Mayor Sylvester Turner congratulates Texas Central Partners on reaching two historic milestones that move the railroad closer to breaking ground on its high-speed rail project.
Earlier today, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Railroad Administration released the final Rule of Particular Applicability (RPA) and the Record of Decision (ROD) for Texas Central Railroad, LLC, marking a significant achievement for the high-speed rail project and bringing it closer to construction.
“Today’s announcement from Texas Central means that this landmark project is closer than ever to breaking ground. The construction of high-speed rail will have a generational impact, creating thousands of jobs right here in Houston and injecting billions of dollars into our local businesses,” said Mayor Turner. “Once operational, the system will create connections and opportunities never thought possible. The City stands with Texas Central and looks forward to continuing our work together to make this project a success for the City of Houston and our state.”
In August 2017, the City of Houston and Texas Central Partners signed an agreement on developing the high-speed train and passenger station connections.
The agreement outlined Texas Central’s commitment to recruiting construction contractors, subcontractors, and employees from the Houston-area job market to construct the project and its maintenance and operation. The plan includes a minority, women and small business enterprises program in line with the City’s goals for professional services, development, construction, supplier, and other related services.
Texas Central also agreed to develop Houston’s high-speed rail passenger station near south of U.S. 290, west of Loop 610 and north of Interstate 10. The location provides access to major employment centers, including the Galleria, Medical Center, Energy Corridor, and Downtown.
“While we expect the project to boost the region’s economic and employment outlook, the City also looks forward to the day when passengers can board the first high-speed train to enjoy a more efficient and modern mode of transportation between Houston and Dallas,” said Mayor Turner.