Kern COG authorizes regional comment letter seeking clarity on High‑Speed Rail alignment and temporary station proposals

Enriquez, speaking for Kern COG staff, asked the council to authorize the chairman to sign a joint regional comment letter responding to the draft 2026 California High‑Speed Rail business plan and its supplemental materials. The comment period closes April 29; staff said the draft plan and a later supplement contain proposed changes that affect Bakersfield and Shafter.

Enriquez told the board the draft plan suggested the cost to bring the alignment into downtown Bakersfield had been presented last year at about $4.3 billion and the new draft proposes that, with cost efficiencies, that number could be reduced to about $1.8 billion. He said the plan also proposes a temporary station north of Seventh Standard Road rather than the previously agreed north‑of‑204 and F Street location.

Board members said the plan’s details have been changing rapidly — "it literally changed two hours ago," one member said — and urged a clear record of what the rail authority is proposing. Enriquez said that although High‑Speed Rail staff said no decision was final, the draft plan shows proposals that merit a formal regional response.

The board moved, seconded and by roll call authorized the chair to sign a joint regional letter crafted with city and county partners to press the rail authority for clarification and to protect local interests related to alignment, station siting and potential costs and road impacts. Staff said work on the joint letter included input from Bakersfield, Wasco, Shafter and Kern County and emphasized coordination with those agencies.

Next steps: staff will finalize the joint regional comment letter and the chairman is authorized to sign on behalf of the council before the April 29 comment deadline.