelly said.

The 2020 Business plan outlines the following priorities:

• Complete the 119-mile Central Valley construction segment and lay track pursuant to the federal funding grant agreements with the Federal Railroad Administration;
• Expand the 119-mile Central Valley segment to 171 miles of operable electrified high-speed rail connecting Merced-Fresno-Bakersfield, three of the fastest growing areas in California;
• Commence testing of electrified high-speed trains by 2025 and put those trains in service by 2028-29;
• Environmentally clear all segments of the Phase 1 system between San Francisco and Los Angeles/Anaheim in the next 18-24 months;
• Complete the “bookend” projects we have committed funding to in Los Angeles and the Bay Area—projects valued at more than $3 billion;
• Pursue additional funding opportunities to prospectively “close the gaps” and expand electrified high-speed rail service to the Bay Area and Los Angeles/Anaheim.

The Authority is proposing to use the funds available through 2030, projected to range from $20.6 billion to $23.3 billion, to:

• Deliver the Merced-Fresno-Bakersfield line;
• Environmentally clear the full 520-mile Phase 1 system;
• Complete the bookend investments in northern and southern California with its regional partners.

With the release of today’s draft business plan, the Authority is now seeking input as part of a 60-day public comment period that starts Feb. 12 and closes April 12.