California high-speed rail agency settles suit with Kern County

The California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) has reached a settlement  with Kern County that will dismiss litigation over the project's final environmental impact report for the Fresno-to-Bakersfield section.

In 2014, the county sued the agency arguing that the environmental assessment wasn't sufficient and violated the California Environmental Quality Act.

The agreement "demonstrates the commitment between both parties to work together to bring high-speed rail service to the region along with small business opportunities and jobs for Central Valley residents," CHSRA officials said in a press release.

The authority and Kern County together will aim to engage the public and affected stakeholders to move the project forward, CHSRA officials added.

Construction of the high-speed rail line between the Silicon Valley and California's Central Valley is slated for completion by 2024, with passenger service expected to begin in 2025. The entire route will run from San Francisco to Los Angeles.