Local News: Central Texas Lobbying for Rail Funding

Officials Get in Line for Rail Funding
By Noelle Yaqoub

From the Temple Daily Telegram

Central Texas lawmakers are lining up to ask for transportation money as a congressional committee prepares a highway bill. Some of that money is for high-speed transit and public transportation needs.

U.S. Rep. John Carter, R-Round Rock, is requesting almost $391 million. The majority of that will go toward financing studies and construction of the Texas T-Bone in Central Texas.

“Congressman Carter has put in a transportation appropriations request for $350 million specifically for the Texas T-Bone,” said John Stone, communications director for Carter.

The transportation bill, which could reach $450 billion, is undergoing committee scrutiny this month and, if approved, will include money for projects over a six-year period.

Of some $660 million sought by Waco Democrat Chet Edwards, nearly two-thirds is for transportation or rail projects.

One of Edwards’ requests is money for a portion of the Texas T-Bone to connect Waco with Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport.

Temple Mayor Bill Jones III has been a strong proponent of the project, and the Temple City Council has expressed support as well.

Earlier this week, Jones attended the American Public Transportation Association annual meeting, which had a focus on railways. Jones made a presentation on the Texas T-Bone plan.

“It was very well received,” Jones said. “Many people came and complimented us - Texas - on the plan and said that it made sense.”

Jones said the plan has the Temple-Killeen area as the hub for the Texas T-Bone.

On June 4, the Temple City Council approved the articles of incorporation and bylaws for the South Central High-Speed Rail and Transportation Authority Inc., a local government corporation whose purpose is to promote high-speed rail passenger service in Texas.

In April, the council decided to form the corporation, which is seeking a contract with the state to implement high-speed rail service through the city to other areas of the state.

Published on Friday, June 19, 2009