State lawmakers from the Brazos Valley are among the legislators who have asked the Texas delegation in Washington D.C. to fight to stop the proposed high speed rail from Houston to Dallas in its tracks.

Senators Lois Kolkhorst and Charles Schwertner and State Representatives Trent Ashby, Kyle Kacal, Will Metcalf, John Raney and Leighton Schubert signed a letter asking Texans in Congress to oppose any application by Texas Central Railway to the Surface Transportation Board. You can read a copy of the full letter under related documents. An excerpt is below.

“For the rural counties impacted by the proposed routes, this project would only serve as a detriment. Although rural counties may benefit from a few jobs during the construction phase, the long-term costs far outweigh any temporary benefit. This project holds real consequences for rural constituents, their property and their livelihoods. Private property interests will be taken by eminent domain. Farm and ranchland, often held by families for generations, will be divided, creating a loss in access and a loss in revenue for those who rely on farming and ranching to make a living. The value of nearby land will decrease due to sight, noise and restricted use of property caused by the high-speed rail.”

A map of the proposed routes is attached to this story. The yellow line is TCR’s top option and it cuts right through the center of Leon, Madison and Grimes Counties, among others.

TCR is hosting an open house Saturday in Jewett to give residents a chance to sound off and ask questions. It will be held from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. at the Jewett Civic Center (111 North Robinson).