Gov. Perry approves TxDOT rail bill

Creates long-term rail plan

Steve Hawley, Jun 29, 09.

Gov. Perry signed a bill on June 19 (SB 1382) that requires the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to create a long-term rail plan and to coordinate the implementation of a statewide passenger rail system.

According to the bill analysis, written prior to passage:

Currently, no state entity has a leading role in passenger rail development, which results in relatively little attention being paid to rail as an option for addressing some of the state’s transportation problems, and the state lacking a comprehensive examination or plan for the development of a passenger rail system.

As proposed, S.B. 1382 requires the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to create a long-term plan for a statewide passenger rail system, which is required to include annual updates on existing and proposed passenger rail systems, analysis of potential interconnectivity problems, and ridership projections. The bill requires TxDOT to coordinate the planning, construction, operation, and maintenance of a statewide passenger rail system and to coordinate with local entities involved with passenger rail responsibilities.

The bill becomes effective on September 1.

Some examples of State Rail Plans:
California State Rail Plan pdf
New York State Rail Plan pdf
Florida State Rail Plan pdf
North Carolina State Rail Plan pdf
Arkansas State Rail Plan pdf