California's $68 billion high-speed rail project is as much as a year behind schedule in acquiring the land it needs for construction.
The California High-Speed Rail Authority says it has purchased only 122 of the 540 parcels needed for a 29-mile stretch from Madera to Fresno.
The new figures come as the authority asks a state panel on Friday to approve eminent domain proceedings on 31 parcels in Fresno and Madera counties.
The state already has eminent domain approval for 104 parcels, although it has yet to actually seize any property. Spokeswoman Lisa Marie-Alley says the agency wants to reach settlements with owners.
She says the agency is trying to catch up on buying land after a series of legal delays and has hired more staff in the Central Valley.
