By Ralph Vartabedian | Los Angeles Times
In another key setback to the California bullet train project, federal regulators have rejected the state’s request to exempt a large Central Valley segment of proposed track from a lengthy planning review.
The action affects part of a 29-mile rail section to be built near Fresno, where state officials have already awarded a construction contract. The decision is likely to complicate, delay and substantially drive up the cost on that initial $1-billion package of work.
The ruling marks the second time in nine days that the rail agency’s planning process has been rejected by authorities.
