While Texas Central's plan to build a high-speed rail link between Houston and Dallas has already dealt with years of opposition from rural communities, big fights over the use of eminent domain have yet to begin.
Jesus Jimenez and Nataly Keomoungkhoun report on the remaining legal challenges facing the use of eminent domain powers to clear the way for the Texas High-Speed Rail Train along its 240-mile route between Houston and Dallas. "The proposed route, currently under review by the Federal Railroad Administration, spans 10 counties from the Cedars neighborhood, south of downtown Dallas, to northwest Houston," according to the article.
The project has met the staunchest opposition in the rural areas between the two cities, according to the article (and as documented by Planetizen in 2014 and 2016). Jimenez and Keomoungkhoun document some of the recently political actions by Texans Against High-Speed Rail in Grimes County as well as State Rep. Steve Toth (R-The Woodlands)—the latter accusing project developer Texas Central of deception.
As for the headlining concern about eminent domain, Jimenez and Keomoungkhoun report that Texas Central is still waiting on regulatory approvals and permits from the Federal Railroad Administration and the state of Texas that would empower the railroad with the power to seize public property in return for just compensation.
FULL STORY: How many landowners are fighting eminent domain in the bullet train project? Curious Texas investigates
Will Texas High-Speed Rail Become a Reality?
A proposed Houston-to-Dallas rail line shows promise, but faces major hurdles before it can come to fruition.
Eminent Domain Questions Still Dog Texas Central High Speed Rail Plans
The Texas Attorney General took a break from its crusade against unsubstantiated claims of voter fraud to weigh in on a controversial question of property rights.
Texas Central High-Speed Rail Gets Green Light From Feds
The Federal Railroad Administration has granted two key permissions for Texas Central to operate a high-speed trail between Houston and Dallas.
National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions
Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.
Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50
A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.
Delivering for America Plan Will Downgrade Mail Service in at Least 49.5 Percent of Zip Codes
Republican and Democrat lawmakers criticize the plan for its disproportionate negative impact on rural communities.
Test News Post 1
This is a summary
Test News Headline 46
Test for the image on the front page.
Balancing Bombs and Butterflies: How the National Guard Protects a Rare Species
The National Guard at Fort Indiantown Gap uses GIS technology and land management strategies to balance military training with conservation efforts, ensuring the survival of the rare eastern regal fritillary butterfly.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
EMC Planning Group, Inc.
Planetizen
Planetizen
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service