California High-Speed Rail Authority inks station planning agreement with the city of San Jose

The California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) and the city of San Jose, Calif., yesterday announced an agreement that will provide $600,000 in federal and state funds for the city's Diridon Station.

Rendering of the station in San Jose, Calif.
Source: The California High-Speed Rail Authority's Flickr account

The station area planning agreement is aimed at ensuring collaboration between local and regional transportation partners as they develop new intermodal transportation opportunities, including high-speed rail.

The pact also is intended to encourage transit-oriented development (TOD) and "smart growth policies" surrounding the station in San Jose, CHSRA officials said in a press release.

Located on the west side of the city's downtown, the Diridon Station serves as a major transit hub for Caltrain, Amtrak, Altamont Commuter Express, and Santa Clara Valley Transit Authority light-rail and bus service. Future plans include high-speed rail service and a future Bay Area Rapid Transit extension.

Previous station planning has resulted in the development of the Diridon Station Area Plan, which lays the groundwork for high-density and TOD surrounding the station.

Through yesterday's agreement, San Jose will receive $400,000 in federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds and an additional $200,000 in state funds to advance the station area planning process.

CHSRA has entered into similar agreements with other California cities, including Merced, Fresno, Bakersfield, Gilroy, Burbank and Palmdale.