CA HSR maintenance site, and jobs, meeting in Hanford.

California High Speed Rail Authority says to to keep the 500-mile California high-speed rail system running smoothly, operations and maintenance facilities will be located along the route between  San Francisco and Los Angeles/Anaheim.

Each type of facility will perform a distinct role in  maintaining rail infrastructure, servicing trains and supporting safe and reliable passenger operations.

Maintenance activities will operate 24 hours a day across three overlapping shifts, with most  major work occurring overnight between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. to minimize effects on train operations.

One Heavy Maintenance Facility (HMF) will serve as the primary location for inspections, servicing,  maintenance, overhaul and major component replacement for the high-speed train fleet. The HMF will be located along the Early Operating Segment in the Central Valley.

The Authority is evaluating two potential sites near Fresno and Hanford as part of the environmental review process. At full buildout in 2040, the HMF is anticipated to employ approximately 450 skilled day- and night-shift workers. Total long-term employment at the selected site, including associated facilities, is anticipated to range from approximately 1,500 to 2,000 positions.

The Kings County site being evaluated is south of 198 near Hwy. 43 and Houston.

“It would be an amazing boost to our local economy. It would be huge. That’s up to 2,000 new jobs that we could have right here in Kings County, and we need those jobs,” Hanford Councilmember Nancy Howze said. “We’re where you want to go. We’re the county you want to work with. We’re the city you want to work with.” Verboon said having the facility in Kings County is a “big deal,” but at the same time, the HSR Authority needs to address the concerns of the people, especially those who would be directly impacted by losing their land. The heavy maintenance facility would serve as the primary location for inspections, servicing, maintenance, overhaul and replacement of major components for the high-speed train fleet. The authority anticipates at least 1,700 jobs, and up to 2,100, positions at the site. “From an economic development perspective, the city is always looking for opportunities, and this might provide that,” said Jason Water, Hanford deputy city manager. “Hanford has a lot to offer.”