TRA Austin Trip

by Paul Mangelsdorf
President
PaulM@TexasRailAdvocates.org

Texas Rail Advocates had a productive trip to Austin in early March 2004. The first meeting was with TxDOT Executive Director Michael Behrens. Joining TRA's Paul Mangelsdorf, John Radovich and Dick Watkins were Laurie McAnally, from Representative Mike Krusee's office (House Transportation Chairman), and Erin Sanders, from Representative Linda Harper Browns office.

Mr. Behrens father worked for the Southern Pacific Railroad. He and John Radovich exchanged comments about family involvement in the transportation business. The meeting began with an explanation of the South East High Speed Rail Corridor and the brochure, which featured the benefits of a complete development of this Virginia, Carolinas and Georgia corridor. Mr. Behrens commented on the Trans Texas Corridor project and its development. He told the meting attendees that it is necessary to keep in mind that the plans for the Trans Texas Corridor are in the initial stages. Comments were made that while TXDOT is still 90% highway, its focus is broadening to include the other major modes. Mr. Behrens was not aware that the South Central Corridor was the only one not funded but was impressed with the South East Corridor goals and plans.

The second meeting was with Phil Russell Director of the Texas Turnpike Authority division and Mario Medina director of the intermodal division. This division has been given the responsibility of planning and developing the Trans Texas corridor. Mr. Russell was interested in the South Central Corridor and its future potential. It was pointed out that the federal funding through the Swift High Speed Rail Development Act is an 80/20 match. Texas Rail Advocates also pointed out that though there is a gap between the Mid West and South Central Corridors it is not unlike the beginnings of the federal highway system. The Mid west corridor is within one year of being ready to accommodate 80-90 mph Container and piggyback trains as well as 90-110 passenger trains. Of interest to Mr. Russell was the fact that BNSF had considered container train service between Ft. Worth/Dallas and Houston. The ability of rail to carry large amounts of freight and many passengers economically and without environmental damage was touched on several times. John, Dick and Paul commented that it would have been nice to leave Dallas on a 7:30 am train and arrive in Austin at 9:50am, just in time for the meetings.

At lunch Dennis Kearns, the BNSF legislative representative joined Laurie McAnally, Bob Kamm (TRA's key Austin contact) and the three TRA board members for lunch. Dennis commented that BNSF was considering a new container service from Ft. Worth/Dallas to Houston. He also commented on the recent increase of speed limits on the Heartland Flyer between Ft. Worth and Oklahoma City. The first afternoon meeting gave the Texas Rail Advocate representatives a chance to explain to Laurie Friedman of the Infrastructure and Homeland Security committee the difference between the study process occurring in the South East Corridor and the total lack of progress with South Central Corridor. The TRA reps said that they'd like to testify on behalf of a Rail division for TxDOT.

Kris Heckman, from Governor Perry's office, used his meting with John, Paul, and Dick to explain how TxDOT is negotiating with Union Pacific to build a rail bypass with in the right of way of the first segment of the Trans Texas Corridor. John, Dick and Paul shared with Kris the exciting vision of the fully developed South Central Corridor. A Union Pacific relocation would benefit all the cities from Austin South. Commuter service between George Town and San Antonio will begin in the first quarter of 2009, if all goes well.

In their meeting with Rachel Kampfer of CAMPO (Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization) the TRA representatives heard about plans for a new Austin area commuter rail service and the steps anticipated in its development. Rachel asked how the South Central Corridor would impact Capital Area transit. It was explained that fast, frequent Corridor passenger service would complement the commuter service requiring only an across the platform transfer between trains.

On the way back to Dallas John proposed a new surcharge on containers and trailers carried by truck through Texas while those on trains would have no surcharge. The suggested $10.00 fee would go to a fund to help the growth on intermodal (both freight and passenger) facilities. Several states already have such a fee California being one. Fees from intermodal traffic along the Alameda Corridor are used to improve and maintain intermodal facilities.