Jason Hade, Regional Planner Kern COG Workshop – November 21, 2002 High-Speed Rail for the Kern Region Kern Council of Governments

Workshop Overview California High-Speed Rail Authority Progress Metropolitan Bakersfield High-Speed Rail Terminal Impact Analysis Upcoming Issues Resources/Questions

High-Speed Rail Authority Progress Rail Authority required to prepare a plan for the construction and operation of a high-speed train system for the state capable of achieving operating speeds of, at least, 200 mph Screening report for Sacramento- Bakersfield corridor approved by Authority on January 16, 2002

Environmental Review Process 2002/2003 state budget includes $7.05 million for Authority to prepare draft program EIR/EIS Draft program EIR/EIS scheduled for completion in August 2003 Final program EIR/EIS expected to be completed by December 2003

Metropolitan Bakersfield High-Speed Rail Terminal Impact Analysis Purpose of study is to analyze terminal impacts and benefits to assist with building consensus for final terminal site recommendation Three sites to be evaluated within Metropolitan Bakersfield: 7 th Standard Road/West of S.R. 99; Golden State/”F” Street to “M” Street; and Truxtun Avenue and “S” Street/Union Avenue. Wilbur Smith Associates to conduct study

Potential Terminal Sites

Project Timeline

Upcoming Issues Senate Bill 1856 – Authorizes a $9.95 billion general obligation bond for the November 2004 ballot –$9 billion would create state’s share of construction costs for San Francisco – Los Angeles segment of system Senate Bill 796 – eliminates the Authority’s December 31, 2003 sunset date Final alignment and terminal decisions to be made by Authority upon completion of environmental studies (December 2003)

Resources/Questions California High-Speed Rail Authority - SB 1856 and SB 796 information – Jason Hade, or (661)