Allred Applauds Key Federal Approvals of High Speed Rail From Dallas to Houston, Will Continue Bipartisan Work to Get Project Done

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Colin Allred (TX-32), a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, today released the following statement after news that the Dallas to Houston high-speed rail project received key approvals from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA).

"This common-sense project has broad bipartisan support and will help power our economic growth by creating jobs and further connecting the communities of Dallas and Houston," said Allred. "When Texans work together we can do big things. I'm proud to have led the Texas delegation in support of this project, and I will continue to work across the aisle from my role on the Transportation Committee to move this project forward."

Allred has been a vocal champion of the project and led the charge on an effort urging support last year to the U.S. Surface Transportation Board with Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson (TX-30). The letter was also signed by Reps. John Carter (TX-31), Kay Granger (TX-12), Sheila Jackson Lee (TX-18), Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07), Sylvia Garcia (TX-29), Van Taylor (TX-03), Lance Gooden (TX-05), and Roger Williams (TX-25).

The high-speed rail project is backed by Texas Central and it is estimated that once completed, people will be able to get from Dallas to Houston in 90 minutes. Texas Central estimates it will create more than 17,000 direct jobs during the six years of construction and over 20,000 supply chain jobs.

The decision from the (FRA) included the Record of Decision that completes the environmental review period and the Rule of Particular Applicability which sets safety standards.