Texas Central Partners, LLC, Texas Central Railroad and Infrastructure, Inc., and Integrated Texas Logistics, Inc., issued a statement on July 8 in response to a recent Texas Supreme Court ruling in its favor and a few weeks after the project’s CEO departed the company.
Texas Central Railroad and Integrated Texas Logistics, Inc., had been the subject of a back-and-forth legal battle concerning their authority to acquire property under eminent domain. The case, Miles v. Texas Central Railroad & Infrastructure, Inc. and Integrated Texas Logistics, Inc., initially was decided in favor of the landowner when a trial court decided neither Texas Central or Integrated Texas Logistics qualified as railroads or interurban electric railway companies. A court of appeals reversed the initial decision, saying the companies qualified as both. The Texas Supreme Court issued a ruling on June 24 agreeing that the entities had authority to acquire land under eminent domain because they qualify as an interurban electric railway companies. Because they qualify as interurban electric railway companies, the state Supreme Court did not address if they also qualify as railroad companies.
The outcome of this case has been viewed as the buoy needed to keep the proposed 240-mile high-speed project afloat. The high-speed rail line would connect Dallas to Houston with a stop in Brazos Valley in approximately 90 minutes and offer a more efficient and faster alternative to driving I-45.
In June, Texas Central’s CEO Carlos Aguilar confirmed he was departing the company following international media reports debating the viability of the project and his role leading it. At the time, he noted his pride in what the project team had accomplished and said he was convinced the project would be come reality.
The project partners’ statement on July 8 echo the sentiment that the project is progressing, but said details will be forthcoming:
“We thank the court for its recent thoughtful and considered review of this matter and appreciate the continued support of our investors, lenders and other key stakeholders, as we continue to advance this important project. Texas Central has made significant strides in the project over the last several years and we are moving forward on a path that we believe will ensure the project’s successful development. We look forward to being able to say more about this at an appropriate time in the near future.”
