TxDOT strategic plan to include more rail

Says transportation exec

Vilas Bhuchar, Mar 15, 10.

TxDOT is in the process of changing its strategic plan so that it focuses more on rail to improve air quality and reduce congestion on roads, according to Deirdre Delisi, Chair of the Texas Transportation Commission, in an interview with KLBJ News Radio.

This will be in contrast to the department’s general stance, since its inception, that the state’s transportation policy revolve around roads, said Delisi:

““Rail is going to be an important part of the solution. For many many years, really since the creation of the Texas Department of Transportation, roads were seen as the only solution and we’re learning very quickly that ... we need to be thinking more of a multi-modal approach.”

The state’s changing policy comes after Texas received only $4 million of $8 billion awarded to states around the country, as part of ARRA funding, for high-speed rail in late January. At the time, a federal official said Texas, despite requesting $1.9 billion for its Texas T-Bone High Speed Rail vision, was unlikely to receive funds until it had more of a central vision and political support from its governor and Legislature.

Texas hopes to catch up to states like California, Florida, and Illinois, which combined will receive the bulk of the $8 billion, according to Delisi:

“We’re behind in Texas, relative to other states who have more of a robust rail infrastructure. But we’re aggressively pursuing it where it makes sense, where it’s feasible, where folks want it and where it makes good economic sense.”

Full story (including 1 min 51 sec audio interview)

(Photo credit: sahmeditor)