News
Print This Page « Send to a friend «
Subscribe
e-Subscribe to News updates
North Texas Officials Plan for Larger Rail System
11/24/2008
In a dramatic step that could pay for a regional commuter rail system, the Regional Transportation Council voted in favor of the Rail North Texas plan that could lead to the creation of a new Transportation District on Nov. 6. The final vote was 26 in favor of both rail and roadways, 13 opposed and four absent.
A Transportation District would be similar to existing water districts or community college districts that can levy fees and taxes, with voter approval, issue debt for projects and pay for operations.
The next step will be for local leaders to work with the Texas Legislature before it convenes in January. If the legislature agrees, individual counties, including Tarrant and Denton, could be asked to vote as soon as November, 2009 on the items, similar to a bond election.
This could be a way for cities like Colleyville that are along the Cotton Belt line to join in the passenger rail that’s planned to start by 2012. The ultimate goal of Rail North Texas, which formed in February, is to build hundreds of miles of regional passenger rail throughout the Metroplex.
Cities such as Grapevine, who have already voted to participate and pay their share for a transit station, could get other benefits from the plans, such as needed highway and road improvements, said Michael Morris, director of transportation for the North Central Texas Council of Governments.
