April 29, 2020 - On Tuesday, the California High-Speed Rail Authority (Authority) launched a new online web portal for the San Jose to Merced project section. The new resource is an attempt to help the public better understand the San Jose to Merced Draft Environmental Document, released April 24, 2020. The document is the first project-level Draft Environmental Document into Northern California, studying high-speed rail routes along the 90-mile San Jose to Merced Project Section from Scott Boulevard in Santa Clara to Carlucci Road in Merced County.

“This is an opportunity to expand our outreach and engagement in a new and innovative way while also adhering to important public health requirements during this COVID-19 pandemic. By hosting this online format during the entire public comment period, we are hoping to reach even more people than we would have with in-person meetings,” said Boris Lipkin, Northern California Regional Director.

The new online web portal, linked on our homepage, HSR.ca.gov will remain up for the duration of the public comment period for the Draft Environmental Impact Report/Environmental Impact Statement (EIR/EIS) for the San Jose to Merced Project Section.  In addition, due to the social distancing and shelter in place requirements, Authority staff will use this portal to conduct online/teleconference webinars to answer questions from members of the public at the following times (when in-person open houses were originally scheduled):

• Open House Live Webinar #1: May 11 4:00-7:00 p.m.
• Open House Live Webinar #2: May 14 4:00-7:00 p.m.
• Open House Live Webinar #3: May 18 4:00-7:00 p.m.

The public can continue to submit their comments on the San Jose to Merced Draft EIR/EIS the following ways:

• Via web comment form on the Authority’s website: www.hsr.ca.gov/programs/environmental/eis_eir/draft_san_jose_merced_comment.aspx
• Via email to San.Jose_Merced@hsr.ca.gov with the subject line “Draft EIR/EIS Comment”
• Via conventional mail at the address below:

• Via oral comment at the San Jose to Merced Public Hearing, tentatively scheduled*:

After the comment period closes on Monday, June 8, 2020 and the comments received have been evaluated, staff will prepare and issue the Final EIR/EIS document and present it to the Board to consider certification and project approval under CEQA and NEPA.

To view the contents of the Draft EIR/EIS, please visit: www.hsr.ca.gov/programs/environmental/eis_eir/draft_san_jose_merced.aspx

*Due to public health and safety requirements concerning the coronavirus, the public hearing for the Draft EIR/EIS may need to occur as online and/or teleconference meetings only.
SourceL HSR

Related: California High-Speed Rail Authority Releases Draft Environmental Document for First Segment into Northern California - Santa Clara to Merced County