FORT WORTH, TX – Today, Congresswoman Kay Granger (R-TX12), Top Republican on the House Appropriations Committee, provided the following statement regarding the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) plans to move forward with a Rule of Particular Applicability (RPA) for the Texas High Speed Rail Project, slated to connect Dallas and Houston:
“Securing DOT’s commitment to move forward with the Texas High Speed Rail Project is a significant win for all Texans, especially those who live in the Twelfth District, because it will create job opportunities, boost our economy, increase mobility and spur productivity in the Lone Star State. I’m pleased DOT recognized the importance of high speed rail, and am encouraged they will be moving forward with the regulatory process required to advance the project.”
Texas Central Chairman of the Board, Drayton McLane Jr., added, “The Federal Railroad Administration’s action on the RPA marks a major achievement to make this project a reality for all Texans. This is a bold move by the Secretary, and the Department of Transportation, to ensure we implement the safest passenger rail system in the world.”
Background: The Department of Transportation is ready to move forward with a Rule of Particular Applicability (RPA) with regards to Texas Central Railway’s high speed rail project from Dallas to Houston. An RPA is a project-specific rule that is written for unique projects like the Texas High Speed Rail Project. With this new approval from DOT, the Federal Railroad Administration will now be able to start writing the regulation that will apply to this project/railroad. The new approval from DOT will also allow the environmental impact study (EIS) to move forward along with the record of decision. All three of these documents (RPA, EIS, and record of decision) will be in development simultaneously. In September 2017, Congresswoman Granger led a letter to Secretary Chao along with Representative Pete Sessions, Ted Poe, Blake Farenthold, John Carter, Eddie Bernice Johnson, Gene Green, and Sheila Jackson Lee for DOT to complete an RPA and EIS. In addition to leading a Texas delegation letter, the Congresswoman has had several conversations with Secretary Chao regarding the importance of moving forward with this project.
###