from Micah Flores on the California High-Speed Rail Authority Newsroom (source)

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
The California High-Speed Rail Authority and the High Desert Corridor Joint Powers Agency have signed a new MOU to strengthen coordination on environmental work, station integration, and design, with focus on the Palmdale Station. This collaboration supports the broader vision of a connected, statewide electrified high-speed rail network.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The California High-Speed Rail Authority (Authority) is proud to announce the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding with the High Desert Corridor Joint Powers Agency (HDC JPA), a major step in advancing California’s vision for a fully connected, statewide electrified high-speed rail network.

Through this new MOU, the Authority and HDC JPA will deepen coordination on environmental clearances, station integration, and design, particularly at Palmdale Station.

Additionally, by working together, the Authority and HDC JPA will seek to reduce costs to the public and accelerate delivery through coordinated materials purchases and construction.

“As we prepare to begin track, electrification and systems installation in the Central Valley later this year, this new partnership underscores the momentum behind building a clean, modern transportation system that will serve Californians for generations.”

-Ian Choudri, Authority CEO

To see how this corridor connects to California’s broader high-speed rail vision, explore the Authority’s Southwest HSR Network Map: https://hsr.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Southwest-HSR-Network-Map-A11Y.pdfPDF Document.

Together, we are building the backbone of California’s future — an integrated, sustainable high-speed rail network that connects regions, economies, and people.

HDC JPA is comprised of Los Angeles County, Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LA Metro), the cities of Palmdale and Lancaster in Los Angeles County, and the cities of Adelanto and Victorville in San Bernardino County. The HDC JPA also leads the High Desert Multipurpose Corridor, including the first phase high-speed intercity rail connection between Palmdale and Victor Valley. Learn more about HDC JPA at https://highdesertcorridor.org/about-us/.

“This Memorandum of Understanding is a pivotal step toward a fully connected, electrified high speed rail network across California. By coordinating planning, design and station integration at Palmdale, we’re laying the groundwork for clean, modern mobility that will better link Southern California to the statewide system. This collaboration reflects our commitment to sustainable growth, reduced congestion and equitable benefits for our communities.”

-Kathryn Barger, HDC JPA Chair, Supervisor, Los Angeles County Fifth District

High-Speed Rail Progress

Work continues daily on the high-speed rail project, with major segments from Merced to Bakersfield under design and construction. Nearly 90 miles of guideway are complete, along with 61 fully completed major structures and 30 more structures underway across Madera, Fresno, Kings and Tulare counties.

The project continues to advance statewide, with 463 miles of the 494-mile San Francisco to Los Angeles/Anaheim system fully environmentally cleared and construction-ready.

Throughout construction, the project has created nearly 19,200 good-paying jobs – most filled by Central Valley residents – and generated nearly $27 billion in economic impact and growth across the state. Up to 1,700 workers report to high-speed rail construction sites each day.

  • Interviews in Spanish are available upon request. For more information, contact the Authority’s media relations office at: news@hsr.ca.gov
  • Se ofrecen entrevistas en Español bajo solicitud. Para obtener más información, contacte a la Oficina de Relaciones con los Medios por correo electrónico: news@hsr.ca.gov

For the latest on high-speed rail construction, visit: www.buildhsr.comExternal Link

The following link contains recent video, animations, photography, press center resources and latest renderings: https://hsra.box.com/v/ca-hsr-media-resourcesExternal Link

Files are all available for free use, courtesy of the California High-Speed Rail Authority.