High-Speed Rail Study Between Dallas, Fort Worth Gets Federal Approval

Study will look at environmental impact, public opinion of high-speed passenger rail throughout region

AUSTIN — The Federal Railroad Administration today initiated the process of evaluating the possibility for a high-speed passenger rail line between Fort Worth and Dallas by publishing a Notice Of Intent to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for such a line. Submitted to the Federal Register, this document marks the beginning of the process that will study the feasibility and impacts, and gather public input, of the proposed passenger rail line.

“The development of high-speed rail could be a significant opportunity for our state,” said Commissioner Victor Vandergriff, Texas Transportation Commission. “The Texas Department of Transportation is currently studying potential high-speed rail corridors throughout the state as we consider possible options to provide a comprehensive transportation system to meet the needs of our growing population.”

The EIS will examine possible routes for the proposed high-speed passenger rail line while also taking into consideration the potential impacts they may have on the region’s communities, economy, open spaces, streams, floodplains and wildlife. It also will take into account various federal regulations, including the National Historic Preservation Act, and investigate potential impacts of stations, power facilities and maintenance facilities that would support high-speed rail operations.

“High-speed rail represents an important opportunity for addressing congestion in the rapidly growing Dallas-Fort Worth region,” said Chairman Bill Meadows, Commission for High Speed Rail in the Dallas/Fort Worth Region. “With today’s announcement, the Federal Railroad Administration has granted formal approval for us to begin this important process.”

Local entities and the public will have 90 days to submit written comments on the scope of the EIS. For more information on how to submit comments, visit the “Get Involved” section of the DFW High Speed Rail website.

For media inquiries, contact TxDOT Media Relations at MediaRelations@txdot.gov or (512) 463-8700.