Well-timed Pitch to Trump Administration Propels Texas Bullet Train to Top of Mind

WASHINGTON -- Texas is closer than ever to building the first high-speed train in the United States, thanks to President Donald Trump's fascination with these transportation projects and a well-timed pitch to his administration.Now developers nationwide are looking to the privately owned Texas Central Railway as a test case of what can get done with Trump in the White House.Former Houston Astros owner Drayton McLane Jr., a member of the company's board of directors, met recently with Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao in Washington. He wasn't seeking any of the taxpayer-funded grants sought by high-speed rail projects in California and the Northeast.What the $10 billion Texas Central Railway really needs is a green light from the agency Chao oversees."It was an opportunity to make a first impression," said Tim Keith, president of Texas Central Railway.  Continue reading...