09231996 Regular Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

137 Regular Meeting September 23, 1996 Page 4 stated it would be good if freight traffic moves to 130, but wanted to know if the commuter rail would possibly go in before the freight traffic is moved out of town, and Mr. Shaw stated probably so on a limited basis. Plans are being discussed with Union Pacific, and their idea of the operation would be two train sets going from (on the North end) Round Rock to Austin and San Marcos and back, and from (the South end) New Braunfels to San Antonio. That works well with their freight operation. Commuter and freight can be done on an interim basis quite well. Ms. Hughson asked who owns the tracks and who will determine who can drive down them, and Mr. Shaw stated Union Pacific owns the tracks, and they have already agreed to commuter rail operations, but as we move forward with 130, ownership of the tracks will revert to this District, as Union Pacific takes ownership of the new track. They have already agreed to pass off ownership and,donate this right-of-way. Mr. Cox stated Mr. Shaw has provided the need why San Marcos needs to pass this Resolution and the need to show a unified front in reserving funds in Washington. In the next State legislation, will there be an effort to get authorizing, enabling legislation for the District to be passed. Mr. Shaw stated they are working at the local, State and Federal levels all at one time. They are trying to create a unified transportation plan for our region at the State and Federal levels to take advantage of the existing funding sources. ~Mr. Guerra asked Mr. Shaw if San Marcos does not show their support with the passing of this Resolution, would it damage the effort Mr. Shaw is engaged in, and Mr. Shaw stated it would help to have it, but they will move forward anyway but hope to not have any holes in tbe Corridor. Mr. Guerra stated Mr. Shaw did not answer Mr. Hart's question, and Mr. Shaw stated they and TXDOT think the feasibility study will show it is in fact feasible. The Department of Transportation moved forward with that money based on the information they have already received from an origin and destination study. Mr. Shaw stated prior to any Federal funds being committed, there will have to be a major investment study done, and this feasibility study will be the beginning of the MIS study. Mr. Shaw stated if the study found this to be infeasible, they could come back and deal with it at that time, but he does not believe anyone believes that will be the case. Mayor Moore asked if cities were being asked to make a commitment of a moral or fiscal nature, and Mr. Shaw stated no, only to show support for the creation of a District. Mr. Guerra stated at no point will the citizens of San Marcos be asked to foot the bill for that kind of transportation system, and Mr. Shaw stated there is nothing in any legislation on any taxing authority at all. They are looking at ways Union Pacific can help fund this operation. Ms. Hughson asked the Mayor if the wording of the Resolution could be changed to show support of the feasibility study rather than jumping to conclusions before the study is done, and asked Mr. Shaw if that would meet what he is seeking. Mr. Shaw stated it would be better than nothing but would not address the issue of the District. Ms. Hughson asked what the feasibility study was called and Mr. Shaw advised the Commuter Rail Feasibility Study for the Austin-San Antonio Corridor, but it does not really have a name yet. Mr. Cox stated in addressing the concerns of his colleagues, the Legislature will be asked to authorize the District, will lobby in Washington for ISTEA funds, and in the meantime the feasibility study is going on. If there is a commitment of funds from Washington, and assuming the Legislature authorizes the District, and the feasibility study comes back with unexpected results, there will be nothing lost but the cost of the L feasibility study. Mr. Shaw stated that is correct, and what is being presumed from the Federal level is to get a complete package of highway improvements, freight rail relocation and commuter rail. The ISTEA reauthorization schedule is what is driving our process time line. We do not have the luxury of sitting back, as we have sixty days to get the program in place in Washington. Mayor Moore agreed with Mr. Cox's statement and stated what is before the Council is the support of the creation of the Commuter Rail District, and the study will happen and come to conclusions, and the study will hinge the entire issue of Commuter Rail. Ms. Hughson stated if the Legislature creates the District during their session which ends in May, does that mean the District could be created prior to the completion of the study, and Mr. Shaw stated the