It has taken two decades, but with the California Senate’s vote approving a high speed rail system, California’s bullet trains are a go. In a vote of 21-16, the California State Senate approved Senate Bill 1029 to fund the HSR, and the bill was signed earlier this month by California Governor Jerry Brown. The financing for the rail system was approved by voters in 2008, which begs the question: why didn’t this happen sooner?
As the HSR gains speed, property owners within the HSR’s planned routes will likely be faced with condemnation questions. The Authority has published a guide, available here, that gives a general overview of its proposed eminent domain procedures for the HSR. Please visit Stoel Rives’ eminent domain/valuation page if you have specific questions for an attorney.