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Committee hears bill to create state grant program for short‑line railroads
Summary
Senate Bill 2366 would establish a state grant program for class‑3 short‑line railroads to fund track and bridge replacement and capacity upgrades; proponents said the program would help rural economic development and unlock federal grant matches, while TxDOT said no comparable state grant currently exists.
Senator Bryan Hughes (presenting for the author, Senator Hughes) laid out Senate Bill 2366 to the Senate Transportation Committee as a proposal to create a state grant program to fund certain short‑line railroad projects. The bill would make funding available to rural rail transportation districts and short‑line operators for track and bridge replacement, capacity improvements and restoration of service to increase safety and support economic development.
Jeff Davis, rail division director at the Texas Department of Transportation, testified as a resource witness. Davis told the committee there are three classes of railroads in Texas — class 1, class 2 and class 3 — and that TxDOT currently does not operate a grant program like the one…
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