Texas High-Speed Rail Faces Subpoena Over Finances

Texas lawmakers unanimously target Texas Central with a subpoena, demanding transparency for the Texas high-speed rail project. This firm connects Dallas and Houston with ambitious plans. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

The Texas House Transportation Committee finalized the subpoena decision amid a discussion on House Bill 2003 this week. That legislation mandates companies to present comprehensive financial strategies and organizational details before securing state permits.

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Texas Central’s bold rail initiative aims to cut the usual 3.5-hour drive between Dallas and Houston to 90 minutes. Leveraging Japanese technology, the train targets speeds exceeding 200 miles per hour for efficiency.

Despite its vision launched over a decade ago, Texas Central has secured only 25 percent of required land parcels. Meanwhile, projected expenses have jumped from $12 billion to over $30 billion, sparking concern.

Texas High-Speed Rail Under Scrutiny

Debate flared in the Texas legislature last week over how Texas Central manages this critical infrastructure project. Consequently, the subpoena seeks clarity on operational practices after ongoing questions about accountability emerged.

House Bill 2003 specifically requires rail operators to reveal intricate details like funding sources and cost breakdowns upfront. Texas Central currently pursues permits from the Texas Department of Transportation, prompting this push.

A Texas Central spokesperson recently admitted the company controls just 25 percent of the 1,600 needed properties, including 500 homes. This slow progress fuels skepticism among state officials reviewing the endeavor.

Company Seeks Federal Funding Support

The spokesperson announced on Monday that Texas Central collaborates with Bechtel and Lane Construction to reassess plans. Additionally, the firm pursues federal grants from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to boost finances.

Lawmakers remain skeptical about Texas Central’s leadership, so they issued the subpoena to uncover detailed management insights. Critics argue the company’s past communication lacks clarity, and this step addresses those doubts.

This legal action reflects growing frustration with the rail project’s trajectory, which has yet to deliver on early promises. Thus, Texas officials actively seek a deeper understanding of Texas Central’s operational and financial health moving forward.

Source: www.newsweek.com

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