Texas Central Railroad’s taking exception to Grimes County Judge Ben Leman’s observations they don’t appear to be making much progress on their high speed rail. To the contrary, Texas Central’s Managing Director of External Affairs says they’re doing great.
Holly Reed says Texas Central’s gathered purchase options on more than a third of the parcels they expect to need, and in Grimes it’s more than half. In those discussions, Reed admits the company claims, but hopes not to have to use, the power of eminent domain.
Reed insists that’s in statute for major infrastructure projects like roads, railroads, utility companies, internet companies, things that are of a large scale.
Even projects completely within the State of Texas, Reed insists, citing a ruling last year that decided Texas Central has the right to select the most advantageous route for their proposed rail to follow.
Reed also tells Navasota News Texas Central denies Judge Leman’s allegations they sent out thousands of threatening letters, opposed bills in the just-ended state legislature on either safety or public financing, and did it not seek any laws that would overrule counties . . . including Grimes.
