Impacts of California High-Speed Rail

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Estimated Carbon calculator – San Francisco to Anaheim.

In addition to the direct reduction in travel times the HSR project will produce, there are also economic and environmental impacts of the high-speed rail system. These were also specifically noted in Proposition 1A at the time the project sought authorization from the voters of the state in 2008. The anticipated benefits apply both generally to the state overall, as well as to the regions the train will pass through, and to the areas immediately around the train stations.

Contents

Estimates of current & past impacts

Latest 2022 & 2023 Impact Information, Overall and by Region

On March 17, 2023 the Authority released its latest 2022 and 2023 impact report. [1]

Job training: The Central Valley Training Center

The Central Valley Training Center (located in Selma, California) is an organization supported by the Authority and local non-profit and governmental organizations. Since 2020 it has provided hands-on, free, 12-week pre-apprenticeship programs in 11 trades to prepare Central Valley veterans, at-risk young adults, minority, and low-income populations for construction jobs on the CAHSR project. As of December 2022 it has graduated 7 cohorts, totaling over 100 students, and further assisted them by providing job placement as well as other support services. [2]

Annual Sustainability Reports

CAHSR is designed to be an entirely environmentally sustainable system. Each year since 2018 the Authority has produced a Sustainability Report. [3] Highlights of the 2022 report are:

Cumulative economic impact estimates

The 2021 Economic Impact Factsheet estimated that as of June 2021, the statewide economic benefits of the project included 64,400–70,500 job-years of employment, $4.8–$5.2 billion in labor employment, and $12.7–13.7 billion in economic output, and that as of February 2022, 699 small businesses were involved in the project. [5]

The Authority's economic impact analysis is updated annually. The 2021 Economic Analysis Report contains data as of June 2021. [6]

STB estimates of regional needs

In its 67-page ruling in May 2015, the federal Surface Transportation Board noted: "The current transportation system in the San Joaquin Valley region has not kept pace with the increase in population, economic activity, and tourism. ... The interstate highway system, commercial airports, and conventional passenger rail systems serving the intercity market are operating at or near capacity and would require large public investments for maintenance and expansion to meet existing demand and future growth over the next 25 years or beyond." [7] Thus, the Board sees the HSR system as providing valuable benefits to the region's transportation needs.

The San Joaquin Valley is also one of the poorest areas of the state. For example, the unemployment rate near the end of 2014 in Fresno County was 2.2% higher than the statewide average. [8] And, of the five poorest metro areas in the country, three are in the Central Valley. [9] The HSR system has the potential to significantly improve this region and its economy. A large January 2015 report to the CHSRA examined this issue. [10]

In addition to jobs and income levels in general, the presence of HSR is expected to benefit the growth in the cities around the HSR stations. It is anticipated that this will help increase population density in those cities and reduce "development sprawl" out into surrounding farmlands. [11]

Negatively-affected local communities

There have also been some reported negative impacts from the project's land acquisitions and constructions. As of Oct. 2021 in the Phase 1 construction the project displaced or adversely affected immigrants (Mexican, Cambodian, and Japanese), homeless outreach organizations, homeless shelters, firefighters, nonprofits working with welfare recipients, thrift stores, and disadvantaged communities such as Wasco. [12] [13]

Future projections for the Interim Initial Operating Segment

"What Is the Value of Electrified High-Speed Rail Between Merced and Bakersfield?" in the 2022 Business Plan [14] (p. 25) listed these estimated benefits which will come from the Interim Initial Operating Segment:

Environmental issues

Wildlife protection

The HSR tracks will pose some serious problems for moving and migrating wildlife. Thus, the Interim Initial Operating Segment will have over 300 wildlife crossings to provide safe ways for wildlife to cross the tracks. To accomplish this, the Authority has submitted a $2 million grant to the Federal Highway Administration Wildlife Crossings Pilot Program for the proposed Central Valley 119-Mile Wildlife Crossing Monitoring Plan (total cost to be $2.5 million). This pilot project will study alternative crossing designs, research and monitor wildlife/vehicle collisions, and review the San Joaquin kit fox migration corridors. [15]

Environmental benefit calculations

The Authority's Carbon Footprint Calculator [16] shows the benefits for 5 different portions of the HSR route, including all of Phase 1 as well as the Interim Initial Operating Segment. It gives estimates of green house gas emissions of planes, autos, and HSR trains as well as the savings that using the train would create.

The HSR savings estimates (per round trip) are:

In the 2022 Business Plan the Authority estimates that by 2040, the system could carry 50 million riders per year, and that at full operation, the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions will be equivalent to removing 400,000 vehicles off the road. [17]

Further study (external links)

The economic impacts of CAHSR can be explored further on CAHSR's webpage Investing in California's Economy.

The employment impacts of CAHSR can be explored further on CAHSR's Jobs webpage.

The sustainability and environmental "green" impacts of CAHSR can be explored further on CAHSR's Sustainability webpage.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wasco, California</span> City in California, United States

Wasco is a city in the San Joaquin Valley, in Kern County, California, United States. Wasco is located 24 miles (39 km) northwest of Bakersfield, at an elevation of 328 feet (100 m). The population was 25,545 at the 2010 census, up from 21,263 at the 2000 census.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">San Joaquin Valley</span> Area of the Central Valley in California

The San Joaquin Valley is the southern half of California's Central Valley, an area drained by the San Joaquin River. Praised as a breadbasket, the San Joaquin Valley is a major source of food, producing a significant part of California's agricultural output.

<i>San Joaquins</i> Amtrak service in San Joaquin Valley, CA

The San Joaquins is a passenger train service operated by Amtrak in California's San Joaquin Valley. Six daily round trips run between its southern terminus at Bakersfield and Stockton, with onward service to Sacramento and Oakland.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Altamont Corridor Express</span> Commuter rail service in California

The Altamont Corridor Express is a commuter rail service in California, connecting Stockton and San Jose during peak hours only. ACE is named for the Altamont Pass, through which it runs. Service is managed by the San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission, and operations are contracted to Herzog Transit Services. The 86-mile (138 km) route includes ten stops, with travel time about 2 hours and 12 minutes end-to-end. In 2022, the line had a ridership of 389,100, or about 1,900 per weekday as of the first quarter of 2023. ACE uses Bombardier BiLevel Coaches, MPI F40PH-3C locomotives, and Siemens Charger locomotives.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">California High-Speed Rail</span> State sponsored passenger rail system under construction

California High-Speed Rail is a publicly funded high-speed rail system currently being developed in California in the United States. In 1996, the California Legislature and Governor Pete Wilson established the California High-Speed Rail Authority with the task of creating a plan for the system and then presenting it to the voters of the state for approval. In 2008, voters approved the plan as specified in Proposition 1A, which specified a route connecting all the major population centers of the state, authorized the issuance of bonds for beginning implementation, and established other requirements.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Amtrak California</span> Caltrans passenger rail services

Amtrak California is a brand name used by the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) Division of Rail for three state-supported Amtrak regional rail routes in California – the Capitol Corridor, the Pacific Surfliner, and the San Joaquins – and their associated connecting network of Amtrak Thruway transportation services.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Transportation in California</span> Overview of the transport in the State of California

California's transportation system is complex and dynamic. Although known for its car culture and extensive network of freeways and roads, the state also has a vast array of rail, sea, and air transport. Several subway, light rail, and commuter rail networks are found in many of the state's largest population centers. In addition, with the state's location on the West Coast of the United States, several important ports in California handle freight shipments from the Pacific Rim and beyond. A number of airports are also spread out across the state, ranging from small general aviation airports to large international hubs like Los Angeles International Airport and San Francisco International Airport.

Brightline West is a proposed privately run high-speed rail route in the United States linking the Las Vegas Valley and Rancho Cucamonga in the Greater Los Angeles area through the California high desert. The line will connect with existing rail at Rancho Cucamonga station of Metrolink's San Bernardino Line, a commuter rail line in Southern California. The project is intended to provide an alternative to air and automobile travel between Southern California and Las Vegas, a popular leisure destination. Construction on the route is expected to begin in 2023 pending result from a $3.75 billion in grant application from Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and revenue service is planned to begin in 2027.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wasco station</span>

Wasco station is an Amtrak station on the San Joaquin located in Wasco, California, United States. The station has one platform on the west side of a single track.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Madera station (Amtrak)</span>

Madera station is an unstaffed train station near Madera, California, United States that is served by San Joaquins trains, which run between Oakland or Sacramento and Bakersfield, California.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Construction of California High-Speed Rail</span> Ongoing infrastructure megaproject in California, US

The construction of the California High-Speed Rail system is an undertaking by the California High-Speed Rail Authority. The project is expected to span about 800 miles (1,300 km) and will be completed in two phases:

<span class="mw-page-title-main">History of California High-Speed Rail</span>

The California High-Speed Rail Authority was established in 1996 after decades of advocacy for building a high speed rail system in California. The passage of Proposition 1A in 2008, followed by the awarding of federal stimulus funds in 2010, established the initial funding for the California High-Speed Rail system. Construction contracts began to be awarded in 2013, and the groundbreaking ceremony for initial construction was held on January 6, 2015.

Bakersfield station is a proposed California High-Speed Rail station in Bakersfield, California. The station is part of the initial construction segment.

Kings–Tulare Regional Station is a planned California High-Speed Rail station serving Kings County and Tulare County, California. It will be located near the intersection of Hanford Expressway and Central Valley Highway, just east of the city limits of Hanford and less than 20 miles (32 km) west of the larger city of Visalia. The construction of the station has been controversial, with Tulare County supporting the station while Kings County, where the station would be located, has strongly opposed the entire California High-Speed Rail project.

Merced station is a proposed California High-Speed Rail station in Merced, California, located in Downtown Merced. The environmentally approved site is on Martin Luther King Jr. Way near the interchange with Route 99/59, placing it about 7 blocks south from the existing Merced Amtrak station. The station was initially intended to be the northern terminus of the system's Initial Construction Segment. As of April 2022 the California High-Speed Rail Authority is studying an alternative location proposed by the City of Merced and other stakeholders, 8 blocks to the west-northwest along 15th Street, between O Street and R Street. The high-speed rail line will run on the south side of the Union Pacific Railroad right-of-way at these locations.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Route of California High-Speed Rail</span> Route of the California High-Speed Rail system

The California High-Speed Rail system will be built in two major phases. Phase I, about 520 miles (840 km) long using high-speed rail through the Central Valley, will connect San Francisco to Los Angeles. In Phase 2, the route will be extended in the Central Valley north to Sacramento, and from east through the Inland Empire and then south to San Diego. The total system length will be about 800 miles (1,300 km) long. Phase 2 currently has no timeline for completion.

Madera Station is a proposed train station to serve Madera, California. It would be located near the intersection of Avenue 12 and Santa Fe Drive.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">San Joaquin River Viaduct</span> Viaduct in Fresno County, California and Madera County, California

The San Joaquin River Viaduct is a bridge built to carry California High-Speed Rail over the San Joaquin River. Most of the bridge is in the city of Fresno, California in Fresno County, although the portion north of the center line of the river is in Madera County. It is the second major river crossing to be constructed as part of California High-Speed Rail, after the Fresno River Viaduct to the north.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kings River Viaduct</span>

The Kings River Viaduct is a planned series of bridges and embankments carrying California High-Speed Rail over the Kings River in Fresno County and Kings County, California. The site is between the Fresno and Kings–Tulare stations, roughly 4 miles (6.4 km) east of Laton and 8 miles (13 km) north of Hanford. The structure is planned to be over 2 miles (3.2 km) long because three river channels must be crossed, two of which were created by floods in the 1860s.

The Cross Valley Corridor is a proposed passenger rail service in the California Central Valley, connecting Visalia, Hanford, Porterville, and surrounding cities to each other and California High-Speed Rail's planned Kings–Tulare Regional Station.

References

  1. ↑ http://hsr.ca.gov/programs/economic-investment/ CAHSR Authority's latest 2022 & 2023 impact information as of 17 March 2023
  2. ↑ "Central Valley Training Center Celebrates Graduates of 2022". 9 Dec 2022.
  3. ↑ https://hsr.ca.gov/programs/green-practices-sustainability/sustainability-report/
  4. ↑ "California High-speed Rail Authority Releases 2022 Sustainability Report". 10 Oct 2022.
  5. ↑ The Economic Impact of California High-Speed Rail (PDF) (Report). California High-Speed Rail Authority. 2022. Retrieved 2022-11-04.
  6. ↑ "Investments in High-speed Rail Continue to Lift California's Economy". 16 Feb 2022.
  7. ↑ Juliet Williams (June 14, 2013). "Key green light for California high-speed rail". Bakersfield.com. Associated Press. Retrieved January 14, 2016.
  8. ↑ "California High Speed Rail Blog » HSR: A Pathway Out of Poverty". Cahsrblog.com. December 17, 2014. Archived from the original on May 24, 2015. Retrieved January 14, 2016.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  9. ↑ "California High Speed Rail Blog » The End of the Beginning". Cahsrblog.com. January 6, 2015. Archived from the original on January 9, 2015. Retrieved January 14, 2016.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  10. ↑ "California High-Speed Rail and the Central Valley Economy : January 2015" (PDF). Hsr.ca.gov. Retrieved January 14, 2016.
  11. ↑ "High-speed rail and infill: A great marriage for California". sacbee. Retrieved January 14, 2016.
  12. ↑ RALPH VARTABEDIAN (29 October 2021). "Bullet train leaves a trail of grief among the disadvantaged of the San Joaquin Valley". Los Angeles Times . Retrieved 11 November 2021. up and down the San Joaquin Valley, the bullet train is hitting hard at people who are already struggling to survive tough economic conditions in one of the poorest regions in the nation
  13. ↑ "Valadao sends letter to High-Speed Rail Authority in defense of Wasco". The Bakersfield Californian . 8 April 2021. Retrieved 16 November 2021. The construction of the rail has disrupted businesses and homes, worsened air quality, and the abandoned Wasco Farm Labor Housing complex has posed serious health and safety risks
  14. ↑ https://hsr.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/2022-Business-Plan-FINAL-A11Y.pdf
  15. ↑ Kelly, Brian. "August 2023 CEO Report" . Retrieved 7 September 2023.
  16. ↑ CAHSRA. "Carbon Footprint Calculator".
  17. ↑ CASHRA. "2022 Business Plan".
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