California’s High-Speed Rail Meets Opposition Over Eminent Domain
““There would be far less impact on agricultural lands than the current alignment which literally cuts right across many, many working farms,” says Barry Epstein, who represented the farmers.
That lawsuit was settled last month with no change to the route. Now, the Rail Authority is using eminent domain to buy 350 properties to prepare for construction.
Andy Likuski is on the board of Californians for High-Speed Rail. While it’s bad for the people losing their property, he says the investment is necessary.
“The state’s population is going to grow to over 50 million people and we have to make investments in our transportation infrastructure,” Likuski says.”
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Angell, Isabel. Transportation Nation 28 May 2013.