FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CITY OF PALMDALE

NEWS RELEASE

CONTACT: Barbara La Fata

PHONE: 805/267-5118

DATE: November 22, 1996

HIGH SPEED RAIL COMMISSION SAYS YES TO THE ANTELOPE VALLEY

PALMDALE - The Intercity High Speed Rail Commission voted today to recommend an Antelope Valley high speed rail alignment as part of the Statewide high speed rail system. Following a half hour of deliberation, the Commission determined that the population growth and economic benefit of the Antelope Valley region were too important to bypass. The Commission also stipulated that the AV alignment would have to meet certain economic benefit considerations. The Commission will recommend the Antelope Valley alignment in its final report, which will be adopted on December 13. The report will then be presented to Gov. Pete Wilson and the State legislature.

Palmdale Mayor Jim Ledford provided leadership in the effort to secure the alignment through the Antelope Valley. "We have worked long and hard these past two years to get to this point," said Mayor Ledford. "I would like to acknowledge the tremendous effort and support of the residents of the Antelope Valley and many other organizations throughout Southern and Central California that let the Commission know that the Antelope Valley was their preferred alignment." The Commission's original recommendation was for an Interstate 5 Corridor alignment.

The next step will be the appointment of a High Speed Rail Authority by Gov. Wilson and the State legislature. The Authority's purpose will be to implement the plan presented by the current Intercity High Speed Rail Commission.

Public Information Office 38300 N. Sierra Highway Palmdale, CA 93550

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