High-speed rail: eminent domain.

Existing law creates the High-Speed Rail Authority with specified powers and duties relating to the development and implementation of an intercity high-speed train system. Existing law authorizes the authority to acquire rights-of-way through purchase or eminent domain. Existing law sets forth the process for acquisition of property by eminent domain, including a requirement for adoption of a resolution of necessity. Existing law, pursuant to the Safe, Reliable High-Speed Passenger Train Bond Act for the 21st Century, authorizes $9.95 billion in general obligation bonds for high-speed rail development and other related purposes. Existing law, for purposes of the bond act, defines "usable segment" as a portion of a corridor, as defined, that includes at least 2 stations. This bill would prohibit the authority, or the State Public Works Board acting on behalf of the authority, from adopting a resolution of necessity to commence an eminent domain proceeding to acquire a parcel of real property along a corridor, or usable segment thereof, for the high-speed train system unless the resolution identifies the sources of all funds to be invested in the corridor or usable segment and the anticipated time of receipt of those funds, and certifies that the authority has completed all necessary project level environmental clearances necessary to proceed to construction. The bill, for these purposes, would instead define "usable segment" as a portion of a corridor, as defined, that includes at least 2 stations and shall be used to operate high-speed train service, as specified.