Engineering and Environmental Studies Underway

Lone Star Rail District launched preliminary engineering and environmental impact studies (PE/EIS) for the LSTAR service in January 2010. These studies, required under federal law, represent the final planning stage for the project. Once the PE/EIS is completed and approved, the district is authorized to begin final design and construction. The PE/EIS process is expected to take 18 to 24 months and will also include planning work on the LSTAR’s proposed 15 station locations and facilities. Check back with us at LoneStarRail.com to learn more about upcoming opportunities for public input.

New CitySouth/TAMU Station Proposed for San Antonio

The Lone Star Rail District engineering and environmental studies will also look at extending the line past its current southern terminus at Port San Antonio to serve Texas A&M’s new San Antonio campus, about six miles away. Part of the new Verano neighborhood, TAMU-San Antonio will be one of 17 college and university campuses served by the LSTAR. The new southern terminus will also serve other developments within the City South area.

Texas In The Hunt for Rail Funding

Lone Star Rail District is included in the Texas application for federal high-speed and intercity passenger rail grants under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act stimulus legislation. Submitted in August, the Texas Department of Transportation application included a $35 million request for Lone Star Rail to support planning, engineering and environmental clearance for both the LSTAR passenger rail service and freight rail relocation.

Legislature Funds Lone Star Rail District, Relocation Fund

Created by voters in 2005, the state legislature approved $91 million per year in the state’s current biennial budget for the Texas Rail Relocation and Improvement Fund. The 2-year spending plan also includes funds to support Lone Star Rail District’s partnership with Union Pacific to study freight rail relocation which, in turn, will get the LSTAR moving.