HOUSTON – Traveling from Dallas to Houston at lightning speed in under 90 minutes on a bullet train sounds like a commuter's dream come true. But for Grimes County rancher Eric Yeargain, it's a nightmare.
One of the proposed routes for the 200 mph bullet train would slice right through Yeargain's peaceful 50-acre ranch in southern Grimes County.
"Cutting our land in half and isolating us from half of it and disrupting our way of life and potentially devastating our land value is something that's a tough thing to fathom," Yeargain said.
What's even harder for him to swallow is the fact that his property could be taken over by eminent domain.
"He's not alone. It's going to affect so many people," said Grimes County Commissioner Pam Finke.
Finke has become an advocate for ranchers across the county and has contacted Texas Central Railway in hopes of convincing developers to explore other options.
"If a train starts at 5:30 in the morning and goes thorough until 11:30 at night every half hour or every hour, it's going to affect the people. It's going to devastate the real estate market that we have," Finke said.
Construction could begin as early as 2016. Yeargain said he's worked his entire life to afford the peace and serenity of country life and he's not about to give it up without a fight.
"This is not a wholesale indictment on progress. We just think there are some other alternatives that don't require another land grab. This does not have to happen on the backs of private property owners," Yeargain said.
Local 2 reached out to Texas Central Railway for a comment. In a statement, Robert Eckels, president of Texas Central High-Speed Railway said the company is conducting an environmental review process to study the overall impact of the project and to hear concerns from people living in the affected areas. He said more details specific to potential routes, the cost and impact on landowners will be known after the review is complete.
"TCR will work closely with effected landowners and communities to safeguard their ability to farm, ranch, commute and generally go about their lives," Eckels said. "Whenever compensation is appropriate, through eminent domain of other negotiations, TCR is committed to behaving honorably and in good faith. Property owners will be treated as partners in an appraisal and settlement process that is transparent, independent and fair to all."
The Federal Railroad Administration is holding a public meeting in Grimes County on Dec. 4.
