CHSRA and High Desert Corridor JPA sign MOU

The California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) and the High Desert Corridor Joint Powers Agency (HDC JPA) have signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen coordination on environmental work, station integration and design, with focus on the Palmdale Station, the CHSRA announced in a press release.

“As we prepare to begin track, electrification and systems installation in the Central Valley later this year, this new partnership underscores the momentum behind building a clean, modern transportation system that will serve Californians for generations," said CHSRA CEO Ian Choudri.

HDC JPA comprises Los Angeles County, Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, the cities of Palmdale and Lancaster in Los Angeles County, and the cities of Adelanto and Victorville in San Bernardino County. It leads the High Desert Multipurpose Corridor, including the first phase high-speed intercity rail connection between Palmdale and Victor Valley.

“This [MOU] is a pivotal step toward a fully connected, electrified high-speed rail network across California," said Kathryn Barger, chair of the HDC JPA and supervisor of L.A. county's fifth district. "By coordinating planning, design and station integration at Palmdale, we’re laying the groundwork for clean, modern mobility that will better link Southern California to the statewide system.” 

Major high-speed rail segments from Merced to Bakersfield are under design and construction. Nearly 90 miles of guideway are complete, along with 61 major structures fully completed and 30 more underway across Madera, Fresno, Kings and Tulare counties.

Of the 494-mile San Francisco to Los Angeles/Anaheim system, 463 miles have been environmentally cleared and are construction-ready.