U.S. Rep. Kay Granger (R-TX) recently commended federal action to jumpstart the Texas High Speed Rail Project, which upon completion will transport passengers between Dallas and Houston in under 90 minutes.
Texas Central, the project developer, announced on Thursday that its petition to issue a Rule of Particular Applicability (RPA) has been granted by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT).
“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,” said Rep. Granger, ranking member on the U.S. House Appropriations Committee.
The RPA is a comprehensive set of custom rules that will be applicable specifically to Texas Central and will be used to govern the railroad’s system and operations between Houston and Dallas, according to the company, which filed its petition in April 2016.
“The FRA’s action on the RPA marks a major milestone in our quest to bring a transformative mobility solution, while minimizing impact on the environment and land use, as opposed to other options,” Carlos Aguilar, CEO of Texas Central, said in a Sept. 4 statement.
With DOT’s approval of the RPA, the Federal Railroad Administration now can start writing the regulation that will apply to the project and also allow the environmental impact study to move forward.
“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,” Rep. Granger said.