Kings County Supervisor opposes high-speed bullet train's route

Fresno, Calif. (KFSN) -- Ever since he was elected to be a Kings County Supervisor, Doug Verboon has said he does not support California's high-speed rail project. Seven years later, as construction begins in Kings County, Verboon's stance has not changed.

"It's not the American way. You shouldn't kick people off their property, and you shouldn't make them move because you got a project coming through that you don't have a plan to finish," said Verboon.

Work to build two overpasses on Kent and Kansas Avenues, west of Highway 43, officially started Monday.

Officials say it is part of a high speed rail construction package that spans 65 miles from Fresno County to the Tulare-Kern County line. Work here will continue through next year, and will eventually include some road closures.

"You may see some of our trucks driving by, you may see some of our construction crews, so definitely be mindful of that as you're traveling there but we won't have any road closures right at this moment."

"If they are going to be here, they're going to make a nice train through our community and make it safe for us."

Verboon says supervisors never had a say in the project, and he thinks the train tears the county apart, but he also understands that he can't stop it.

He says local leaders will continue to hold the high speed rail authority accountable, especially when they learn of unexpected changes. Rail officials say the nature of the project is one where the design does change often.

"So we're constantly reevaluating, figuring out how do we get to work and how do we provide access to that property owner or what makes the most sense to the county of kings