By positioning the rail line as a tech and renewable energy corridor, the agency hopes to increase revenue opportunities.
The California High-Speed Rail Authority is advancing an "asset commercialization strategy" that could position the corridor as a technology hub for data centers and other technology and energy projects, reports Joe Edwards in Newsweek.
According to a revised draft business plan from the agency, "By leveraging state-owned land for commercial development such as solar farms, battery storage, data centers, and fiber optic and transmission lines, the Authority can create new business income sources before operations, while also benefiting communities along the corridor." The initiative could bring in additional revenue to the struggling, multi-decade project, which is about to lay its first rails.
According to the document, the agency has identified "several complementary opportunities, particularly in areas such as renewable energy and technology infrastructure." At a June 1 public meeting, attendees expressed concerns about "water use, pollution, noise, fire risk and impacts on farmland."
Read the full story: California Eyes Data Center Plan To Help Fund High Speed Rail
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