Report Prepared by: Frank Quintero, Deputy City Manager
Title
SUBJECT: California High-Speed Rail Project Merced Station Update to Council and Continued Discussion
REPORT IN BRIEF
City Council will re-consider the conceptual relocation of the Downtown High-Speed Rail Station to Southeast Merced, and staff is requesting authorization to submit a letter to the High-Speed Rail Authority.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Approving conceptual support of the High-Speed Rail Authority's recommendation to move the Merced High-Speed Rail Station to the vicinity of Mission Ave. and State Highway 99, subject to good faith negotiations with the California High-Speed Rail Authority on issues identified by the Council; and,
B. Authorizing the City Manager to send a letter to the California High-Speed Rail Authority expressing conceptual support of the High-Speed Rail Merced station relocation on behalf of the City of Merced.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve, as recommended by staff; or,
2. Approve, subject to conditions other than as recommended by staff; or,
3. Deny; or,
4. Continue to a future meeting.
AUTHORITY
Charter of the City of Merced, Section 200, et seq.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
FY 2025-2026 Budget Tab 7, Economic Development and Airport, Objective #3, "Coordinate High Speed Rail, ACE Train MITC, and other projects that may serve as economic engines in Downtown Merced."
DISCUSSION
Past Council Action
At the January 12, 2026, City Council meeting, representatives from the California High-Speed Rail team provided an update to the Council regarding the Merced Station Project. At the conclusion of discussion amongst Councilmembers, staff and California High-Speed Rail representatives, the Council passed a motion directing the Council Transportation Committee to further meet with our County partners and the California High-Speed Rail Authority, along with City staff to consider the issues discussed and with a goal of coming back wi...
Click here for full text