Friday, December 24, 2010

Helendale may join Barstow opposition to DesertXpress

All,


Helendale is located between Barstow and Victorville, not connecting to Interstate 15.  Please see the following article from the Desert Dispatch.




Helendale may join Barstow’s opposition to desert high-speed train

2010-12-22 16:27:16
HELENDALE • The Helendale Community Services District may soon be passing a resolution that would oppose a proposed high-speed train project that would connect Victorville to Las Vegas, allowing passengers to bypass Barstow.

The City of Barstow has opposed the DesertXpress project because of the potential economic effect the train could have on the city. The City Council commissioned an economic study released in October that stated the DesertXpress could eliminate up to 33 percent of the car and bus traffic that passes from Southern California to Las Vegas.

Members of the Helendale CSD are expected to pass a resolution at their next board meeting in January that will support the city of Barstow in its quest to stop or delay the project.
One of the board directors said he wanted to pass the resolution because of the potential economic effect to the High Desert area.

John Higdon, Helendale CSD board director, said he felt the project would negatively affect the economy throughout the High Desert. He also said he did not feel that the DesertXpress would create a large number of permanent jobs.

“I believe the amount of jobs is way overstated in the end,” said Higdon.

Although the DesertXpress is facing opposition from different communities in the High Desert and recently lost its company president, a spokesperson from the company said Wednesday that the project is still scheduled to begin construction next year.

Former DesertXpress Enterprises President Tom Stone announced his retirement last week after working on the project since the inception. The company released a statement about Stone’s retirement on its Web site.

“[Stone’s] commitment, leadership and expertise has established a strong foundation setting the stage for a groundbreaking next year on the first dedicated high speed rail project in America,” the statement read in part.

DesertXpress spokesperson Lee Haney could not confirm who the next company president would be, but said board chairman Tony Marnell has been leading a lot of the work on the project.

Haney said that the draft process for the environmental impact report for the project has been closed and DesertXpress is hoping to issue a final environmental impact report in the next few weeks. Once the report is finalized, Haney said the company would work to finalize the project permitting early next year and begin construction later in the year.
Contact the writer:
(760) 256-4122 or kjonas@desertdispatch.com


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Ca/Nv Maglev News

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Anaheim ARTIC issues RFQ for Shell and Walls

All,
Over the past few days the City of Anaheim and ARTIC have issued a RFQ bid for scope of work for the ARTIC arch and interior structures.  Bid awarded July 2011.  Kinda of odd, if ground breaking was to take place in the spring of 2011.


Part of the structure (the roof) is called ethylene tetrafluoroethylene.  (think the Chinese Water Cube and Bird Nest buildings.)






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Ca/Nv Maglev News

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

ANAHEIM Panoramas!

All,


Here are some panoramas of the Anaheim area and the proposed ARTIC elements.

(Keep in mind:  All elements, proposals, station designs, locations, and elements have NOT been included, EIS elements have not been filed, and not been publicly secured and announced.  We strongly suggest that any questions about be directed to the respective team(s).  These panoramas are strictly for entertainment purposes only.)

(Anaheim Stadium)


(ARTIC/Santa Ana River Bed)


Enjoy,


Keep Flying On The Ground! 
Ca/Nv Maglev News

HSR to start in Central Valley, NOT ANAHEIM

All,
Lots of news about Anaheim in the past few weeks....


A potential "switched track" to the ARTIC project and HSR starting in Anaheim has been dealt a hand from FRA.  Build in the Central Valley to showcase HSR speed or loose $715 million from the FRA. 
http://www.ocregister.com/news/rail-278596-speed-valley.html

This news is also been a bad week to Anaheim as Curt Pringle Mayor of Anaheim until yesterday (Dec 7) decided not to participate in CAHRS meetings until his term ended due to, the possibility of conflict of interest.
http://www.smdailyjournal.com/article_preview.php?id=147320&title=Ruling%20shakes%20up%20high-speed%20rail%20leadership.

AND the ARTIC project possibly not being fully able to accept HSR in its design.
http://voiceofoc.org/oc_north/article_587ec35a-fd68-11df-aae3-001cc4c03286.html


This only confirms how important the ARTIC project and MAGLEV connections take place.


Keep Flying On The Ground! 
Ca/Nv Maglev News

Friday, December 3, 2010

Maglev Movie Monday (Friday)

All,


We found this older video from 2008 that showcases the different db (decibel) levels of MAGLEV vs. car, rail, and air.  This is a great video for anyone questioning the noise levels of the Maglev operating.



Enjoy,


Keep Flying On The Ground! 
Ca/Nv Maglev News