California High-Speed Rail Authority advances to 'eminent domain' process

The California State Public Works Board last week approved the California High-Speed Rail Authority's request to begin the process of seizing property through eminent domain to be used for the state's future high-speed rail line.

The authority made the request for a 2.5-acre parcel in Fresno after reaching an impasse with the property's owner over land acquisition details, according to The Sacramento Bee.

The newspaper quoted Don Grebe, the authority's director of real property, saying that acquiring the parcel early in the process was critical to the project because of the complexity of the work that needs to be done on that site.

The state board's action allows the authority to begin seeking court action to determine the property's value and compensation to the owner, the newspaper reported.

Ultimately, California's planned $68 billion high-speed rail line will connect Los Angeles and San Francisco, with possible future extensions to San Diego and Sacramento.