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Sen. Rubio backs rail along Hwy. 99

Wednesday, Jul. 20, 2011 | 10:58 PM

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A South Valley state senator is throwing his support behind a Highway 99 alignment for high-speed rail tracks from Fresno to Bakersfield.

A route that includes the Union Pacific Railroad corridor "has the fewest impacts to homeowners, farmers and Central Valley communities," Sen. Michael Rubio, D-Bakersfield, wrote in a letter to Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.

The federal government has pledged $3.3 billion for the state's high-speed rail project. But a Highway 99/Union Pacific route should be a requirement to get the money, Rubio's letter said.

The California High-Speed Rail Authority has rejected the Highway 99 and Union Pacific alignment as costly and disruptive to urban communities. Rail planners are studying a route through farmland east of Hanford – prompting opposition in Kings County.

Rubio released the letter one day before a public forum in Hanford at which Assembly Member David Valadao, R-Hanford, and other legislators will hear from the public, agricultural interests, local officials and California High-Speed Rail representatives.

If you go

What: High-speed rail community forum

When: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. today

Where: Kings County Board of Supervisors chambers, 1300 W. Lacey Blvd., Hanford

"I understand that it has to go through somebody's property, but to rush this through, that bothers me," Valadao said. "Let's slow down, and do it properly."

A requirement of the federal funding is that construction start by late 2012. Besides Valadao, the forum will be attended by state Sens. Alan Lowenthal, D-Long Beach, Doug La Malfa, R-Rocklin, and Assembly Member Diane Harkey, R-Rancho Viejo, an announcement said.


The reporter can be reached at lgriswold@fresnobee.com or (559) 622-2416.

Similar stories:

  • Madera County joins high-speed rail opponents

  • 14 builders on short list for high-speed rail

  • High-speed rail board supports Pacheco Pass route

  • Valley briefs 5/7

  • Two Kings Co. supervisors face challengers

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