Amtrak took the lead on the proposed high-speed rail project, which would connect Houston and Dallas in less than 90 minutes.

Amtrak senior vice president of high-speed rail development Andy Byford says the proposed high-speed rail line that would connect two major Texas cities could have “a massive positive impact to the Texan economy, which will benefit the whole of Texas.”
Writing in Smart Cities Dive, Dan Zukowski explains how the project, begun by private company Texas Central, is now being spearheaded by Amtrak. “Amtrak advanced the project to the third phase of the FRA’s Corridor Identification Program on Sept. 11, which enables Amtrak to coordinate with the FRA on preliminary engineering and environmental review.”
However, the project, which has an estimated cost of $30 billion, still faces hurdles including land acquisition and funding before it can become a reality.
FULL STORY: Dallas-Houston high-speed rail proposal could benefit ‘whole of Texas,’ Amtrak executive says

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.

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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.
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Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service