California High-Speed Rail Authority, Brisbane settle lawsuit

The California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) and the city of Brisbane last week announced they've settled a lawsuit over the proposed placement of a maintenance facility as part of the CHSRA's high-speed rail project.

Brisbane and developer The Baylands nearly two years ago sued the CHSRA in an attempt to stop construction of the high-speed rail project through Brisbane. They were especially concerned with the proposed placement of a maintenance facility in the area of the developer's proposed solar farm and a housing project known as the Brisbane Baylands, which is located on a former rail yard and landfill.

The city raised concerns with the CHSRA's project environmental impact report, writing in its feedback comments that the plan did not meet the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act or the National Environment Policy Act. 

Under the settlement, CHSRA agreed to study and propose revised plans for its high-speed rail light maintenance facility, including reducing the footprint by 50 acres, and avoiding existing city infrastructure and The Bayland's proposed development site.

“For the better part of two years, the city and the authority reviewed complex issue after complex issue, consulted experts and agreed on responsible paths forward,” said Brisbane City Manager Jeremy Dennis. “We will continue to meet regularly in the years to come recognizing that we both have a duty to protect the health and welfare of the current and future residents of the Brisbane Baylands.”