Merced

High-Speed Rail

California High-Speed Rail Recommits to Bakersfield-to-Merced Segment

The California High-Speed Rail Authority also certified the Final Environmental Impact Report/Environmental Impact Statement for the San Francisco to San Jose section of the route in August.

August 31, 2022 - California Globe

Bakersfield and Fresno Sign

California Budget Includes $4.2 Billion for High-Speed Rail

The recently approved state budget directs $4.2 billion in bond funding to the Bakersfield-to-Merced leg of California’s long-awaited high-speed rail project.

July 5, 2022 - Sfist

Conceptual rendering of the California High-Speed Rail project in Pacheco Pass.

Environmental Review Complete for Key Northern California Section of High-Speed Rail Project

The San Jose to Merced Project Section Final Environmental Impact Report/ Environmental Impact Statement could be approved by April 21.

March 1, 2022 - California High-Speed Rail Authority

Train Rendering

Gov. Gavin Newsom to Dramatically Downsize High-Speed Rail Project

The San Francisco-to-Los Angeles bullet train may have to be renamed the Central Valley High-Speed Train according to the announcement by the new governor in his first state-of-the-state address.

February 13, 2019 - Reuters

Los Angeles Harbor Freeway

California Has 8 of the 10 Most Polluted Cities in the U.S.

Despite ever-stricter air-quality regulations and dropping emissions, the American Lung Association once again finds the state to have some of the worst air in the nation.

April 24, 2018 - USA Today

FLV California train

California High-Speed Train Behind Schedule in the San Joaquin Valley

$2.5 billion in stimulus money to build a San Joaquin Valley high speed train has been spent, yet the train is still almost a decade from being ready to carry passengers across its entire run.

October 1, 2017 - Fresno Bee

California

California's Record Fuel Taxes Hike Passes Legislature in One Day

On April 6, the Senate and Assembly passed a comprehensive transportation funding package that it had been unable to do for years, thanks to much deal-making by Gov. Jerry Brown. The gas tax will increase by 12 cents per gallon on November 1.

April 9, 2017 - Planetizen

Legislature Raises Questions on Draft 2016 California High-Speed Rail Business Plan

Uncertainty as to whether cap-and-trade funding would continue past 2020 and opposition to the initial operating segment leaving out the city of Merced were two issues that arose during a Assembly Transportation Committee hearing of the plan.

March 30, 2016 - Fresno Bee

Under Pressure, EPA Tightens Soot Standard

In what could be viewed as a classic environmentalist vs. business showdown, the EPA tightened by 20% the annual standard for soot over the objection of industry and some in Congress who fear it will dampen economic growth.

December 17, 2012 - The Hill's Energy & Environment Blog

CA High Speed Rail Opponents Ask For Preliminary Injunction In Central Valley

With federal and state environmental clearance and with funds allocated, the main obstacle to laying track in the Fresno-Merced route is an environmental lawsuit to be be heard April, 2013. Two county farm bureaus ask that work cease until then.

October 8, 2012 - Merced Sun-Star

CA High Speed Rail Receives More Good News from Feds

Two days after the CA High Speed Rail Authority received federal environmental streamlining of the 60-mile Merced to Fresno segment, the Federal Railroad Administration announced they will do the same for the 114-mile Fresno to Bakersfield segment.

September 24, 2012 - The Fresno Bee

Feds to CA HSR Authority: Let The Track-Laying Begin!

The High Speed Rail Authority received a key approval from the Federal Railroad Administration to begin construction in California's Central Valley, specifically the 60-mile Merced to Fresno stretch. The remaining hurdles are several lawsuits.

September 21, 2012 - The Sacramento Bee

The McMansion as Dorm

In Merced, California, students fill in the large homes chockablock with amenities and left vacant by a high foreclosure rate. Rents often go for under $300 a month.

November 15, 2011 - The New York Times

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