Supporters of high speed rail through Bryan/College Station asked the Bryan city council Tuesday night for public support.
Matt Brasseaux, representing the state’s high speed rail lobbying organization, said vocal support was necessary as Japanese investors based in Houston are preparing to announce a direct route to and from Dallas, skipping B/CS.
Also speaking was John Happ, who recently retired as Easterwood Airport’s director. He believes high speed rail will replace commuter airlines once the Wright Amendment repeal goes into affect in October 2014.
While Brasseaux and Happ spoke at the opening of Tuesday’s meeting during time reserved for public comment, Councilmen Chuck Konderla and Art Hughes gave their support at the end of the meeting during time reserved for personal comments.
Click HERE to read the high speed rail proposal as submitted to the Travis County Commission.
No action was taken by the Bryan council.
While the Texas High Speed Rail and Transportation Corporation was represented at the Bryan council meeting, another commuter rail proposal was before the Georgetown city council on Tuesday night:
GEORGETOWN, Texas (AP) _ Leaders of a Central Texas city have reversed course and will remain with a transit group planning a 118-mile commuter rail line.
The Georgetown City Council voted Tuesday night to stay in the Lone Star Rail District. Members tied at 3-3 then Mayor George Garver cast the deciding vote.
The plans include a stop in Georgetown, just north of Austin, as part of a rail line reaching San Antonio.
Georgetown has been with the Lone Star Rail District since 2007 and paid nearly $50,000 annually. Council members in June voted to drop out amid concerns about the cost of building, maintaining and operating the line.
The Georgetown Transportation Advisory Board recommended staying with the district as plans proceed for an environmental study. Results could help cities secure federal transportation funds.