Nine counties along the proposed high speed rail line between Dallas and Houston say that the company responsible for its inception is now over half a million dollars behind on their property taxes.
Texans Against high Speed Rail published the findings, which were recently submitted to the Texas Supreme Court as they hear arguments in the case. In total, the letter filed last week indicated Texas Central owes approximately $622,975 in back taxes, and that does not include Ellis County, which is working on correcting exemptions applied, which might bring the total near $1 million.
In Grimes County alone, Texas Central is alleged to owe $145,982, the largest of any of the counties mentioned besides Harris County, where over $215,000 is owed. In the surrounding area, Texas Central owes almost $69,000 in Madison County, $111,817 in Waller County, and $3,942 in Leon County.
Texans Against High Speed Rail said in a statement that, “while the amount is only a small fraction of the 9,000 acres needed for construction, their inability to pay their taxes may stem from the company’s current financial condition,” which they would be forced to disclose in a construction permit application with the Surface Transportation Board.
Texas Central has yet to issue a response to the letter.
