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Texas on board for high-speed rail efforts
05/01/2009
High-speed rail could gain traction in Texas with several state and federal efforts.
President Obama recently introduced a plan to build a nationwide high-speed rail system, with two routes in Texas. The plan would tap $8 billion from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, as well as $5 billion from the federal budget over the next five years. The Federal Railroad Administration plans to award its first round of grants this summer.
The first round of funding would focus on ready-to-go projects, and a second round would call for comprehensive proposals that encompass entire corridors or significant sections. Additional grants would provide start-up funding to plan corridors that are not ready for construction.
The proposed corridors crossing Texas include the South Central Corridor, which would link Dallas-Fort Worth, Austin, San Antonio, Texarkana, Oklahoma City and Tulsa; and the Gulf Coast Corridor connecting Houston with New Orleans, Mobile and other cities in the Southeast. The Texas Legislature is considering several bills that would position the state to access the federal funds. One would create a government corporation to develop and seek funding for a high-speed rail system for Texas. Another would offer tax breaks for private rail builders, and an additional bill would create a rail division at the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to increase focus on passenger rail.
The Texas Legislature is considering several bills that would position the state to access the federal funds. One would create a government corporation to develop and seek funding for a high-speed rail system for Texas. Another would offer tax breaks for private rail builders, and an additional bill would create a rail division at the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to increase focus on passenger rail.
