State Rail Plan

Public outreach meeting

Jon Boyd, Jul 30, 10.

There will be public outreach meeting in Houston for the State Rail Plan, as reported in the Citizens’ Transportation Coalition eNews:

TxDOT created a Rail Division in 2009 which is working now to develop a comprehensive State Rail Plan to improve our state’s rail network. Next week, TxDOT will hold public outreach meetings (pdf) across the state to present an overview of the project and solicit public comments to aid in development of the plan.

What: Texas State Rail Plan - public open house meeting
When: Monday, Aug 2, 2010 from 6:00 pm to 8:00pm
Where: TxDOT District office auditorium, 7600 Washington Ave., Houston, 77007 (map)

If you are unable to attend the meeting, you can provide feedback by:
Email to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address), or
Complete an online questionnaire(available after Aug 2).
Individuals with special needs who wish to attend should contact the TxDOT Houston District Public Information Office at (713) 802-5072 at least three days prior to the meeting to request accommodation.

Freight rail saves fuel, reduces emissions, and improves safety by taking trucks off congested highways. Freight trains already take thousands of trucks off the road daily despite the fact that rail is essentially unsubsidized while trucking receives significant state and federal subsidies. But the ability of our freight rail network to take more trains is constrained by lack of capital for infrastructure improvements.

Texans would also benefit from intercity passenger rail connections between our major cities. While several rail studies are complete or underway, Texas cannot compete effectively for federal rail funds against states like California and Ohio until we develop a unified state rail plan. By participating in the planning process, you can help make sure the Rail Plan meets the needs of Texans.