Final CA HSR Package Buys Partners Throughout the State

Although the first segment of the state's recently approved high-speed rail line terminates in California's Central Valley, a significant portion of the initial funding will go to improving rail lines from San Diego to San Francisco.

2 minute read

July 22, 2012, 1:00 PM PDT

By Jonathan Nettler @nettsj


There's little question that the $1.9 billion being allocated to existing commuter rail systems across California (out of the initial $8 billion funding) is integral to the long-range completion and integration of the state's proposed $68 billion high-speed rail project. But to read the list of improvements being made in legislative districts across the state, many far from the Central Valley, clearly demonstrates how the tracks were greased, so to speak, for HSR's narrow legislative approval.  

Julie Small, writing for KPCC, has a partial accounting of the $1 billion that will go to rail and subway systems in Southern California, which she notes, "was
key to winning votes in the legislature for the bonds." The list of notable projects includes: correcting Union Station's "hub in" design, existing track improvements and grade separations, Positive Train Control (PTC) technology for Metrolink's Antelope Valley line, and downtown L.A.'s Regional Connector Transit Corridor. 

"The expansion of Union Station, the commuter rail enhancements and
the regional connector are some of the really, really big projects," writes Small.
"Sharon Neely with the Southern California Association of Governments
also negotiated for $500 million in high-speed funds for dozens of
smaller projects throughout the region."

"We covered every agency between San Diego and the connection to the
Central Valley for Southern California." Neely says, "So everybody that
needs to be a partner to this is a partner."

Monday, July 16, 2012 in KPCC

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Aerial view of town of Wailuku in Maui, Hawaii with mountains in background against cloudy sunset sky.

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly

Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

July 1, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

July 9, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Map of Haussmann's redesign of Paris in the 1850s through 1870s under Napoleon III.

In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking

Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?

June 30, 2025 - Tom Sanchez

Red and white "Wildfire Evacuation Route" sign on signpost.

Cal Fire Chatbot Fails to Answer Basic Questions

An AI chatbot designed to provide information about wildfires can’t answer questions about evacuation orders, among other problems.

5 hours ago - The Markup

Protester at Echo Park Lake, Los Angeles holding sign that says "Housing is a human right"

What Happens if Trump Kills Section 8?

The Trump admin aims to slash federal rental aid by nearly half and shift distribution to states. Experts warn this could spike homelessness and destabilize communities nationwide.

6 hours ago - Shelterforce Magazine

Aerial of rainbow painted crosswalks at large intersection in Castro District, Sna Francisco, California.

Sean Duffy Targets Rainbow Crosswalks in Road Safety Efforts

Despite evidence that colorful crosswalks actually improve intersection safety — and the lack of almost any crosswalks at all on the nation’s most dangerous arterial roads — U.S. Transportation Secretary Duffy is calling on states to remove them.

7 hours ago - Streetsblog USA

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.

Home and Land Services Coordinator

Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners

Associate/Senior Planner

Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development

Senior Planner

Heyer Gruel & Associates PA