Recap of the high speed rail strategy meeting

Yesterday's meeting was pretty exciting -- if I can get a copy of the PowerPoint explaining the project and its current status, I'll post it to the blog. Texas has begun the process of appropriating funds for this project, and the East Texas Corridor Council recently received a federal grant for planning and engineering.

Imagine stepping on the train in Texarkana and stepping off less than two hours later in downtown Dallas. The goal is to have the South Central High Speed Rail Corridor between Little Rock and San Antonio complete within 15 years, but Arkansas needs to get started. Long range plans include a leg between Little Rock and Memphis and completion of the Meridian Speedway from Shreveport to connect this corridor with points east and northeast.

Here are a few quick facts:
• Speed: Using the existing rail bed, trains on this corridor could travel 80-110 MPH
• Little Rock to Dallas: About a three hour trip with no airport waiting
• Cost: About $1.3 million per mile (compared to $10-$12 million/mile for highways)
• Benefits: 30% less emissions, takes cars and trucks off the interstate, no high gas prices

Pictured with me above are former Texas state Senator and current Harrison County Judge Richard Anderson (center) and Shreveport City Councilman Calvin Lester. Here's some footage of a high speed train to show you that this won't be like traveling the slowpoke trains of old.

Here are a couple of articles from yesterday's event:
Marshall News-Messenger
Longview News-Journal