E-Mail Us

Houston Region Freight Rail Study - FAQs

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is now the state's rail agency. House Bill 2702 (79th Texas Legislature) transferred the Texas Railroad Commission's rail function to TxDOT. It also gave TxDOT the authority to implement and acquire, finance, construct, maintain, and with certain exceptions, operate passenger or freight rail facilities.

What is the purpose of this study?

House Bill 1546 (79th Texas Legislature) and a subsequent amendment to the state constitution approved by voters in November 2005, created the Texas Rail Relocation and Improvement Fund. This fund was necessary because TxDOT does not have the authority to spend state gas tax dollars, which are constitutionally dedicated to roadways, on rail. In addition, the state gas tax monies can cover preventative maintenance only on the aging TxDOT system; hence it is inadequate for other uses. In conjunction with local, federal, and private rail road monies, this new Rail fund will help to implement rail improvement projects in the future.

Though the fund has been established by law, it is currently unfunded. Because of this, the Texas Transportation Commission, TxDOT's governing body, commissioned a Statewide Freight Rail Study to determine the amount of funding required to address the needs of the state's rail infrastructure. In addition, the study will identify a timeframe for implementation such as short-range (1-5 years); mid-range (5-15 years); and long-range (15+ years). The commission is expected to send this report to the 80th Texas Legislature in order to facilitate the funding of the newly created rail fund.

Is this an implementation plan?

No, this is a needs assessment report for the Texas Legislature's consideration. This report will help the legislature understand the level of investment required and the kinds of projects needed to improve the state's rail system, thereby improving the quality of life for communities and ensuring economic prosperity through the efficient movement of goods and services.

Who is going to implement these improvements?

House Bill 2958 (79th Texas Legislature) created a Freight Rail District for the Houston region. The law provides for a local governing body where TxDOT will be an ad hoc member. In cooperation with the area's Metropolitan Planning Organization, which in Houston is the Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC), and TxDOT, this local district will advance these, or any other improvements deemed necessary, towards implementation. The Texas Transportation Commission's intent is to delegate authority and responsibility to local elected officials and policy makers to chart the region's transportation future.

Are these improvements set in stone?

No. This is the start of the conversation on the kind of improvements that will benefit the quality of life in our communities and economic growth in our region. This is not a final list of improvements. We see this as an evolving process, where we will listen to our elected officials and the public and will ultimately develop a plan that will enjoy community consensus. This needs assessment at present is necessary to help the legislature understand the extent of investment needed in order for them to adequately fund the Texas Rail Relocation and Improvement Fund. After the legislature funds this fund, the local Freight Rail District, TxDOT, H-GAC and other public and private partners will work together to prioritize improvements and undertake the rigorous project development schedule that will include an environmental and public involvement process.

Will the railroads contribute towards these improvements?

This study will individually quantify the public and private benefits of implementing these improvements. The Governor of Texas has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the railroad companies in Texas. This MOU provides direction that any improvement that will benefit the public will be paid for with public funds and any private improvement will require railroad/private investments.

Will the public have additional opportunities to provide input on the improvements identified?

Yes. Public input is a critical component of everything we do and we value your opinion. If you would like more information about this study, contact us. In addition, as these improvements move forward into more detailed studies, the public will be afforded the opportunity to review and comment on the individual identified improvements as part of the MPO process and also TxDOT's project development process.