Lone Star Rail Update

Councilman Gipson, the Georgetown representative to Lone Star Rail(LSR) reported the latest status at the March 8 council meeting.

He reported that Union Pacific had looked at future service demands along the existing rail line and determined it was not in their best interest to give up the existing rail.

1. LSR plans to continue forward through the Environmental Impact Report(EIR) process.

2. LSR will consider alternate routes including along hwy 130, I35 and acquiring additional right-of-way along the existing rail.

3. The Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization(CAMPO) is apparently funding the EIR and LSR will request the funding to continue through completion of the EIR.

4. Councilman Gipson will update the Council through the Georgetown budget process to determine if Georgetown's participation will continue next fiscal year.

Mayor Ross, who is the Georgetown representative to CAMPO, indicated he will advocate for the continuation of CAMPO funding to completion at the March 21 meeting.