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By Theo Burman
Live News Reporter
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Californians will be able to give input on the next stage of the state's high-speed rail project, which is the largest of its kind in the country.
Residents have been asked to contribute to a scoping process that will inform the High Speed Rail Authority's environmental review of the Central Valley, where construction in underway.
Why It Matters
The project is ready to "finally" begin laying track, according to California Governor Gavin Newsom. The Central Valley route, which aims to provide infrastructure for areas that have historically not benefitted from state spending, will include stops in Bakersfield and Merced, connecting them to Los Angeles and San Francisco.
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What To Know
In a statement released on Wednesday, the California High-Speed Rail Authority said that it was preparing an environmental impact report for an energy storage system in the Central Valley, where the bulk of construction is taking place.
As part of the report, the Authority said it wanted to include "public input" about any environmental concerns so that the process addresses any fears residents may have over the changes.
"As part of the environmental review, the Authority will collect public and agency input about whether there are areas of environmental concern with potential site-specific significant impacts associated with the construction, maintenance and operation of the PV/BESS Project," the statement read.
"Public and agency comments received during the scoping period will be incorporated into the environmental document to ensure community, stakeholder and public agency concerns are addressed."
The input will take place over the course of three meetings in March. The Authority is also accepting written notes submitted by mail or email, with a deadline of April 8.
California has spent more than $5 billion on the project since its inception. While the project has faced several delays, it has recently begun work on a railhead in Kern County, the first step in the track-laying process.
What People Are Saying
Margaret Cederoth, the Authority's Director of Planning and Sustainability, in a statement viewed by Newsweek: "This project is key to achieving a fully renewable energy-powered high-speed rail system. By integrating Photovoltaic solar fields with Battery Energy Storage Systems at traction power supply substations, we're ensuring a stable, cost-effective power supply while advancing California's climate goals."
What Happens Next
In 2025, the California High-Speed Rail Authority plans to begin construction on stations in the Central Valley. It also expects to select a manufacturer for the trains.
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