Texas
Dallas-Houston bullet train developer vows project is on track, but state officials lack confidence
/static.texastribune.org/media/files/2c500980d53bf3d50ab29d839e80ddda/Dallas%20Bullet%20Train%20BT%20TT%2010.jpg "Dallas-Houston bullet train developer vows project is on track, but state officials lack confidence")
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A lawyer for practically 100 property homeowners who’re dwelling with the specter of their land being seized mentioned he’ll search authorized motion towards Texas Central, the corporate that for a decade has promised to construct a bullet practice between Dallas and Houston, if the corporate doesn’t present extra particulars concerning the looming venture.
Landowners whose property may very well be within the path of the practice observe have petitioned the corporate
to reply their questions. Patrick McShan, the lawyer representing property homeowners, mentioned he’s ready to ask a decide to permit him to depose the corporate — which has mentioned little concerning the venture — to get solutions for his purchasers.
The authorized risk towards Texas Central comes a decade after the corporate unveiled a plan to assemble a 240-mile bullet practice, modeled after the Japanese Shinkansen trains, between Dallas and Houston.
Regardless of the preliminary pleasure of a high-speed rail practice in Texas, a veil of silence has fallen over the corporate.
Whereas Texas Central secured eminent area authority to grab non-public property from the Texas Supreme Courtroom, the CEO, Carlos Aguilar, and board of administrators departed, leaving the corporate within the arms of an outdoor marketing consultant.
The shortage of communication from Texas Central has left the landowners McShan represents in limbo.
“For six, seven, eight years, they’ve had to fall asleep each night time questioning in the event that they’re going to lose their property,” McShan mentioned, referring to the landowners he represents. “They use their property as collateral for loans and to run their enterprise and it’s simply been hanging over their heads eternally.”
McShan’s checklist of questions included inquiries concerning the firm’s leadershipand permits for the venture.
Robert Neblett, Texas Central’s lawyer, mentioned the corporate spent a “appreciable sum” of cash buying property for this venture. Neblett added the corporate owns lots of of tracts of land bought for this venture, however he didn’t affirm The Texas Tribune’s evaluation of property owned by Texas Central.
“Texas Central’s chief govt is Michael Bui. Texas Central shouldn’t be at the moment searching for a CEO to exchange him neither is it searching for a brand new Board of Administrators,” Neblett mentioned in an emailed assertion to the Tribune.
Neblett added that Texas Central plans to acquire any and all federal Floor Transportation Board certifications required to assemble and function the venture.
Bui is a senior administration marketing consultant with FTI Consulting, a enterprise advisory that lists company restoration as certainly one of his {qualifications}. Bui additionally served as an adviser to a personal power firm that offered energy to the Electrical Reliability Council of Texas following its court-ordered restructuring after the February 2021 freeze that brought on lots of of deaths whereas knocking out energy and warmth to thousands and thousands of individuals.
Texas Central made a uncommon public assertion Wednesday, sharing a photograph of Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, Houston Metropolis Council members and Higher Houston Partnership President and CEO Bob Harvey throughout an “funding and commerce mission” in Tokyo and Chiba, a sister metropolis of Houston.
The corporate mentioned the Houston leaders mentioned the high-speed rail venture on the journey. Native Houston and Dallas leaders have lengthy championed the venture that might join the 2 Texas cities.
Nonetheless in rivalry is how a lot land the corporate has acquired within the 10 years because the venture was introduced, and the way a lot land continues to be wanted for the bullet practice.
Texas Central owns upwards of 330 properties throughout the ten counties the corporate has indicated to construct in. A few of these tracts occupy only one,500 sq. toes, a fraction of an acre, whereas others span upwards of 20 acres, in accordance with an evaluation by the Tribune of knowledge from native appraisal districts.
The overall worth of these properties was appraised at greater than $38 million, although some counties listed solely the market value.
One of many landowners’ main issues is the choice for Texas Central to make use of eminent area to grab non-public property. In June, the Texas Supreme Courtroom dominated that the corporate and its companions did qualify as “interurban electrical railway corporations” and will invoke eminent area authority to construct the high-speed rail venture.
“Eminent area will solely be used as a final resort to amass property, ought to negotiations fail, for these properties that haven’t been acquired. We don’t know right now when that may happen,” Neblett mentioned in response to questions concerning the firm’s authority to grab non-public property.
McShan mentioned the state’s Supreme Courtroom settled the eminent area determination, however he has a listing of lingering questions for Texas Central.
“You should come and sit somebody down,” McShan informed the Tribune. “Give me a witness and persuade me that you simply’re nonetheless planning to do that, after which perhaps I don’t file a lawsuit.”
In the course of the 2022 Texas Tribune Pageant in September, transportation officers have been requested concerning the feasibility of the venture’s success.
“The final time we heard from them was over a 12 months in the past,” mentioned Bruce Bugg, chair of the Texas Transportation Fee. He mentioned the Texas Division of Transportation, which he oversees, served as technical advisers for an environmental evaluation of the venture launched by the Federal Railroad Administration in November 2020. However since then, Texas Central has stopped speaking with the state’s transportation company.
State Rep. Terry Canales, D-Edinburg, the chair of the state Home Transportation Committee, mentioned with Texas’ speedy inhabitants progress, high-speed rail would vastly profit the state however it could doubtless should be backed.
“It needs to be one thing we acquired within the toolbox that we’re going to consider, however the concept it’s going to be paid for and preserve itself by non-public trade — the numbers merely don’t work,” Canales mentioned.
State Sen. Robert Nichols, R-Jacksonville, the chair of the state Senate Committee on Transportation, shared Canales’ funding issues. Nichols famous that each high-speed rail venture on the planet requires authorities subsidies, but Texas Central has maintained that public financing is not going to be essential to fund the bullet practice. He mentioned financing the practice isn’t one thing he would take into account when drafting the state price range, as a result of the venture serves solely a restricted inhabitants.
Across the final time Bugg heard from the corporate, Texas Central had scaled again its efforts to amass land to construct the practice primarily based on an evaluation of public data.
Since then, a lot of the corporate’s public presence has diminished over time, with little details about the bullet practice’s progress identified.
Joshua Fechter contributed to this story.
Disclosure: Higher Houston Partnership and Texas Central have been monetary supporters of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan information group that’s funded partially by donations from members, foundations and company sponsors. Monetary supporters play no function within the Tribune’s journalism. Discover a full checklist of them right here.
I arrived at the San Antonio International Airport and stepped outside to meet my ride. The dry, hot air gave me an instant flashback to my days intermittently working in the West Texas oilfield. I’ve seen quite a bit of the Lone Star State and couldn’t wait to get to Fredericksburg. I’d heard so much about this cute historical German town in the Texas Hill Country.
After an hour’s drive, the shuttle driver and my host said, “We’re on Wine Road 290.” The county has over 75 wineries, vineyards, and wine-tasting rooms. I thought, “What a perfect getaway for Texans and travelers flying into the area.”
A unique stay in a whimsical hideaway
Blue Sage No. 12
I wasn’t surprised to see the rolling hills as we drove toward the property I was staying at outside town. But I was astonished at how green this part of Texas was, especially since I was visiting at the end of the summer. I learned that Fredericksburg is home to the largest working wildflower farm, Wildseed Farms, and seeing the fields of flowers is a popular activity during the spring. People come from all over to admire the bluebonnets, Indian paintbrushes, and red poppies.
We pulled up to Blue Sage, where I was staying, and I was instantly excited to check in to my accommodations — No. 12. The dark blue treehouse-inspired cottages looked like they belonged in a fairy tale. As I toured the inside of mine, I was awed by the warm and inviting boho decor. The loft room, with a giant soak tub overlooking the woods, was grounding, and I knew I had found a comfy weekday retreat.
After resting and freshening up from the long travel day, I met with friends to enjoy cocktails at Chase’s Place Cocktails + Kitchen in Fredericksburg’s historic district. We sipped and savored a handcrafted cocktail and a few small bites in their relaxing lounge area before heading to Hill & Vine for dinner. Known for their Southern staples, trying Texas wine and their black-eyed pea hummus was delicious.
Hike at Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
Enchanted Rock on a blue sky day / Ashlee hiking the Summit Trail
In 2023, over 300,000 people visited Enchanted Rock State Natural Area. It’s a popular place for hiking, camping, and bird-watching – many migratory birds fly through.
The iconic rock feature is one billion years old, and you can hike to the top of the pink granite dome along the Summit Trail. The climb is steep, but the views of Hill Country are worth the trek.
Planning tip: Be sure to make reservations to visit the park. October through May are the busiest times of the year to explore, and parking is limited.
After hiking, we drove back into town for lunch at Hill Country Herb Garden. Their menu is curated with wellness in mind and rotates seasonally. I had a beautiful kale and quinoa salad with steak, just what my body needed after the morning’s hike. After lunch, we toured the herb gardens, gift shop, and spa — they make custom scents. There are even 14 quaint little cottages on the property you can book for lodging.
Learn about Fredericksburg’s German heritage
Outside of the Vereins Kirche Museum / Lunch at the Hill Country Herb Garden
Germans immigrated to the area in the mid-1800s after being enticed by promises of a new life. It wasn’t just Germans; Danish and Swiss settlers also made their way to Fredericksburg. You can learn more about the town’s history at the Vereins Kirche Museum and the Pioneer Museum.
You can do a self-guided tour of a historic homestead at the Pioneer Museum and see inside the buildings, including a traditional Sunday house. A Sunday house is where families that lived out of town and worked on farms and ranches would stay on the weekends so they could attend church.
After an exciting day of hiking and tours, we ended the evening with an Italian-inspired dinner at Alla Campagna. The savory Heritage Chicken Risotto and a Texas white wine were the perfect way to end the day. I couldn’t resist topping the day off with a few bites of homemade chocolate, vanilla, and pistachio gelato.
A morning of local retail therapy
Row of cowboy boots at Allens Boots / Breakfast at the Keidel Pharmacy
The following day, we drove into town and had breakfast at Keidel Pharmacy inside the new Albert Hotel (the largest hotel on the main street, opening in January 2025). I was pleased to start the day with a piece of gluten-free cinnamon coffee cake and an almond milk London Fog latte.
Afterward, I spent a few hours window shopping and checking out all the cute local stores, such as Carol Hicks Bolton, Blackchalk Home + Laundry, Allens Boots, and Flying Cow Tallow.
For lunch, we grabbed a glass of rosé and a quick salad at Standard Public House before heading to the vineyards for wine tasting.
Discover Fredericksburg’s wine scene
Meierstone Vineyards / Airis’Ele Vineyards
While traveling, there is something glamorous and fun about visiting local wineries, hearing stories from the owners, and tasting wine. Our first stop was Meierstone Vineyards. Krystal Patel’s family has been making 100% Texas wine for seven generations, starting in the 1840s. I loved the white wine flight, and their 2023 Trebbiano was my favorite.
Next, we visited Airis’Ele Vineyards. Their team has over 40 years of experience in the wine business. I found their wine-tasting room welcoming, with big windows for Summer Tanager bird-watching. Their sweet Bienvenue was refreshing, especially on a hot day.
Don’t miss this family-run farmstand
Das Peach Haus Farmstand
Last, we headed to Das Peach Haus farmstand, which has been in business for over 50 years. The Fischer & Wieser family business sells local wines made from 100% Texas grapes, fruit jams, jellies, sauces, and other delectable artisanal goods.
Deanna Fischer, the Chief Experience Officer, shared that the company’s goal is to “Create flavorful experiences that make people happy.”
You can sample many of the farmstand’s specialty foods to select your favorites before purchasing. I appreciated that each jar provides examples of how to pair it with your next happy hour hors d’œuvre or cozy dinner at home. You can also take one of their cooking classes or have a hand-crafted cocktail at Dietz Distillery, which is next door.
It’s nice to see places like this still preserving family, food, and faith in the community.
Texas vs. Clemson: Quinn Ewers, Hayden Conner react to CFP win
Texas defeated Clemson, 38-24, in the first round of the 2024 College Football Playoff.
Texas football is preparing to face the champion of its old conference in the College Football Playoff, with Big 12 champion Arizona State awaiting in the Peach Bowl.
Texas was tested in the first round, defeating Clemson 34-24 behind a rejuvenated running attack led by Jaydon Blue and Quintrevion Wisner. However, the Sun Devils, winners of six straight games, also have a fierce rushing attack led by running back Cam Skattebo, who has run for 1,568 yards rushing and 22 total touchdowns.
BUY TICKETS FOR TEXAS VS. ARIZONA STATE HERE
The Peach Bowl is held at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta the same site of Texas’ loss to Georgia in the Southeastern Conference championship game. The winner will advance to the Cotton Bowl, where Ohio State or Big Ten champion Oregon will await. Ohio State advanced to the quarterfinals after beating Tennessee at home, 42-17.
Here’s everything to know about the upcoming game:
Where is Texas vs Arizona State?
Texas will travel to Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta to face Arizona State. It is also the location of the national championship game.
CFP Bowl locations
Peach Bowl
Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
Matchup: No. 5 Texas vs. No. 4 Arizona State
Fiesta Bowl
Location: State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.
Matchup: No. 3 Boise State vs. No. 6 Penn State
Sugar Bowl
Location: Caesars Superdome in New Orleans.
Matchup: No. 2 Georgia vs. No. 7 Notre Dame
Rose Bowl
Location: Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California.
Matchup: No. 8 Ohio State vs. No. 1 Oregon
Texas vs. Arizona State tickets
Tickets for Texas’ game against Arizona State are available here.
CFP schedule
Playoff quarterfinals
All times in CT
Tuesday, Dec. 31
Fiesta Bowl, 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Jan. 1
Peach Bowl, noon
Rose Bowl, 4 p.m.
Sugar Bowl, 7:45 p.m.
Playoff semifinals
All times in CT
Thursday, Jan. 9
Orange Bowl, 6:30 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 10
Cotton Bowl, 6:30 p.m.
Playoff Championship
Monday, Jan. 20 at 6:30 p.m. CT
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The Texas Longhorns are three games away from a national championship, and for the quarterfinal matchup against Arizona State, the Horns will travel to a familiar field.
Texas will take on the Sun Devils at the Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, the same venue that hosted the SEC Championship loss to Georgia.
The new opponents have a similar story to Texas: a conference newcomer that dominated the veterans.
Arizona State joined Texas’ former conference, the Big 12, and had a breakthrough season. The Sun Devils defeated Iowa State in the conference championship to take the trophy home in their maiden season.
The Sun Devils are led by redshirt freshman quarterback Sam Leavitt, a transfer from Michigan State. Leavitt has recorded 192 completions in 304 passing attempts for 24 touchdowns.
The defense is also led by a transfer player out of New Mexico State. Junior defensive back Myles Rowser has recorded 88 tackles and one sack.
Arizona State only dropped two games this season, both in conference play at Cincinnati and Texas Tech. The season record and championship clinch earned the Sun Devils the No. 4 seed in the College Football Playoff, awarding them with a bye week in the first round.
Texas, on the other hand, fell to Georgia in the championship game and dropped to the fifth seed, while the Bulldogs earned the second. But that wasn’t enough to stop the Longhorns from advancing.
The Horns had no issues defeating ACC champion Clemson in the first round at home.
Texas and Arizona State will face each other on New Year’s Day for a spot in the semifinals.
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