High-speed rail would spur billions in economic benefits
An impact study commissioned by the developers of a high-speed train between Dallas and Houston says the project will spur $36 billion in economic benefits over 25 years and will pour hundreds of millions of dollars into government coffers each year.
Texas Central Partners today released the major findings of the study, which for the first time attached estimated figures to the bullet trains potential economic effects.
Company CEO Tim Keith said in an interview that he pleasantly surprised about how substantial and long-lasting the project will be on the states economy.
Because Texas Central is a private company, its property and infrastructure is taxable, unlike tax-funded rail lines or highways. That means the company will have to pay property taxes to cities, school districts and counties for the entire length of its track between the two metropolitan areas. Those rural counties between the two cities is home to several people who oppose the project.
Read more: http://transportationblog.dallasnews.com/2015/10/study-high-speed-rail-would-spur-billions-in-economic-benefits.html/