TEXAS RURAL RAIL TRANSPORTATION DISTRICTS: INFORMATIONAL GUIDEBOOK FOR FORMATION AND EVALUATION

Rural Rail Transportation Districts (RRTDs) in Texas are formed to prevent the loss of rural rail lines that have been abandoned by rail companies, or to maintain the former rail right-of-way for future transportation uses. This guidebook provides basic information about RRTD formation and evaluation for RRTD board members and Texas Department of Transportation personnel. Chapter 1 of this guidebook provides a brief history of rail abandonment and of the legislation authorizing and governing the formation of RRTDs. It then describes the purposes and procedures for forming a RRTD and presents a summary of RRTD powers and duties. Chapter 2 presents a brief checklist of indicators for evaluating the potential success of a RRTD, including financial factors, RRTD board activity, business operational practices, and legal and ownership issues. Chapter 3 lists some of the measures that can be used to evaluate the progress of an existing RRTD. Appendices include a map and listing of current and pending RRTDs in Texas, a glossary of rail terms, briefings on selected rail issues, RRTD-related legislation, and a summary of the rail abandonment process.