The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is in the process of developing a comprehensive rail plan for Texas. The Texas Rail Plan will serve to guide future actions of TxDOT in cooperation with rail partners working to meet the freight and passenger rail needs of the state.
A final public hearing on the rail plan was held on October 6th. Secretary LaHood has been quoted several times as saying that Texas needs to get its act together, during that hearing it was argued the Texas Rail Plan is the first step in getting its act together.
Following the public hearing, and a 30 day comment period, TxDOT will analyze feedback and finalize the plan by November 11th for possible submittal to the Texas Transportation Commission on November 18th. Afterwards, TxDOT will submit the Texas Rail Plan to the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) for coordination with the National Rail Plan, although it should be noted TxDOT has been sending drafts of the rail plan to the FRA to ensure Texas was not excluded from the national rail plan. The plan will also be made available to the Texas legislature for their consideration.
More information can be found by visiting: http://www.txdot.gov/public_involvement/rail_plan/default.htm