By Khalida Sarwari
State Sen. Joe Simitian, D-Palo Alto, is offering residents in Palo Alto an opportunity to weigh in on California’s high-speed rail project next week.
Simitian represents residents in communities along the train’s proposed route and chairs the Senate budget subcommittee that oversees transportation spending. He will co-host an informational hearing with state Sen. Alan Lowenthal, D-Long Beach, on Jan. 21.
“I’m looking forward to hearing what folks have to say,” Simitian said in a statement. “I see this meeting as an opportunity to clear the air on an issue that evokes strong feelings on all sides.”
The hearing will focus on the agency’s new business plan, submitted to the state Legislature in December 2009. The agency had been required to provide an updated document before accessing additional state funds.
Representatives from the California High-Speed Rail Authority and other elected officials will give presentations at the hearing, which will be followed by a public comment period.
The event will begin at 7 p.m. on Jan. 21 at Palo Alto City Hall, 250 Hamilton Ave.
Residents can also watch the hearing live from home via local cable television and Internet webcast at http://www.senatorsimitian.com.