Desert high-speed train closer to final approval

LAS VEGAS • One of the last steps to the approval of a high-speed train that would connect Victorville to Las Vegas — without stopping in Barstow — has been completed, announced Sen. Harry Reid (D-Nevada) and U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood at a press conference in Las Vegas on Friday.

With the completion of the final Environmental Impact Statement, the train only needs approval by the Federal Railroad Administration before it can begin construction. Reid estimated at the press conference that the train could begin construction as early as one year from the time of approval of the final EIS.

Part of the final EIS is the economic study Barstow commissioned last year, as well as a study of the predicted employment and economic impact commissioned by DesertXpress.

The City of Barstow is opposed to the DesertXpress project because the economic study commissioned by the city estimates it will decrease traffic traveling through the city to Las Vegas by up to 33 percent and the project could result in a combined loss of 2,295 jobs within the city. Both the City of Ontario and the Helendale Community Services District have signed resolutions opposing the DesertXpress train.

Barstow Councilman Tim Silva said Friday that the city would take a look at the EIS now that it has been finalized and the city would continue its efforts to halt the progress of the train.

Reid stated at the press conference that the project could create a total of 34,000 jobs. Previous estimates by DesertXpress put the number at 50,000. A spokesperson for the DesertXpress was unavailable for comment Friday.

The privately-owned company has applied for a $4.9 billion federal loan to help pay for the estimated $6 billion project. The loans are normally approved in about 90 days. A spokesman for the FRA was unavailable for comment on the loan Friday.

The public will be able to comment on the final EIS from April 1 to May 2. For more information on the project or to comment, visit http://www.fra.dot.gov/rpd/freight/1703.shtml

Contact the writer:
(760) 256-4122 or kjonas@desertdispatch.com