Credit: CA. HSR

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: The Authority is evaluating two potential locations near Fresno and Hanford for the proposed Central Valley Heavy Maintenance Facility. The new site will support the state’s high-speed rail system while creating jobs and opportunities for residents.

August 15, 2026 - FRESNO, Calif. – The California High-Speed Rail Authority (Authority) is seeking public input to identify the location for the proposed Central Valley Heavy Maintenance Facility (HMF) that would support the long-term operations of the future high-speed rail system and create good paying, permanent jobs and other economic opportunities. As part of the next phase of project development, two potential locations will be evaluated in Fresno and Kings County near Hanford. Public comment will be accepted starting Friday, Aug. 14 through Monday, Sept. 14, along with three public meetings from Aug. 25-27.

About the Heavy Maintenance Facility (HMF):

The HMF is proposed at one of two potential sites in Fresno and Kings County near Hanford. It would serve as the primary location for inspections, servicing, maintenance, overhaul and major component replacement for the high-speed train fleet, helping support safe and reliable passenger service throughout the high-speed rail system. At full buildout of the Phase 1 high-speed rail project, total long-term employment at the site, including associated facilities, is anticipated to range from approximately 1,700 to 2,100 positions.

Following an extensive screening and environmental evaluation process initiated in late 2023, the Authority refined an initial list of 11 potential sites down to two. These sites were carried forward based on key criteria, including operational needs, land use compatibility, construction feasibility, community impacts and environmental considerations.

Public feedback will help guide the project team in preparing the Draft Environmental Impact Report/Environmental Impact Statement. The draft document is expected to be released in early 2027 and the final document is expected to be presented to the Authority’s Board of Directors for approval in mid to late 2027.

Next Steps and Public Participation:

The Authority will host three public meetings: one in Fresno, one in Hanford and one virtually via Zoom.

Fresno
Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2026
5 p.m. to 6 p.m.
California High-Speed Rail Authority, Central Valley Regional Office
1111 H St., Fresno

Hanford
Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2026
5 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Hanford Civic Auditorium
400 N. Douty St., Hanford

Virtual
Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026
5 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Zoom – Registration requiredExternal Link

Each meeting will include a project overview and opportunities to meet the project team, ask questions and provide input. Public input received during scoping will help inform the environmental review process and preparation of the Draft Environmental Impact Report/Environmental Impact Statement.

Spanish and American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation will be available. Requests for reasonable accommodation must be made at least 72 hours before the meeting by calling (916) 324-1541.

The public scoping period runs from Aug. 14 through Sept. 14. Comments may be submitted during the scoping period by the following methods:

• Email: HMF@hsr.ca.gov with the subject line “Central Valley HMF Scoping Comment”
• Phone: (559) 248-1060
• Mail: Stefan Galvez-Abadia, Director of Environmental Services; ATTN: Central Valley HMF Scoping Comment, California High-Speed Rail Authority, 770 L St., Suite 620, Sacramento, CA 95814

Visit the Heavy Maintenance Facility Project webpage for more information.