- Senator Birdwell:
- “I consider this issue far from resolved and I reiterate my steadfast opposition to the project — both for individual landowners who will be harmed by it in the short term and for the Texas taxpayers who will likely be asked to subsidize it in the long term.”
- State Representative Will Metcalf:
- “Fortunately for landowners and all who value property rights, the Surface Transportation Board made the right decision and declined oversight,” Metcalf said in a statement.
- Senator Nichols:
- “I think they are going to have to use eminent domain if they’re going to build it, and I think they know that the status of whether or not they do or don’t have it under current Texas law is a pretty shaky area, it’s not real clear,” said Nichols
Potential Legislation for the 2017 Texas Legislature to Stop Texas Central Rail from using Eminent Domain:
- Prohibit Texas Central from exercising eminent domain authority
- Prevent Texas Central from using private lands for the project, if a 3rd party exercises eminent domain
- Rep. Metcalf’s proposal to require elected officials in every city & county along the proposed route to approve it
KHOU | High-speed rail opponents hope to block project next year