U.S. Rep. John Carter, R-Round Rock, is requesting almost $391 million. The majority of that will go toward financing studies and construction of the Texas T-Bone in Central Texas.
“Congressman Carter has put in a transportation appropriations request for $350 million specifically for the Texas T-Bone,” said John Stone, communications director for Carter.
The transportation bill, which could reach $450 billion, is undergoing committee scrutiny this month and, if approved, will include money for projects over a six-year period.
Of some $660 million sought by Waco Democrat Chet Edwards, nearly two-thirds is for transportation or rail projects.
One of Edwards’ requests is money for a portion of the Texas T-Bone to connect Waco with Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport.
Temple Mayor Bill Jones III has been a strong proponent of the project, and the Temple City Council has expressed support as well.
Earlier this week, Jones attended the American Public Transportation Association annual meeting, which had a focus on railways. Jones made a presentation on the Texas T-Bone plan.
“It was very well received,” Jones said. “Many people came and complimented us - Texas - on the plan and said that it made sense.”
Jones said the plan has the Temple-Killeen area as the hub for the Texas T-Bone.
On June 4, the Temple City Council approved the articles of incorporation and bylaws for the South Central High-Speed Rail and Transportation Authority Inc., a local government corporation whose purpose is to promote high-speed rail passenger service in Texas.
In April, the council decided to form the corporation, which is seeking a contract with the state to implement high-speed rail service through the city to other areas of the state.
The contributed to this article.
