Recently Congressman Kevin Brady (R-TX) released the following statement after sending a letter to the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) regarding Texas Central Railroad’s (TCR) petition for a Rule of Particular Applicability (RPA):
“I strongly oppose TCR’s efforts to develop a high-speed rail in Texas. The proposed Dallas to Houston route would threaten the property rights of Texas landowners whose farms, ranches, and homesteads sit along the route – land that has at times been in families for generations.
“Our government was created to protect our liberties – not to take them away – and I will fight against any permits from Washington D.C. that would grant this private company the ability to seize property without the consent of landowners.
“The project’s cost has already increased by nearly 90 percent and serious economic and safety questions have gone unanswered. While I strongly support infrastructure that addresses the dynamic growth of Texas, transportation improvements need to work for local communities, not against them.”
Judges from across Texas also voiced their support for Congressman Brady:
“Grimes County is very glad to have the support of our Congressman Kevin Brady,” said Grimes County Judge Joe Fauth. “The Congressman knows this a bad project for Texas and its citizens, and is willing to take a stand. Thank you, sir, for helping to stop this non-beneficial project.”
“I sincerely appreciate the support of Congressman Brady and his staff,” said Waller County Judge Trey Duhon. “It takes courage to ask the hard questions on a project that is ill-conceived, and Congressman Brady’s common-sense approach to this boondoggle is inspiring.”
“The rural counties appreciate Congressman Brady’s hard work to make the decisions that go against the powerful people and agencies that have no idea how this high-speed rail could destroy people’s lives and livelihood,” said Leon County Judge Byron Ryder. “Their properties have been in their families for generations and they want to keep it for the next generation and all those to come. We have to stand firm that eminent domain is not good and it should not be given to this privately-owned train.”
