A series of public meetings are being held to review and submit comments on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) in conjunction with the proposed High-Speed Rail project that would connect two major cities in Texas: Dallas and Houston.
Freestone County will play host to their public meeting on Wednesday, January 31, 2018 at Fairfield High School, from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Before the public hearing presentation begins, an open house will be held to allow for comments, questions and review of project exhibits. FRA and TCR staff will be available to answer questions at that time.
The public hearing presentation will begin at 6 pm, followed by a public comment period.
The Draft EIS, prepared by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), is a required environmental review, for projects of this size, which looks at potential impacts to the affected area and population.
The FRA analyzes the project’s purpose and need, identifies reasonable Build Alternatives (including track alignments, stations, and maintenance facilities), as well as a No Build Alternative, and give recommendations for preferred alternatives.
Texas Central Railway (TCR), a private entity, proposed the Project to construct and operate a fully grade-separated, dedicated double-track, electric powered, high‑speed passenger rail service along a 240-mile corridor between Dallas and Houston, Texas. The Project includes stations in Dallas, Grimes County, and Houston.
Written comments on the Draft EIS for the Project should be provided to FRA on or before February 20, 2018. These written comments should be sent to Kevin Wright, Environmental Protection Specialist, FRA, at 1200 New Jersey Ave. SE, MS-20, Washington, D.C. 20590, through FRA’s website at https://www.fra.dot.gov/Page/P0700 or via email at kevin.wright@dot.gov or DallasHouston HSR@urs.com.
Comments may also be provided orally or in writing at the public hearings scheduled, including the public meeting in Freestone County, Texas on January 31st.
