California High-Speed Rail Authority OKs funds for Palmdale station

The city of Palmdale, Calif., will receive $600,000 in grants as part of a station-area funding agreement with the California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA), the authority announced yesterday.

The funds will be used to explore options and seek public input for the design and development of a high-speed rail station in Palmdale, which is the fastest growing city in Los Angeles County, CHSRA officials said. The funds also will be used for the Palmdale Transportation Center's development.

"Palmdale is a growing region and high-speed rail will help meet those demands with an efficient and cleaner mode of transportation," said CHSRA Chairman Dan Richard in a statement.

CHSRA provides the funds through a combination of federal and state money in an effort to help partner cities conduct planning efforts for high-speed rail stations.

Fresno, Gilroy and Merced, Calif., have entered into similar agreements with CHSRA, and discussions are underway for a rail station in Burbank, Calif., authority officials said.