Calif. high-speed rail project dealt another blow

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — In another setback to the California high-speed rail project, federal regulators rejected the state's request to exempt a large Central Valley segment of proposed track from a lengthy planning review, according to the Los Angeles Times.

The action affects part of a 29-mile rail section to be built near Fresno, where state officials have already awarded a construction contract. The decision is likely to complicate, delay and substantially drive up the cost on that initial $1-billion package of work. For the full story, click here.