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High Performance Railroads: Interstate II for the 21st Century
800 Jaguar Lane * Dallas * Texas * 75226
www.TexasRailAdvocates.org
Our mission is to accelerate Texas's economic growth and enhance the quality of life enjoyed by its people by advancing the development of rail service to its full potential as a carrier of freight and passengers. |
Texas Rail Plan - Public Meetings - August 2010
The TxDOT Rail Division is seeking your input on the Texas State Rail Plan that will be updated this fall. The Rail Plan is required by the Texas Legislature and is also an important document that the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) will examine to determine future funding for rail projects.
Texas Rail Advocates urges you to either attend a meeting near you in August to be informed on issues or submit your comments online to TxDOT. Please forward this to any appropriate parties.
The plan will serve as a blueprint for the future development of the state's passenger and freight rail system.
You may give your comments in person by attending one of the public meetings listed.
Or you may leave an online comment.
http://www.txdot.gov/contact_us/form/?id=trp-pc-email
TxDOT's Quick Guide to Public Involvement is available for download.
[FTP Link to Public Involvement Guide]
Texas Joins States for Passenger Rail Coalition; National Membership Leaps to 32 States
WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)- May 27, 2010 - Texas has joined the States for Passenger Rail Coalition (www.s4prc.org), bringing the coalition membership to a record 32 states.
“Texas is pleased to join the States Passenger Rail Coalition in working to raise the profile of passenger rail in our nation's transportation portfolio.”
With Texas joining, a significant portion of the southern half of the country is added to the coalition. Established in early 2000, the States for Passenger Rail Coalition is an alliance of state departments of transportation that supports intercity passenger rail initiatives and advocates for federal funding.
Since its inception, the coalition has successfully advocated for greater and more stable federal funding for intercity passenger rail service. The coalition was instrumental in obtaining the $8 billion in new funding for passenger rail projects in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, and helped advance the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2008, which authorized $13 billion in spending for intercity passenger rail service over five years.
"With a more efficient, reliable and well-planned passenger rail system, communities across the county can realize reduced congestion, improved air quality and enhanced economic opportunity, " said Ted Houghton, member of the Texas Transportation Commission. "Texas is pleased to join the States Passenger Rail Coalition in working to raise the profile of passenger rail in our nation's transportation portfolio."
Coalition Chair Frank Busalacchi, who is also Wisconsin Secretary of Transportation, said the addition of Texas demonstrates the growing commitment of states in all parts of the country to expand intercity passenger rail service.
“We are thrilled to have Texas as part of the States for Passenger Rail Coalition,” Chairman Busalacchi said. “The addition of Texas gives us a very important new presence in the South. I am pleased that Texas has such a strong commitment to intercity passenger rail growth, at a time the nation needs it more than ever before.”
Texas Rail Advocates Unveils Vision for Rail in the Lone Star State
May 10, 2010 (Dallas) - A Texas Rail Advocates study group has unveiled A Vision For Passenger and Freight Rail in the Lone Star State. With Texas gaining 1,000 new residents every day and our highways becoming congested with trucks and cars, the "white paper" prepared by TRA points out the need for immediate development of our rail system in Texas. There are a number of "choke points" in Texas that prevent the speedy shipment of goods and hinder the development of intercity passenger rail service.
The Texas Rail Advocates view of the future of rail has been submitted to the new TxDOT Rail Division and will be circulated to various public and private stakeholders and enterprises.
Southwestern Rail Conference The TRA's 6th Annual Rail conference was held January 28-29, 2010, at the Magnolia Hotel in downtown Dallas, Texas. Conference highlights and presentations can be found at: 2010 Southwestern Rail Conference DALLAS - (January 29, 2010) - Speaking at the 6th Annual Southwestern Rail Conference in Dallas, Federal Railroad Deputy Administrator Karen Rae announced that two passenger rail projects in Texas did receive funding from the $8 billion for higher speed passenger rail development in the U.S. A total of $10,943,823 was awarded to Texas. Project #1 - $3.7 million for grade crossing signal improvements between Ft. Worth and the Red River which will increase the speed of Amtrak’s Heartland Flyer service to 79 mph and improve on-time performance. Project #2 - $7.2 million to double track sections of the Texas Railway Express, plus a new bridge which will allow Amtrak’s Texas Eagle service to relocate from congested Union Pacific track between Dallas and Fort Worth, eliminating several backup moves through Tower 55 in Fort Worth. Texas Requests About $1.8 Billion for High Speed Passenger Rail AUSTIN - (August 25, 2009) - Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) officials have submitted nine applications to the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) under tracks one, three and four of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Acts (ARRA) High-Speed Intercity Passenger Rail (HSIPR) program. Applications for track two funding are due October 2. "An integrated, multimodal transportation system is key to efficiently moving people and goods throughout the state," said Phillip Russell, TxDOT assistant executive director for innovative project development. "This isn't something that can be achieved overnight, but I believe that these applications set us on a course that will Keep Texas Moving." In all, $8 billion in ARRA funds, in addition to a little over $90 million in FY 2008 and 2009 federal appropriations are available through this program. Last month, TxDOT submitted pre-applications for seventeen projects. Applications will be reviewed by the FRA with announcements expected sometime this fall. The Texas Department of Transportation is responsible for maintaining nearly 80,000 miles of road and for supporting aviation, rail and public transportation across the state. TxDOT and its 15,000 employees strive to empower local leaders to solve local transportation problems, and to use new financial tools, including tolling and public-private partnerships, to reduce congestion and pave the way for future economic growth while enhancing safety, improving air quality and increasing the value of the states transportation assets. Find out more at www.txdot.gov. Texas Requests High-Speed Rail Stimulus Funding AUSTIN - July 10, 2009 - Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) officials submitted seventeen pre-applications to the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) for a variety of rail projects across the state. The competitive grant program is a part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) and advances the Obama Administration’s vision for high-speed intercity passenger rail throughout the nation. In all, $8 billion in ARRA funds, in addition to a little over $90 million in FY 2008 and 2009 federal appropriations are available through this program, which is divided among the following funding tracks: Track One - Projects, Track Two - Service Development Programs, Track Three - Service Planning Activities and Track Four - Appropriations-Funded Projects. TxDOT pre-applications seek over $1.9 billion across all four tracks. "The pre-applications submitted by TxDOT are not simply our requests. TxDOT staff worked diligently with our partners in the railroad industry as well as local and regional organizations to develop each request," said Phillip Russell, TxDOT assistant executive director for innovative project development. "TxDOT is committed to advancing rail projects in our state to move people and goods. These changes will not happen overnight, but I am confident that an integrated, multi-modal transportation system will help Keep Texas Moving." Interim guidance on the FRA’s High-Speed Intercity Passenger Rail Program was issued June 17. The next milestones in the process will come August 24, when applications are due for funding tracks one, three and four, and October 2, when applications are due for funding track two. See the whole press release by clicking on the following PDF document:
Transportation Commission hears about Rail Division - Shortfall on Rail Relo Funding (Austin) - June 24, 2009. The good news: The Texas Transportation Commission got their first look at a proposed Rail Division for TxDOT at a workshop today along with a briefing on funding for several rail projects. The bad news: Legislative wrangling with the language of the Rail Relocation and Improvement Fund means no money allocated for the next two years. In a presentation on the development of rail for Texas, TxDOT Assistant Director Phil Russell outlined why the Transportation Commission should focus on both passenger and freight rail planning for the future. He outlined what a proposed Rail Division would look like. With a Rail Division Director, there would be four departments under that to-be-named person's perview including Operations, Railroad Crossings, Safety and Project Development. Commissioners indicated that it would be a wise move to create a Rail Division. Commissioner Bill Meadows (Tarrant County) voiced that "the Commission needs to take a leadership position on rail", citing that other states are far ahead of Texas on rail planning and development. The Commission also heard that $3 million dollars will be spent on rehabilitation projects on the state owned South Orient Railroad north of San Angelo and that $8.7 million has been allocated toward to the Austin-San Antonio passenger rail project. Grim news came from TxDOT Chief Financial Officer Jim Bass who indicated that the way the legislature structured the Rail Relocation and Improvement Fund this year, there are three financial tests that must be met before funds are available. It does not look like Rail Relo will meet the test and will probably lose out on $182 million toward worhtwhile projects for the next two years. Special Session fails to tackle transportation issue - But three bright spots for Texas rail legislation Updated 7/8/09 Governor Rick Perry missed an opportunity to add the Texas Department of Transportation Sunset Review on the agenda at this month's short special session of the legislature. No TxDOT reforms were put into state law during the three day session and now TxDOT will continue in it's present form until 2011. A provision of House Bill 300 which would have created a Rail Division within TxDOT, died when the legislative session ended in June, without passage of the review. However, TxDOT executives, swiftly moving ahead of the legislature, unveiled a plan to create a Rail Division during the Texas Transportaion Commission workshop in Austin June 24th (see accompanying story). A flurry of bills that would allow residents of counties to vote on a local-options tax to fund transportation services within their region fell to deaf ears in Austin. This effectively killed road and rail improvements for the North Texas Region under the local-options idea and, for the time being, sidetracks the North Texas Rail initiative. The legislature failed to understand that Texas' citizens want regional solutions to regional transportation problems. The local-options concept could have also applied to other cities and regions that have critical transportation flow problems. Senate Bill 1382 (Senator John Carona's bill) directs TxDOT to be the leader in coordination of a Statewide Passenger Rail System. This is important because our federal administrators want to deal with one "gatekeeper" per state, i.e. the DOT, when it comes to rail issues. It's a rather simple bill that sailed though both houses and now waits for the governor's approval. In essence is says that TxDOT is to facilitate the development and interconnectivity of rail systems in this state, the department shall coordinate activities regarding the planning, construction, operation, and maintenance of a statewide passenger rail system. The department shall coordinate with other entities involved with passenger rail systems, including governmental entities, private entities, and nonprofit corporations. It also includes a long term plan for a statewide passenger rail system. The department shall prepare and update annually along-term plan for a statewide passenger rail system. Information contained in the plan must include:
Once signed, this Act takes effect September 1, 2009. Senate Bill 581 (Senator Wentworth) gives broader powers to Intermunicipal Commuter Rail Districts (couldn't there be an easier way to say this!). The bill clarifies which governmental entities can be a part of a commuter rail district and also states that the district may acquire, construct, develop, own, operate, and maintain intermodal and commuter rail facilities, interrcity or other types of passenger rail services, inside, or connect political subdivisions in, the district. Also signed was House Bill 646 (Representatives Hughes and Eltife). It authorizes the governor to enter into and provides advance legislative approval for Texas’ participation in the Southern High-Speed Rail Compact with the states of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama. A commission is empowered to study the feasibility of interstate rapid rail service, hold hearings, and perform studies.
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South Central Corridor Conference
The 2009 Conference was held January 15 & 16 at the Sheraton in downtown Dallas. More info can be found at the 2009 Conference Web page! We should have all the presentations and videos up in a week or two.
The Looming Transportation Crisis in North Texas
Surface transportation infrastructure investment must be made in order to maintain the quality of life of North Texas citizens and sustain our North Texas economy. The North Texas Commission has prepared a Power Point presentation on passenger rail expansion. Follow this link to the section named The Looming Transportation Crisis and view the Passenger Rail Expansion presentation. www.ntc-dfw.org
By road, rail and air from Dallas to Austin
(June 14, 2008) Dallas - They went by air, by road and by rail. The Dallas Morning News sent four reporters on a trip from Dallas to Austin to see how long it takes, what hassles you have to go through and what a trip would cost. For comfort, the train was crowned king. For actual rail fare, it was cheap. For time, it was dead last.
Again, because of inaction by our state and federal legislators, we are stuck with few transportation choices in an era of rising costs and congestion. When will Austin and Washington wake up to developing a dynamic passenger and freight rail system for our citizens?
For more on Dallas Morning News writer Jake Batsell's trip on the Amtrak Texas Eagle, follow this link for the story and a video: www.dallasnews.com/video/index.html?nvid=254127
Increased Texas Rail Service
With Texans facing gridlock on the highways, “winglock” in the air, and an enhanced need for transportation options as another hurricane season develops, the Texas Association of Rail Passengers (TXARP) and the Texas Rail Advocates (TRA) detailed today how a recent proposal by the National Association of Railroad Passengers (NARP) could expand and modernize passenger train travel in Texas and around the nation... <Link to Full Press Release>.
Two Texas Regional Council of Governments signed on for passenger rail service
"Today a tree has been planted." With those words Michael Morris, Transportation Director for the North Central Texas Council of Governments announced that a passenger rail pact was signed between the Dallas-Fort Worth multi-county regional government agency and the East Texas Council of Governments.
The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding was signed at the recently restored Mineola, Texas Amtrak station on Wednesday, August 7 with 75 County judges, transportation officials, civic representatives and rail advocates present to what some of the officials called a historic document.
"Through this effort, we hope to be able to enhance the funding of transportation that affects not only this region, but also the North Central Texas region," said Chad Adams, Ellis County judge. "If (high speed rail) stopped at the county line or region, it would be ineffective." The councils now look for congressional support to support passenger train service and upgrading of freight rail goods movement between the Texas two regions and beyond.
South Central Corridor Garners Rail Industry Support
Two rail organizations have offered their support for the initial study of the South Central High Performance Rail Corridor. The Texas Shortline & Regional Railroad Association and the Texas Alliance of Rail Districts both issued letters that call for a study and upgrade to the rail corridor that runs through Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas. In his letter, Steven P. George, President of the Texas Shortline and... [ see full article in the blog ]
TRA Conference Brochure on the South Central High Performance Rail Corridor
Case for the Corridor
The Case for the South Central High Performance Rail Corridor by Frederick Plous.
TxDOT Rail System Plan
Learn about TxDOT’s Texas Rail System Plan.
TxDOT Rail Division Sets Visioning Workshops for State Rail Plan
May 31, 2010 (Austin) - The new Rail Division at TxDOT concluded seven visioning workshops around the state in May as it prepares for input on it's first ever comprehensive Rail Plan. The workshops were intended to "guide future actions of both public and private sectors as they work to meet the rail needs of people and goods".
The Texas Rail Plan is also being developed in coordination with other TxDOT planing efforts now underway, including a long range transportation plan and a TxDOT Strategic Plan. The Texas Rail Plan is led by the new TxDOT Rail Division and it's Director Bill Glavin.
Discussions at the workshops focused on major intercity passenger rail corridors and major freight corridors, rail hubs and intermodal connections, possible funding mechanisms, public investment in freight and passenger rail and identifying conflicts with running passenger trains on freight rail lines and on rights of way.
Workshops were scheduled in El Paso, Corpus Christi, Dallas, Lubbock, Austin, Houston and Longview.
Texas Rail Advocates supports this effort of the new Rail Division as transportation officials in Texas realize the importance that passenger and freight rail will play in the future.
Meeting Dates:
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TRA Petitions Attorney General for Release of $190 million
NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
April 13, 2010
=========== U P D A T E ==============
News Story on
The AG's Resposne
=========== U P D A T E ==============
Texas Rail Advocates petitions Attorney General Abbott for Release of $190 Million in Rail Relocation and Improvement Funds
The following e-mail was sent to Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott today concerning $190 million dollars that was appropriated by the 81st Texas Legislature in 2009 for the Rail Relocation and Improvement Fund and held up by State Comptroller Susan Combs because of technical issues. The State Comptroller filed a request with the Attorney General's office on November 22, 2009 and we still await a decision.
Texas Rail Advocates has asked for a speedy determination on the request so that TxDOT's new Rail Division can move ahead with passenger and freight rail planning. Other states have shown significant advancements this year in their plans for higher speed passenger rail service while money for Texas is tied up. $8 Billion dollars for higher speed passenger rail improvements in 30 other states was announced by the Federal Railroad Administration in January. Texas received $11 million dollars for two smaller projects.
Text of e-mail sent to Texas Attorney General Abbott:
- - - - - - - - - - - -
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Comptroller’s implementation of article IX, section 17.10 of the 2010-11 General Appropriations Act, which directs allocations to the Rail Relocation and Improvement Fund
- - - - - - - - - - - -April 13, 2010
Attorney General Abbott,
On behalf of Texas Rail Advocates and the citizens of the State of Texas, we request a speedy determination on the release of funds allocated by the 81st Legislative Session for the Rail Relocation and Improvement Fund. This request was submitted by the State Comptroller to your office on Sunday, November 22, 2009.
In January 2010, over $8 Billion dollars in federal rail funding was distributed to over 30 states that were prepared to show that they could work toward establishing a passenger rail system.
By holding up the $190 million dollars allocated by the legislature, it puts Texas at a direct competitive disadvantage with other states and could significantly impact future federal funding opportunities. This also puts the newly established Rail Division at the Texas Department of Transportation "on hold" for a good portion of their required duties.
Therefore, we ask for a speedy resolution to this matter. Your assistance in resolving this matter is appreciated.
Peter LeCody
President
Texas Rail Advocates
TRA Monthly Meetings
The monthly TRA Meetings are held at the Center for Non-Profit Management, 2900 Live Oak St., Dallas, TX 75204, near downtown Dallas. The meetings are open meetings and rail advocates are encouraged to participate. The meetings start at 6:30pm and usually lasts about an hour.
Future Meeting schedule:
Texas transportation exec says rail now vital to state
KLBJ Radio - Austin, Texas
3/12/2010
KLBJ's Jarrod Allen reports:
The woman at the center of transportation policy in all of Texas says there is a renewed push for passenger and freight rail here. "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 can't keep up with enough of the road demand," Deirdre Delisi, Chair of the Texas Transportation Commission, said this week.
Under the Bush administration, to which Delisi is a one-time political consultant, rail was not considered as important to the state's transportation needs as were highways. However, that has changed. The U.S. Department of Transportation under the Obama administration has begun to focus more on alternative transportation, including a push during the passage of the stimulus plan, on high-speed rail.
"We're actually in the process of changing our strategic plan at TxDOT to include rail, both passenger and freight, to improve air quality and to improve congestion on the roads," Delisi said.
Other densely-populated states, including Florida, have long since created plans for elaborate rail systems. Those received closer attention under the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act as they were considered "shovel-ready". "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," she said.
One rail system on the books for years has been what is now the Lone Star Rail system (formerly a much more complex name: "Austin-San Antonio Intermunicipal Commuter Rail System")
Radio Interview at:
http://www.590klbj.com/News/Story.aspx? ID=1205919
Which State still needs the combined support of the Governor, Legislature and citites for future rail development?
Southwestern Rail Conference Highlights
Why Texas missed out on share of 8 Billion in Intercity High Speed Rail grants: FRA said “Texas did not have a unified voice”
New TxDOT Rail Director will ask for input in future workshops for a state passenger rail plan
Transportation Department Execs from Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas voice support for future rail initiatives
AAR open to working with states on passenger rail: Make sure freight rail capacity does not suffer
Texas Representative Ruth Jones McClendon: Building our rail network in Texas is good for the economy and good for jobs
Details of the 6th Annual Southwestern Rail Conference, hosted by Texas Rail Advocates, can be found at www.TexasRailAdvocates.org
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(Dallas, Texas – January 29, 2010) – One day after President Obama announced the first round of intercity passenger rail grants for 31 states, attendees at the 6th Annual Southwestern Rail Conference in Dallas found out why Texas had picked up just a scrap of 8 Billion dollars in funding.
“Texas has not been speaking with a unified voice”, according to Karen Rae, Deputy Director of the Federal Railroad Administration. Rae indicated that other states had done their planning and due diligence with their rail division personnel and had strong support from governors, legislators and cities. Big winners in the rail funding were California, Illinois and Florida. Other areas to receive sizeable grants included Washington and Oregon, the Midwest (Illinois, Wisconsin, Missouri, Michigan, Ohio) and North Carolina. Texas was last of 31 states with a $4 million dollar grant to improve Amtrak service on the Heartland Flyer, between Fort Worth and Oklahoma City. Another $7 million from another FRA fund will improve Amtrak service between Dallas and Fort Worth on the Trinity Railway Express.
Details at: http://www.fra.dot.gov/us/content/2243
A national intercity passenger rail plan is being developed with input from the states and the FRA is expected to complete the plan by next year.
Attendees at the conference heard about TxDOT’s new Rail Division from Executive Director Amadeo Saenz. The newly appointed Rail Division Director, William “Bill” Glavin indicated he took the position because “I want to make a difference in developing a passenger rail network in Texas.” Workshops will be held later this year in advance of a required Texas Passenger Rail Plan, which is expected to be completed later this year.
John Horsley, Executive Director of the American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials (AASHTO) spoke at the conference on future funding issues for both road and rail.
Jennifer Macdonald, Assistant Vice President for Government Affairs, for the Association of American Railroads focused on four main points how freight railroads can work together with cities and states for future passenger rail service. Those four key points are safety, capacity, compensation and liability.
John Helsley from the Texas Alliance of Rail Districts showed how over 40 rural and urban rail districts in Texas help to draw new rail shippers to Texas and grow existing businesses, which is a boost to local economies.
State Representative Ruth Jones McClendon, who serves on the House Transportation Committee, reaffirmed her belief that Texas needs a strong multi-modal transportation network and that the time to develop our rail systems is now. Representative McClendon said Texas needs dedicated funding for rail projects. “Lets put the contractors back to work that aren’t working, lets put the surveyors back to work that aren’t working and let’s put the engineers back to work that aren’t working during this recession.”
The North Central Texas Council of Governments has been at the forefront in developing plans for regional rail. Kevin Feldt from NCTCOG presented the initiatives.
TRA Press Release:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Texas Rail Advocates
(214) 803-7285
Website: www.SWRailConf.org
Deputy Federal RR Administrator Karen Rae to address Texas Rail Advocates in Dallas Jan. 29
Dallas (January 14, 2010) – Deputy Federal Railroad Administrator Karen Rae will be the featured speaker Jan. 29 when Texas Rail Advocates (TRA) holds its 6thAnnual Southwestern Rail Conference at the Magnolia Hotel in Dallas.
Ms. Rae, who formerly headed the transit system in Austin, Tex., plays a leading role in the development of the Obama Adminstration’s historic program to create a national high-speed and intercity passenger rail system. Last spring, President Obama announced $8 billion for the program as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). The awards, which cover new corridor projects as well as smaller projects and planning, will be announced this winter.
“TRA is very proud to be hosting Dep. Adm. Rae here in Texas at this exciting time for passenger rail,” said TRA President Peter LeCody. “Her 30 years of service in local, state and federal transportation policymaking makes her the ideal spokesman for President Obama’s passenger-rail program. She’s served in the Departments of Transportation in New York and Pennsylvania, and as director of the Virginia Department of Rail she helped develop commuter-rail service.”
Joining Deputy Director Rae at the conference will be the executive directors from the Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas departments of transportation, the Honorable Ruth Jones McClendon, who serves on the Texas House Transportation Committee; John Horsley, executive director of the American Association of State Highway & Transportation Officials (AASHTO); and executives from Union Pacific Corp. and BNSF Railway.
Although Texas was not one of the applicants for first-round ARRA passenger rail funding, it recently took a giant step toward developing its own passenger-rail program, LeCody said.
“TxDOT has established a dedicated Rail Division, hired a former railroader as director and retained a distinguished consultant to develop a statewide passenger rail plan,” he said.
The new director, Bill Glavin, and the consultant, Dr. C. Michael Walton of the University of Texas at Austin, will be appearing at the conference.
The two designated higher-speed passenger rail corridors in Texas are the South Central (which combines Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas sections) and the Gulf Coastcorridor, which stretches from Houston to New Orleans. Both have federal designation for faster passenger and freight rail development, but received little attention until passage of the ARRA.
Other presenters at the conference include John Helsley from the Texas Alliance of Rail Districts, who will show how rural and urban rail districts have had a positive economic impact in growing jobs and businesses in Texas; and former Amtrak Chairman John Robert Smith, now CEO of Reconnecting America. Smith will discuss how to integrate transportation systems and the communities they serve.
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About the Sixth Annual Southwestern Rail Conference
It is the only all-rail conference held each year in Texas, hosted by Texas Rail Advocates, a 501 (c) (3) not-for-profit membership organization that advocates development of passenger and freight rail service in the state and the Southwest.
Amtrak Board: Lets talk about expansion plans in Texas
Texas Rail Advocates News Release
(December 11, 2009)
This week the Amtrak Board of Directors authorized negotiations with the Union Pacific Railroad, for daily train service to be extended from San Antonio to Los Angeles and eastward to Houston and New Orleans.
At present there is only tri-weekly train service between New Orleans / Houston / San Antonio / El Paso / Los Angeles. The Texas Eagle, which originates in Chicago and serves many Texas cities daily would be extended to offer direct daily service to westward intermediate points such as El Paso, Tucson, Maricopa (Phoenix) and Palm Springs.
This would mark the first time in decades that this route would offer daily service.
For the rail segment of the current Sunset Limited passenger rail route between San Antonio, Houston and New Orleans, a new daily train would be established, with regular coach and a first class coach service, along with a food service car. Other cities to be served would include Beaumont, Texas, Lake Charles and Lafayette, Louisiana.
There is no information as to when this service will commence, and on what schedules the two trains will operate.
Amtrak service East of New Orleans to popular Florida destinations was suspended after Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Four years later, Amtrak still offers no time frame to restore passenger service, even through the tracks on which it ran were restored back to operating condition.
TxDOT Names Its First Rail Division Director
(November 23, 2009) - Austin
In a news release today, Amadeo Saenz, Executive Director of the Texas Department of Transportation announced that the newly formed Rail Division now has a leader. The new Rail Division will allow Texas to catch up with other states that have been far ahead in developing passenger rail corridors and improving the flow of freight rail traffic.
His prepared comments follow:
I am pleased to announce the appointment of William "Bill" Glavin, P.E., as the Director of the Rail Division, effective December 1, 2009.
Bill comes to TxDOT with more than 30 years experience in the rail industry, including stints with Burlington Northern Railroad, North American RailNet and, most recently, as a consultant with RVBA and Associates. Bill earned his bachelor's degree in biology in 1975 from Johns Hopkins University and his bachelor's in civil engineering from Michigan State University in 1977. After graduation from MSU, he went to work for Burlington Northern as a corporate management trainee and rose through the ranks to eventually become system chief engineer and general manager of strategic network design, where he was responsible for short- and long-term planning and budgets.
Bill became licensed professional engineer in Wisconsin in 1981 and became licensed in Texas upon his arrival in 1991.
Bill has two children - Amy, 21, a senior at Dallas Baptist University; and Lauren, 19, a sophomore at Baylor University.
Creation of the Rail Division will consolidate the department's major rail responsibilities - planning, inspection, at-grade rail crossings, management of the South Orient Railroad and rail public transit - under a single division.
Please join me in welcoming Bill to the TxDOT family.
Amadeo Saenz
FRA Administrator: Who gets the Fed's High Speed $$ and When
STATEMENT FROM FEDERAL RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION (FRA) ADMINISTRATOR JOSEPH C. SZABO, October 6, 2009
"We have received numerous applications from states and groups of states for the development of high-speed and intercity passenger rail programs for grant funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. These include 45 applications from 24 states totaling approximately $50 billion to advance high-speed rail corridor programs. We also received 214 applications from 34 states totaling $7 billion for corridor planning and smaller projects.
"Due to the overwhelming response and our desire to lay the groundwork for a truly national high-speed and intercity passenger rail program, we will be announcing all awards this winter. Our selections will be merit-based and will reflect President Obama's vision to remake America's transportation landscape. We look forward to further evaluating these proposals and spurring economic development while providing Americans with clean, energy-efficient transportation choices in the years and decades to come."
TXDOT Rail Division Director
Dallas - August 9, 2009 - The Texas Department of Transportation is scouting for a Director to lead a newly created Rail Division, a first for the state agency. This newly created and staffed division should put Texas on a faster track for development of passenger rail services and improving the flow of freight rail traffic throughout the state.
The push for a Rail Divison at TxDOT started back in 2000 with Texas Rail Advocates, a grass-roots non profit organization based in Dallas. States such as North Carolina, Wisconsin, Illinois, California, Washington and others developed plans for higher speed and frequent passenger rail service while Texas concentrated on more highway projects. The fact that Texas contains more railroad miles than any other state in the country and lacked full oversight and a vision helped pave the way for advancing a Rail Division program.
Most recently, state legislators voiced concern that Texas was falling behind other states in the development of rail services and legislation was proposed under the TxDOT Sunset Review in create a Rail Division. While the transportation department's review did not happen before the end of the recent legislative session, the Texas Transportation Commission was briefed this year on what a potential rail division would encompass and Commissioners voiced support for rail as a multi-modal solution.
The board of Texas Rail Advocates sees the search for a Rail Division Director as a key step in moving our state forward on both passenger and freight rail development.
For additional information - conact:
Peter LeCody, President
Texas Rail Advocates
214-803-7285
Peter@TexasRailAdvocates.org
The text of the position requistion for Director, Rail Division can be found on the TXDOT Employment web site at:
www.dot.state.tx.us/employment/alljvns/
jvn013707.htm
Heartland Flyer turns 10
Amtrak's Heartland Flyer celebrated 10 years of daily service between Fort Worth and Oklahoma City on Saturday, June 13 with a celebration at the Oklahoma City station.
The Flyer is a joint effort of the Texas Department of Transportation, Oklahoma DOT and Amtrak and runs on BNSF Railway lines between the two cities. The service continues to increase in ridership and revenue and is one of the most highly rated corridor trains as in Amtrak's customer service satisfaction reports. The Heartland Flyer Coalition, a grass-roots volunteer organization, has been a dynamic force in promoting the rail service.
Texas on board for high-speed rail efforts
(June 1, 2009)
From Texas Department of Transportation
Keep Texas Moving e-newsletter
High-speed rail could gain traction in Texas with several state and federal efforts.
President Obama recently introduced a plan to build a nationwide high-speed rail system, with two routes in Texas. The plan would tap $8 billion from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, as well as $5 billion from the federal budget over the next five years. The Federal Railroad Administration plans to award its first round of grants this summer.
The first round of funding would focus on ready-to-go projects, and a second round would call for comprehensive proposals that encompass entire corridors or significant sections. Additional grants would provide start-up funding to plan corridors that are not ready for construction.
The proposed corridors crossing Texas include the South Central Corridor, which would link Dallas-Fort Worth, Austin, San Antonio, Texarkana, Oklahoma City and Tulsa; and the Gulf Coast Corridor connecting Houston with New Orleans, Mobile and other cities in the Southeast. The Texas Legislature is considering several bills that would position the state to access the federal funds. One would create a government corporation to develop and seek funding for a high-speed rail system for Texas. Another would offer tax breaks for private rail builders, and an additional bill would create a rail division at the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to increase focus on passenger rail.
The Texas Legislature is considering several bills that would position the state to access the federal funds. One would create a government corporation to develop and seek funding for a high-speed rail system for Texas. Another would offer tax breaks for private rail builders, and an additional bill would create a rail division at the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to increase focus on passenger rail.
PRESIDENT OBAMA ANNOUNCES A VISION FOR HIGH SPEED RAIL IN THE U.S.
Details are available on the Federal Railroad Administration website at http://www.fra.dot.gov/us/content/44
Note that there are TWO higher speed rail corridors in Texas that are key components in this proposal.
Additional information and map of the corridor are available at www.texasrailadvocates.org near the bottom of the homepage. Download the brochure at http://texasrailadvocates.org/Conf-Jan-2006/brochure/brochure-small.pdf
(The following from the FRA Website):
A Vision for HighSpeed Rail in America
Highlights of Strategic Plan
April 16, 2009
This plan outlines the President’s vision to build a network of high-speed rail corridors cross America. It is the first high-speed rail requirement under the American Recovery nd Reinvestment Act 0f 2009 (ARRA).
VISION—Proposal is to transform the nation’s transportation system, by rebuilding existing rail infrastructure while launching new high-speed passenger rail services in 100-600 mile corridors that connect U.S. communities. Similar to how interstate highways and U.S. aviation system were developed in 20th century: partnership between public sector and private industry, including strong Federal leadership that provided a national vision.
OBAMA ADMINISTRATION IS MOVING AHEAD OF SCHEDULE TO STAND UP THIS NEW PROGRAM—Strategic rail plan issued just 58 days after passage of ARRA, before the Congressional deadline. Application procedures expected to be published also before Congressional deadline—this spring. First round grant awards expected to be announced before the end of this summer, up to three years ahead of the schedule required by law.
COMMITMENT TO HIGHSPEED RAIL—Unprecedented $8 billion investment in high-speed rail: $8 billion in ARRA considered a down payment on a national network of corridors, along with $1 billion per year for at least 5 years (proposed in FY 2010 budget). Completion of vision will require long-term commitment from both the Federal Government and States.
BENEFITS OF HIGHSPEED RAIL—Promotes economic expansion (including new manufacturing jobs), creates new choices for travelers in addition to flying or driving, reduces national dependence on oil, and fosters urban and rural community development.
HIGHSPEED RAIL IS GREEN— Today’s intercity passenger rail service consumes one-third less energy per passenger-mile than cars. It is estimated that if we built high speed rail lines on all federally-designated corridors (on map), it could result in an annual reduction of 6 billion po
1unds of CO2. o TRANSPARENT APPROACH—projects selected for funding based on merit/benefits of investment.
High Speed Rail Vision
Ten major corridors are being identified for potential high-speed rail projects
Also, opportunities exist for the Northeast Corridor (Washington, Baltimore, Wilmington, Philadelphia, Newark, New York City, New Haven, Providence, Boston) to compete for funds for improvements to the nation’s only existing high-speed rail service, and for establishment and upgrades to passenger rail services in other parts of the country.
OUTREACH—Administration will take a collaborative approach to formulate program; will work with stakeholders to gather feedback on strategic plan and help shape the program.
More Info is at:
BNSF chief talks about passenger rail
From Fort Worth Star-Telegram, April 1, 2009
WASHINGTON — BNSF Railway’s CEO Matt Rose testified Wednesday before Congress, but not about freight rail issues. The chairman of the Fort Worth-based rail company spoke about the future of high-speed passenger rail at a hearing of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development. "As a freight railroad CEO, a member of the National Surface Transportation Policy and Revenue Study Commission, and an early supporter of the One Rail coalition, I’ve had a lot of opportunity to think about what our country’s vision for passenger rail ought to be," he told lawmakers. Here are some excerpts from his prepared testimony before the subcommittee, headed by Rep. John Olver, D-Mass.
"It is possible to increase speeds from 79 mph to 90 mph on tracks that both freight and passenger trains use."
"At sustained speeds in excess of 90 mph, passenger train operations will need to be segregated from freight operations on separate track."
"It took $4-a-gallon gas to show us that passenger train options are important to providing a fuel-efficient alternative to the highway for millions of Americans."
— Maria Recio
Stimulus/Recovery Update
Amtrak passenger train stations in Texas will benefit from $2,665,000 in improvements as part of a national share of transportation upgrades through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Complete details can be found at
Of significance: the Beaumont, Texas station (or lack of a station since it has only been a concrete slab with no amenities nearby) will receive $1,250,00 for a station and platform along with $14,000 for mobility improvements. Many other Texas Amtrak train stations will benefit from the stimulus funds that include bringing the stations up to ADA compliance.
A list of projects from the Amtrak site:
I-35 Corridor Advisory Council Report: Texas' Rail Future
(Austin) - October 12, 2008. The I-35 Corridor Advisory Committee report was presented to TxDOT officials Wednesday, October 12 and in it the report highly recommends rail improvements along the corridor. Other recommendations include developing a Task Force to take advantage of HR2095, the most far reaching federal legislation in decades for passenger intercity rail; establishing a Rail Division at TxDOT; capitalizing the Rail Relocation and Improvement Fund and establishing a dedicated source of funding for rail development.
Link to the Citizen's Report on the Current and Future Needs of the I-35 Corridor.
TRA to TXDOT: Create a Task Force for the South Central Rail Corridor and a Rail Division within TXDOT!
October 30, 2008 (Dallas) - In public comment given before the Texas Transportation Commission meeting in Dallas today, Texas Rail Advocates Executive Administrator Peter LeCody urged the Commissioners to implement a Task Force for development of the South Central Rail Corridor in the light of recently enacted federal legislation. TRA is also calling for the creation of a dedicated Rail Division within the Texas Department of Transportation so that it will be equipped to handle large scale rail projects in the future.
The text of LeCody's comments to the Commissioners follows:
Texas Rail Advocates is a non-profit organization educating the public and elected officials about the benefits of improved rail transportation in Texas and the Southwest. Our mission is to accelerate Texas's economic growth and enhance the quality of life enjoyed by its people by advancing the development of rail service to its full potential as a carrier of freight and passengers.
With the passage of HR2095 The Railroad Safety Enhancement Act, signed into law on October 16, 2008 by President Bush, a new era for passenger and freight rail development has begun for Texas. Language in the Act calls for development of the South Central and Gulf Coast Rail Corridors, which have been designated by the U.S. Department of Transportation as key rail transportation corridors in the country. The South Central Rail Corridor connects the social and economic spine of Texas with Oklahoma and Arkansas while the Gulf Coast Rail Corridor connects Houston and Southeast Texas easterly to New Orleans. There are provisions in the act for an 80% federal / 20% state match for rail corridor development. Texas will be competing with other rail corridors around the country for future funding. Therefore, Texas Rail Advocates urges the commission to establish a Task Force to develop a Corridor Development Action and Implementation Plan.
In order to meet the transportation challenges of tomorrow, Texas Rail Advocates also calls for the commission to establish a Rail Division within TxDOT, as other states have done, including Oklahoma and New Mexico. A Rail Division would be responsible for coordinating future higher speed passenger and freight rail development, safety initiatives, industrial access to rail services to help ensure that companies have the railroad tracks needed to transport freight and materials, track and station improvements, corridor preservation and responsibility for state safety oversight of transit agencies with rail-fixed guideway systems; including street cars and trolleys operated by other government bodies. A Rail Division could also coordinate projects from the Federal Transit Administration and Federal Railroad Administration to maximize any available federal funding. And a dedicated Rail Division would serve as the TxDOT liaison with private and public sector rail operators, rail shippers, communities and other stakeholders.
Passenger and freight rail will play a larger role in Texas' transportation future. Let's get there by laying the roundwork now. A Task Force for the Corridors now and a Rail Division for TxDOT sooner rather than later.
Rail MOU
In the spirit of the 139th anniversary of the joining together east and west of the Transcontinental Railroad at Promontory Summit, there took place an historic signing ceremony of a Memorandum of Understanding on May 10th bringing together East Texas and North Central Texas Council of Governments with Northwest Louisiana Council of Governments.
Information on this historic event can be found at:
www.eastxcc.com/national_train_day
3rd Annual South Central High Performance Rail Corridor Conference
Our conference was held January 25-26, 2007, at the DFW International Airport Hyatt Regency Hotel. Click for a wrapup of the conference including presentatio materials and video streaming.
New York spending $60M for rail
The State of New York is providing $60M to improve rail infrastracture improvements. More in the blog.
Amtrak Chairman calls for passenger Service in Texas
AMTRAK Chairman David Laney, speaking in Austin on Friday, pointed out that both Florida and Texas are poised for explosive population growth in the next 30 years and that without a serious commitment for commercial rail growth, it is unacceptable from a transportation point of view. (continued)
