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For Immediate Release:
Lewisville, TX – On Thursday, August 21st, the Regional Transportation Council approved $191 million to fund the completion of the Denton County Transportation Authority’s 21-mile regional rail system. This award will allow the agency to advance final design and move toward construction in early 2009.
The rail project, which parallels I-35E along the former Missouri-Kansas-Texas corridor, is the central element of DCTA’s service plan and has been strongly endorsed by Denton County voters. The project includes single-phase construction of 21-miles of regional rail, five rail stations, a bicycle/pedestrian trail, and a regional rail operating and maintenance facility. DCTA submitted their request for funding to the RTC last August as part of the Regional Toll Revenue Funding Initiative. A portion of that request was awarded in January to allow DCTA to proceed with procurement of rail vehicles.
“This project reflects DCTA’s commitment to developing a balanced transportation network in Denton County and is an integral component of the region’s proposed 395-mile rail network,” stated Scott Neeley, Executive Vice President of Rail Development.
The immediate objective of the project is to have full service between Denton and Carrollton to interface with Dallas Area Rapid Transit’s light rail system in December 2010. This timing will coincide with DART’s opening of that section of its Green Line and will complete a 50 mile segment of regional passenger rail that is detailed in the North Central Texas Council of Government’s Mobility 2030 plan. Initially, DCTA passengers will transfer onto DART at the Trinity Mills station. DCTA will eventually offer same seat service into downtown Dallas, greatly expanding the travel options for Denton County residents.
“We reached a major milestone yesterday that will advance our efforts to complete DCTA’s portion of the 50-mile Denton-Dallas passenger rail corridor which is anticipated to open in December 2010,” explained Charles Emery, DCTA Board Chairman and member of the RTC. “Completion of this entire corridor will be a big step in addressing the mobility issues in our region by enhancing air quality, preserving energy resources, and expanding transportation options for our residents.”
DCTA will be updating the public on the progress of their passenger rail system at two upcoming open house events in September. Displays showing renderings and designs of the rail line, stations, and other information will be available for viewing. Staff will be on hand to answer questions and provide additional information. Open houses will be conducted as follows:
Monday, September 15, 2008
6:30 - 8 p.m.
Martin Luther King Recreation Center
1300 Wilson Street
Denton, TX 76205
Monday, September 22, 2008
6:30 - 8 p.m.
City of Lewisville Community Room
Municipal Annex Building
1197 West Main Street
Lewisville, TX 75067
For more information about DCTA and its services, please call 972-221-4600.
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