- Click here for the article.
The mayors of Houston, Dallas and Fort Worth on Thursdayannounced their unified support for the construction of a privately funded bullet train between the two metropolitan regions.
“If successful, Houstonians will have a reliable, private alternative that will help alleviate traffic congestion and drastically reduce travel times,” Houston Mayor Annise Parker said at a press conference at Houston City Hall.
Texas Central Railway announced in 2012 its plans to build a 200 mph rail line that would transport passengers between Dallas and Houston within 90 minutes. The company has said it will not require any public subsidies to fund the multibillion-dollar project, which it is developing in partnership with a Japanese firm, Central Japan Railway.
The mayors praised the project and predicted it would aid the state economically and environmentally by reducing the number of people traveling by car.
“Not only will high-speed rail significantly reduce travel times and traffic congestion for Dallas and Houston area residents, but it will also create new, high-paying jobs and stimulate economic growth,” Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings said.
The president of Texas Central Railway is the former Harris County Judge Robert Eckels. His father served a Harris County Commissioner.
- Click here for a Houston Chronicle story about him considering various private sector offers from the private sector while county judge.
One of the advosors to the company is Tom Schieffer, who was appointed by George W. Bush to be Ambassador to Japan (where the Central Japan Railway is located). He is the younger brother of Bob Schieffer - host of CBS's Face the Nation.
My advice to you is to cultivate whatever connections you may have.
