On Thursday, the California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) approved a memorandum of understanding with Southern California communities for close cooperation in the development of the state's 200-plus mph train.

The agreement approved Thursday is the latest in a series of memoranda of understanding with local government agencies around the state - this one with the Gateway Cities Council of Governments representing cities along the Los Angeles-Anaheim section - providing for cooperation and collaboration in development of the high-speed train through their region.

"We can't build this important project alone - we need partners. This agreement and others we entered into like it are designed to establish a positive and clear working relationship between the Authority and our regional partners," said Board Chairman Curt Pringle.

In other action, the CHSRA board set a January 15, 2010 deadline for "requests for expressions of interest" from local governments, public transportation agencies, private companies and others who want to participate in the planning, development and operation of maintenance facilities on the 800-mile network linking the state's major cities.

Maintenance centers will be required throughout the state, but a number of facilities - particularly a heavy maintenance depot - are expected to be situated in the Central Valley because of its central location at the heart of the system.