Tuesday evening was the first chance for people in Kern County to view the updated High-Speed Rail project plans.
The revised environmental impact report and updated maps, showing the possible routes, were on display in Shafter.
It was a two-hour open house that attracted people from the surrounding areas, both for and against the rail project.
It gave residents a chance to ask the rail planners questions and view the options.
The High-Speed Rail project has been at the center of controversy for some time.
This week, Governor Jerry Brown announced California's budget deficit has ballooned to nearly $16 billion.
But, despite the grim news, it's still full steam ahead for the rail project.
"We are looking for the state legislature to fund part of this project. As you know, we have grant funding from the federal government, and we need a matching from the state government so we can start construction," said Tom Tracey, Regional Manager of the High Speed Rail project.
California could lose that federal funding if the first 130-mile segment of the line is not finished by September 2017.
Tuesday evening, an open house was held in Shafter to give residents an update on the project, including maps and the environmental impact report.
But, not everyone is on board.
"We are going to be subsidizing the High-Speed Rail, in my opinion, for at least 20 years, in my opinion. And, we will just be going, going deeper into debt," said Joe Graf, who was at the meeting marching a picket line
But, Dave Cross thinks the project will bring only good things to our community.
"It will make it grow, the city of Bakersfield grow. It will bring new new vitality to downtown Bakersfield. This will be like a chick magnet, bringing all the glamor to downtown Bakersfield."
There are two more meetings in Bakersfield this week, to learn more about updated High-Speed Rail plans.
Wednesday, it will be at Grace Baptist Church, 2550 Jewetta Avenue, from 5 p.m. until 7p.m.
On Thursday, a meeting will be held at the Kern County Administration building on Truxtun, also from 5 to 7 p.m.
