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Merced officials press to stay in Phase 1; Vernon officials urge removal of Malabar Yard mitigation and signal legal challenge
Summary
Merced County and city leaders urged the Authority to keep Merced in the first operating segment and improve direct communication; City of Vernon officials and businesses strongly opposed Malabar Yard mitigation, saying closing 49th Street and adding a connector would harm emergency response, air quality and local businesses and that Vernon will consider CEQA litigation if mitigation is not removed or reworked.
Merced County and city officials told the California High-Speed Rail Authority on Nov. 20 that they remain committed to the project but want clearer, direct communications and formal assurance that Merced will remain in the first operating segment.
"Merced County is deeply invested in this project and needs accurate information to plan response responsibly for our residents," said Josh Pedrozo, chair of the Merced County Board of Supervisors. He said county leaders learned about possible resequencing and privatization through media reports rather than from the Authority and asked for a "real commitment to timely, direct, and transparent communication going forward."
Merced speakers including…
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