Guest Comments by Holly Reed, Managing Director, Texas Central

In response to Mr. Marty Hiles’ press release posted April 25, 2016, I wanted to share with you and your readers the facts about the high-speed rail project coming to Texas and correct some of his inaccurate statements.

While Mr. Hiles claims, without any evidence, that the train won’t provide any economic benefits, a recent independent research study found that the North Texas-to-Houston railway will, in fact, have a dramatic economic impact on the communities along its path.

This report estimated the high-speed train will add $36 billion in economic benefits over the next 25 years.

Later, Mr. Hiles says, again with no evidence, that the project “means no tax revenue or any funds for Texas communities.” Not so. The tax revenues this private-sector project will generate are significant. According to estimates, the developer, Texas Central, will pay about $2.5 billion in taxes to entities, including the state, counties, cities, hospitals and school districts.

Finally, Mr. Hiles says Texas Central is “receiving public funds and government assistance.” As stated from the start, Texas Central is a privately developed project, by Texans and for Texans, and the company WILL NOT seek ANY operational subsidies from the government.

These are the facts, backed by expert analysis from several sources. Mr. Hiles must think people will start to believe a falsehood if it is repeated often enough. Fortunately for us and for all Texans, that is not true. And neither is much of Mr. Hiles’ article. High-speed rail is good for Texas, and you can find further information and stay up to date on the project by accessing the website TexasCentral.com.