FRESNO, Calif. — The California High-Speed Rail Authority is seeking public input on the proposed location of a Central Valley Heavy Maintenance Facility that will support the long-term operation of the state’s future high-speed rail system while creating permanent, well-paying jobs and other economic opportunities for local communities.

As the project enters its next phase of development, the Authority will evaluate two potential sites—one in Fresno and the other in Kings County near Hanford. The public comment period will run from Aug. 14 through Sept. 14, 2026. Three public meetings will also be held from Aug. 25 through Aug. 27.

About the Heavy Maintenance Facility

The proposed Heavy Maintenance Facility, or HMF, will serve as the primary location for the inspection, servicing, maintenance, overhaul and major component replacement of California’s high-speed train fleet. Its operations will help ensure safe and reliable passenger service throughout the high-speed rail system.

Once Phase 1 of the high-speed rail project is fully built, the facility and its associated operations are expected to support approximately 1,700 to 2,100 permanent jobs.

Following an extensive screening and environmental evaluation process that began in late 2023, the Authority narrowed an initial list of 11 potential locations to two sites. The locations were selected for further study based on several key criteria, including operational requirements, land-use compatibility, construction feasibility, community impacts and environmental considerations.

Public feedback will help guide the project team as it prepares the Draft Environmental Impact Report/Environmental Impact Statement. The draft document is expected to be released in early 2027. A final environmental document is expected to be presented to the Authority’s Board of Directors for consideration and approval in mid- to late 2027.

Public Meeting Schedule

The Authority will hold three public meetings—one in Fresno, one in Hanford and one virtually via Zoom.

Fresno

Date: Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2026
Time: 5 to 6 p.m.
Location: California High-Speed Rail Authority, Central Valley Regional Office
Address: 1111 H St., Fresno

Hanford

Date: Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2026
Time: 5 to 6 p.m.
Location: Hanford Civic Auditorium
Address: 400 N. Douty St., Hanford

Virtual Meeting

Date: Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026
Time: 5 to 6 p.m.
Platform: Zoom; advance registration is required

Each meeting will include an overview of the project and opportunities for members of the public to meet the project team, ask questions and provide feedback. Comments received during the public scoping period will help inform the environmental review process and the preparation of the Draft Environmental Impact Report/Environmental Impact Statement.

Spanish-language and American Sign Language interpretation will be available. Requests for reasonable accommodations must be submitted at least 72 hours before the meeting by calling (916) 324-1541.

How to Submit Comments

The public scoping period will run from Aug. 14 through Sept. 14, 2026. Comments may be submitted through any of the following methods:

? Email: [HMF@hsr.ca.gov](mailto:HMF@hsr.ca.gov)
Use “Central Valley HMF Scoping Comment” as the subject line.

? Phone: (559) 248-1060

? Mail:

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

Additional information is available on the Authority’s Heavy Maintenance Facility Project webpage.

About the California High-Speed Rail Authority

The California High-Speed Rail Authority is responsible for planning, designing, building and operating the nation’s first high-speed rail system. The system will connect California’s major regions, promote economic development, create jobs, support a cleaner environment and help preserve agricultural and protected lands.