September 2, 2026 - TRA Newswire - 

The Texas House Transportation Subcommittee on Funding held its interim hearing in Corpus Christi today and heard from invited testimony and public comments on the needs of Texas for roads, rail, aviation and ports.  

Texas Rail Advocates President Peter LeCody thanked legislators for the two rail grant programs that were passed in the 2025 session, asked for funding levels to support them while asking for a third new rail program that would establish a passenger rail revolving fund.

"For the first time, Texas can participate in competitive federal rail crossing grants, "said LeCody. "This will separate vehicles and trains at road/rail crossings, save lives and keep commerce in Texas moving." He referred to Senate Bill 1555 which created a rail grade separation grant program that cities and counties could use at rail crossings that are not on the Texas Department of Transportation state network. 

"Texas received three quarters of a billion dollars for a basket of grade crossing projects across the state because, in this federal program, they were along national passenger rail corridors. Texas received the largest share of any state with 80% federal funding," according to LeCody," and Marc Williams of TxDOT said earlier that this was the largest grant ($756 million) the agency ever received."

The rail grade separation grant program is off to a strong start and it deserves continued state investment so we can caoture matching federal dollars, according to the advocate.

The House Transportation Subcommittee is chaired by Representative Terry Canales (Edinburg) with serving members Dennis Paul (Houston), Cole Hefner (Mount Pleasant). Jared Patterson (Frisco), and Mary Ann Perez (Houston). 

"You also passed the Short Line Railroad Grant Program last year, but without a fiscal note," said LeCody. "Please consider a $25 million appropriation for these short line freight railroad."

As part of Texas Rail Advocates' 2026-2027 legislative agenda, board members had approved asking legislators to create a Passenger Rail Revolving Fund, similar to what the state of Kansas wrote into law in 2025.

"We can't build enough roads to the future and we need multi-modal solutions, according to LeCody. "A kick start of $90 million in the next session could generate federal matching funds for conventional passenger rail grants just like SB1555 did for rail crossings. Overburdened I-35 between Austin and San Antonio is a prime example where passenger rail can make a difference. We'd love to see a bill filed to establish a passenger rail revolving fund and we'd love to work with all of you to move it forward."

The subcommittee met at the Ortiz Center in Corpus Christi, not far from the old abandoned passenger rail station that operated more than half a centry ago when the city was served by trains.

Photo credit: Texas Rail Advocates