AA
Alternatives Analysis, the Authority's preliminary process used to help identify the alignment and station location options that may be feasible for the high speed train system and to provide a screening evaluation of options for study in the preparation of EIR/EIS documents.
Aerial
Rail tracks are laid on a structure that elevates them above the landscape, allowing for other roads and railroad tracks to pass below the aerial structure.
ARRA
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the economic stimulus package passed by Congress in February 2009.
At Grade
Rail tracks are laid at the same level, or grade, as the surrounding landscape and intersecting roads or other transportation right-of-ways. An "at-grade alignment" means there is no separation between types of traffic - train, vehicle, pedestrian, or other. This is typical of railroad crossings in many towns and cities in which cars, bicycles and pedestrians must stop and wait while trains travel by.
CEQA
California Environmental Quality Act, the state law which requires state and local agencies to identify and analyze the significant environmental impacts of proposed development projects, to identify and analyze feasible mitigation measures and alternatives that may avoid or substantially reduce the adverse environmental impacts of proposed projects, and to consider the analysis and adopt feasible mitigation measures to reduce significant adverse effects before approving proposed projects.
CHSRA
California High-Speed Rail Authority, the state entity responsible for planning and building California's high-speed train system.
CO2
Carbon dioxide, an inorganic chemical compound present naturally in the atmosphere or formed by the burning of fuels containing carbon, designated a greenhouse gas.
Cut/Fill
A process in which a "cut" is made in the ground so that train rails can be laid lower than the surrounding terrain, and the earth removed from the cut - the "fill" - is used to build embankments along the cut that are higher than the surrounding terrain.
EIR
Environmental Impact Report, a document prepared pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act by a project's lead agency when a proposed project may have a significant effect on the environment. An EIR describes and analyzes the significant environmental effects of a proposed project, identifies feasible mitigation measures and alternatives to the project, discussing ways to reduce or avoid possible adverse environmental impacts.
EIS
Environmental Impact Statement, similar to California's Environmental Impact Report, a document prepared pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act by a federal government agency before taking a major federal action that may result in adverse environmental impacts.
Embankment
Mounded earth used as a support along rail tracks that are built above ground level.
Eminent Domain
The right or power by which a public or quasi-public agency may acquire private property necessary for a public use with the owner receiving fair market value compensation, often used for public infrastructure projects such as utilities, highways and railroads..
FRA
Federal Railroad Administration, the federal agency responsible for regulating railroad safety, and the federal agency serving as lead agency under NEPA and working with the California High Speed Rail Authority to prepare environmental documents for compliance with both NEPA and CEQA for the California high speed train system.
Mobility
The ability to move people, goods and services within a transportation system or geographic area.
NEPA
National Environmental Policy Act, the federal law which provides the framework for the federal environmental review process for development projects that require permits, approvals or other major actions from federal agencies.
NOD
Notice of Determination, a document posted and filed with the State Clearinghouse in the California Governor's Office of Planning and Research by a state or local agency after it approves or determines to carry out a project subject to the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act.
NOI
Notice of Intent, a document required by the National Environmental Policy Act stating that an environmental impact statement [EIS] is being prepared for a proposed development project that is subject to federal agency review; the first step in the federal environmental review process when an EIS must be prepared.
NOP
Notice of Preparation, a document required by the California Environmental Quality Act stating that an environmental impact report is being prepared for a proposed development project; the first step in the state environmental review process when an EIR must be prepared.
Procurement
The process of obtaining the goods and services necessary for a particular activity, may include purchase or lease agreements, competitive bidding procedures, development of plans, specifications and contracts, and hiring personnel to perform work.
Prop. 1A
Proposition 1A, a statewide ballot measure passed by California voters in November 2008, providing a $9.95 billion general obligation bond measure with $9 billion to go toward funding the California high-speed train system, phase 1 of which would link downtown San Francisco to downtown Los Angeles in under two hours and forty minutes and continue to Anaheim.
Retained
Concrete walls separating the rail tracks from buildings, roads and other transportation right-of-ways, and containing the earth retained from the cut/fill process or trenching.
Revenue Service
A transportation service available for public use that generates money, e.g., by charging passengers a fare.
Ridership
The number of persons who ride a system of public transportation.
Right-of-Entry
Granted by the owner of private property to a public or quasi-public entity, to enter private property for public purposes may occur prior to the finalizing of a sell-purchase agreement or Eminent Domain proceedings.
Right-of-Way
A legal right to enter real property granted by the owner of the property to another, may be temporary or limited term. It is the real property or interest in real property acquired for public or quasi-public infrastructure purposes such as utilities, highways and railroads.
ROD
Record of Determination, similar to a state-level Notice of Determination under CEQA, a document issued by a federal agency describing a decision and the agency's compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act.
SCOPING
A process for identifying significant issues related to a proposed project and for determining the scope of issues to be addressed in an environmental document assessing the proposed project.
Trench
Rail tracks are laid in an open ditch in the ground that allows the train to run below street level.
Tunnel
Rail tracks are laid in an enclosed structure running under ground level.
Under Consideration
The rail alignment and preferred method for track construction is still being assessed.