Get on board, Montgomery County.
Montgomery County may join a regional rail group to upgrade freight lines and add commuter services throughout the Houston area.
“It’s time that we need to be a part of this,” said Commissioner Ed Chance of Precinct 3.
For the second time, Montgomery County Commissioners Court will vote on joining the Gulf Coast Rail District after first rejecting the plan in 2007.
The agency was created by the state Legislature in 2005 to enhance the economic benefits of rail while improving the regional quality of life.
The agency has identified $3.4 billion in freight rail improvements needed by 2035, when freight traffic is expected to double in the area, and nearly $3 billion to build five commuter rail lines out of Houston.
“It is something that everyone needs to do as they look at future transportation issues,” said Mark Ellis, chairman of the district
Among the projects being considered for Montgomery County is a commuter rail line, which would run from Houston to Tomball along Texas 249.
Montgomery County also would be a future stop for high speed rail lines that link Houston with Dallas and San Antonio, said Maureen Crocker, interim executive director of the Gulf Coast Rail District.
This is a no-brainer in many ways. I don’t know what the role of the GCRD will be in eventually delivering these projects, but they will certainly have one, so getting Montgomery County involved with them makes all kinds of sense. Thanks to Houston Tomorrow for the tip.
Hey Charles, just wanted to let you know it’s no longer the Gulf Coast Freight Rail District. It’s now just the Gulf Coast Rail District. The new name is designed to show the district’s increasing emphasis on other types of rail as well. Thanks!