California high-speed rail officials endorse second rail leg

The board that oversees California’s high-speed rail project is endorsing a 114-mile route for the second segment of the bullet train, stretching from Fresno to Bakersfield.

The California High-Speed Rail Authority board gave approval to proceed with the route during its meeting Thursday.

The move allows the agency to request approval from federal rail and environmental officials.

The path marks a turnaround from the board’s previous choice for the segment near the Central Valley town of Hanford, home to some of the fiercest opposition to the $68 billion project.

Board member Tom Richards said he had hoped the agency could devise something to satisfy critics, but says there is no option “that’s acceptable to everyone.”

The plan still requires a host of federal and environmental approvals before it becomes final.