Fort Worth Mayor Makes Urban Rail System a Priority
fortworthreport.org
Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker has announced the creation of a new committee to examine bringing a fixed rail system to the city.
The Mayor’s Urban Rail Committee Supporting Economic Development & Tourism, launched with Trinity Metro, will explore the creation of a rail system between Fort Worth’s entertainment districts, as well as potential financial support and mechanisms for construction and operations.
“It is about tourism and economic development. Absolutely,” Parker said. “But I think there’s a huge element to also meeting the needs of the population that lives here, that enjoys those entertainment districts.”
The committee, formally announced May 2, will also look at legislative priorities and how different organizations can enhance possible economic development and tourism rail projects. Consultant Jay Chapa, a former deputy city manager now working to establish a downtown Fort Worth campus with the Texas A&M system, will chair the committee.
Paul Paine, president of the nonprofit Fort Worth Stockyards, Inc. and one of the new committee’s members, described the committee as an “exploratory” team to research and determine what the city’s transportation needs are before committing to a potential rail system in the future. He said he’s joining the committee “with an open mind, without preconceived ideas or agendas,” other than his belief that a new transportation system could be a tool to help grow accessibility in Fort Worth.
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