Eminent Domain Approved to Seize Land for Calif. Bullet Train

Even though they don't have money to build it yet

A state board gave approval Friday for the California High-Speed Rail Authority to start the process of seizing property through eminent domain for a $68 billion bullet train.

The State Public Works Board voted 3-0 to approve a request from the authority to try to seize a 2.5-acre parcel in Fresno that is needed to start work on the project. The authority has declared an impasse with the owner of property.

Fresno County records value the property at $2.4 million. It includes a 20,000 square-foot commercial building that is leased to the state Department of Corrections.

Rail officials said they have been unable to reach an agreement with owner Frank Solomon Jr. after making an initial offer in May.