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The California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) recently released a Revised Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR)/Supplemental Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the 114-mile Fresno-to-Bakersfield project section.

CHSRA released the Draft EIR/EIS in August 2011, and has since revised the document to include additional route and station options. The latest report features environmental analysis and mitigation measures associated with new alignment alternatives and potential station locations west of Hanford, an additional alternative through Bakersfield and refinements to the existing Fresno-to-Bakersfield alternative alignments.

“The revised environmental document we released [in?] response to many of the public’s initial concerns and feedback, which were drawn from communities throughout the Central Valley,” said CHSRA Chief Executive Officer Jeff Morales in a prepared statement.

The public will have 60 days to comment on the latest environmental document.

On July 5 and 6, the California Assembly and Senate approved funding for initial construction of the high-speed rail system, as well as funding for regional and local rail improvements statewide. The initial construction is expected to reach from north of Fresno to just north of Bakersfield.