California Officials Reach Deal To Settle High-Speed Rail Project Lawsuit
SACRAMENTO (CBS/AP) - A group representing Central Valley farmers said Thursday it has reached a settlement with the California High-Speed Rail Authority in a lawsuit that was one of the biggest obstacles to the state's $68 billion bullet train project.
If a judge accepts the deal, it would provide a significant victory for supporters of what would be the nation's first high-speed rail system, including Gov. Jerry Brown. Public support has fallen as its costs have soared.
The Madera County Farm Bureau is the lead plaintiff in the lawsuit, which sought to block the project by claiming it failed to follow state environmental laws.
Anja Raudabaugh, the bureau's executive director, told The Associated Press on Thursday that the parties had reached agreement and submitted it to a Sacramento County Superior Court judge.
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