At present, lead consulting engineer Parsons Brinkerhoff is continuing its planning duties, including adapting the newly approved route change into Los Angeles from the Grapevine to the Antelope Valley.

Gov. Brown also lent his support for an $11-billion water infrastructure plan that is currently on the November ballot, but is more inclined to delay a vote until after his newest tax hike plan is decided this fall.

“Gov. Brown recognizes that major improvements to our water delivery system are vital to California’s future, that the high-speed rail project with substantial reforms will give our state a much needed economic boost, and that permit streamlining is critical if California is going to meet its ambitious renewable energy goals,” said Paul Meyer, executive director of ACEC California.