August 5, 2024 - TRA Newswire - 

Travis County Judge Andy Brown, who earlier this year vowed to bring passenger rail service to the public between Austin, San Antonio and beyond, chaired a live and virtual meeting in the Rio Grande Valley today and said the Texas Passenger Rail Advisory Committee will be asking state lawmakers for a $300 million kickstart appropriation in the upcoming 2025 session.

The recently formed TPRAC drew dozens of elected and appointed officials to discuss expansion on passenger rail in the I-35 travel corridor. The startup organizations is also engaging a wide net of interested parties including councils of government, municipal planning organizations, economic development agencies, rail advocates, staffers from Austin capitol offices and even a representative from Governor Abbott's office.

The meeting, hosted by the Rio Grande Valley Partnership, emphasized the necessity of collaboration among local leaders to advocate for passenger rail investment in Texas. A draft letter intended for the Texas legislature was discussed, with a call for attendees to review and gather signatures by August 30 in preparation for the upcoming legislative session.

"There are a lot of exciting options and we are trying to work with Union Pacific as they own the rail line that Amtrak runs on between Austin and San Antonio," according to Judge Brown. He pointed to TxDOT starting projects on I-35 that could last for eight to ten years to finish and cause traffic disruptions. " Brown mentioned a study that indicated "if we had great intercity rail between Austin and San Antonio something like 20% of the traffic on the highways would leave and take the train." 

Rio Grande officials highlighted the history and current initiatives related to passenger rail in the RGV, including the results of a recent study and the need for a corridor identification program. Judge Brown urged regional leaders to actively participate and share their insights on routes and advocacy.

A draft letter to the legislature is being circulated to both committee members and interested parties asking for $300 million to get passenger rail projects started in Texas.  Judge Brown said "we're asking for the state to participate and figure out how to join and take advantage of federal funds that are available to build and improve passenger rail in Texas."

Todd Stennis, from Amtrak Government Affairs, stressed the need to clarify funding sources by distinguishing between intercity and commuter rail funding and that terminology is important when considering their involvement. Stennis indicated that Amtrak operates Intercity passenger rail service and not commuter rail programs. Intercity could be a route as long as the Texas Eagle from San Antonio to Chicago or a shorter intercity route such as the Heartland Flyer between Fort Worth and Oklahoma City. 

A logo for the rail advisory committee was unveiled for the first time. 

TPRAC is planning a summit from all participants up and down the I-35 corridor on August 16 at the Travis County building in Austin.

Photo credit: Texas Passenger Rail Advisory Committee