The California High-Speed Rail Authority is seeking public input on two potential locations for a proposed heavy maintenance facility that would support the future high-speed rail system.

The sites are located in Fresno and Kings County near Hanford. The consultation opened on 14 August and will run until 14 September 2026.

Conceptual rendering of a maintenance facility

© California High Speed Rail Authority

The proposed Central Valley Heavy Maintenance Facility (HMF) would be used for inspections, servicing, maintenance, overhauls and major component replacement for the high-speed rail fleet.

The facility would serve as the main maintenance location for the trains and support operations across the planned high-speed rail network.

The Authority began screening potential locations in late 2023, initially identifying 11 possible sites.

Following further assessment, two locations were shortlisted. The evaluation considered operational requirements, land use compatibility, construction feasibility, community impacts and environmental factors.

The public consultation will help inform preparation of the project’s Draft Environmental Impact Report/Environmental Impact Statement.

The draft document is expected to be released in early 2027, with the final environmental document expected to be presented to the California High-Speed Rail Authority Board of Directors for approval in mid to late 2027.

The Authority estimates that the facility could support between approximately 1,700 and 2,100 long-term jobs at full build-out of Phase 1 of the high-speed rail project, including positions at associated facilities.

The HMF is intended to provide the maintenance infrastructure required to support the operation of California’s planned high-speed rail fleet.

Three public meetings will be held as part of the consultation period. These will take place in Fresno and Hanford, as well as an online meeting via Zoom.

Members of the public can submit comments on the two proposed locations between 14 August and 14 September 2026. The feedback will be considered as the Authority progresses its environmental review and evaluates the two potential sites.

Comments can be submitted by email to [email protected], using the subject line “Central Valley HMF Scoping Comment”.

Comments can also be made by telephone at (559) 248-1060, or sent by post to:

Stefan Galvez-Abadia, Director of Environmental Services
ATTN: Central Valley HMF Scoping Comment
California High-Speed Rail Authority
770 L St., Suite 620
Sacramento, CA 95814

Further information about the proposal and consultation is available on the California High-Speed Rail Authority’s Heavy Maintenance Facility Project webpage.

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