Sacramento Judge Rules in Favor of High-Speed Rail

FRESNO, Calif. (KMJ) — A Sacramento County Superior Court judge has rejected claims by foes of the bullet train, that the project violates state law.

It’s a significant setback for a group of Kings County landowners, in favor of whom Judge Michael Kenny ruled back in 2013, and bolsters the Golden State’s $68 billion effort to connect San Francisco and Los Angeles.

Plaintiff Aaron Fukuda tells KMJ News, “Unfortunately, the authority can continue now with their plans. But, it’s still unclear whether or not they can even comply with Proposition 1-A. He really just said that time timing wasn’t correct, that they haven’t actually spent the money to violate the law.”

HSR Authority Board Chairman Dan Richard says, “Today’s ruling confirms that we are indeed delivering a fast, modern and environmentally-friendly high-speed rail system that meets the voter-approved requirements under Proposition 1A. This five year lawsuit wasted taxpayer dollars and delayed implementation, but we are moving forward and redoubling our efforts to build this transformative, job-creating investment in California’s future.”

However, this latest ruling could be appealed, to a California appellate court.