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March 8, 2012
For More Information, Contact:
Lisa Gardiner (916) 651-4011 .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Phil Yost (650) 688-6384 .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
PALO ALTO – State Senator Joe Simitian (D-Palo Alto) will convene a Senate Informational Hearing on High-Speed Rail on March 13 in Mountain View to hear from High-Speed Rail experts and officials and to give the public an opportunity for input.
Dan Richard, Chair of the High-Speed Rail Authority Board, is expected to preview the possible new direction of the final business plan scheduled for release in late March. A prior business plan, released in November 2011, has generated substantial comment from the public, members of the Legislature, the High-Speed Rail Peer Review Group, and others.
“This hearing will give residents of the Peninsula and South Bay a sneak peek at the High-Speed Rail Authority’s latest thinking before the final plan is released, and provide a local opportunity for comment and input to help shape that final plan,” said Simitian. “I’m looking forward to seeing how effectively the High-Speed Rail Authority has responded to the critiques of the public and the Legislature.”
The hearing is free and open to the public and will include ample opportunity for public comment. Along with Richard, presentations will be made by Jim Hartnett, a member of the High-Speed Rail Authority Board (and former Mayor of Redwood City); Will Kempton, Chair of the High-Speed Rail Peer Review Group; and Farra Bracht and Brian Weatherford of the Legislative Analyst’s Office.
Simitian, who chairs the Senate Budget subcommittee responsible for transportation funding, will also be joined by Senator Alan Lowenthal, (D-Long Beach) Chair of the Senate Select Committee on High-Speed Rail; and Senator Mark DeSaulnier, (D-Concord) Chair of the Senate Transportation and Housing Committee.
WHAT: State Senate Informational Hearing on High-Speed Rail
WHEN: Tuesday, March 13 at 7:00 p.m.
WHERE: Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts
500 Castro Street, Mountain View, CA 94041
The first two hours of the hearing will be devoted to the officials’ testimony and questions from senators. Following the prepared testimony, attendees will have the opportunity to share their thoughts and concerns during the public comment period. Because of the number of speakers expected, comments will be limited to two minutes per person. Simitian will continue the hearing for as long as necessary to hear from anyone who wishes to speak.
“I would like to encourage everyone concerned about High-Speed Rail to attend this hearing,” Simitian said. “It is critical that legislators and High-Speed Rail officials hear from the public on this issue, particularly at this critical juncture.”
Parking is available in the garage under the Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts. To enter the garage, turn from Castro Street onto Mercy Street. The entrance is on the left, toward the rear of the Center.
For more information about the agenda for this hearing, visit http://www.senatorsimitian.com.