Texans to vote on rail amendment
October 10, 2004
Propostion for a Constitutional amendment that would to establish rail relocation
Written by Kelly Hawes, The Daily News
LEGISLATURE — Texas voters next month will be asked to consider a constitutional amendment that would allow the state to fund improvements to rail facilities.
In its analysis of the proposed amendment, the Texas Legislative Council noted that the amendment would allow state funding of rail facilities for both passengers and freight.
“Traffic congestion on state highways has increased in recent years partially due to the inability of the railroad industry to meet the demand for freight transportation through the state,” the council said.
“The ability to ship more goods using railroads would decrease the amount of trucks traveling on highways, thereby reducing congestion.”
Moving freight rail lines out of urban areas, the council said, could clear the way for creation of commuter rail lines.
It would also improve safety by reducing the number of train wrecks and getting hazardous cargo away from heavily populated areas.
The council also noted that shipment by rail was more fuel-efficient than shipment by truck and that the increased use of rail would help the state comply with federal air quality standards.
On the negative side, though, the council observed that improving the rail infrastructure was really a private sector responsibility.
“The railroad industry is not a state-regulated industry, and the state should play no part in the industry’s investment decisions,” the council said.
It also noted that borrowing money did not create new revenue for carrying out rail projects.
“It only delays the time when payment is due,” the council said.
The Texas Department of Transportation is responsible for highways, not railroads, the council said.
“The authority of the agency over railroad issues is very limited,” the council said.
“The Texas Department of Transportation should continue to use its resources to carry out its primary duties without using state resources to aid an industry over which it has little control.”
The election will be Nov. 8. Early voting starts Oct. 24.
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