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Opposition To California High-Speed Rail Project Mounts As Construction Is Set To Begin

SAN FERNANDO (CBS/AP) -- Opposition continues to mount in both wealthy and working-class communities against the California bullet train.

The Los Angeles Times reports protesters in the city of San Fernando took over an open house meeting held by the California High-Speed Rail Authority Thursday evening and demanded answers about the project's impact on their community.

Mayor Pro Tem Sylvia Ballin told state officials the city would lose $1.3 million a year if the plan goes forward.

The bullet train approved by voters with a $9-billion bond in 2008 is expected to connect Los Angeles to San Francisco in two hours and 40 minutes. Construction is slated to start this summer, more than two years behind the initial start date.

San Fernando is one of several communities protesting the project.

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