DART, East Texas officials to seek expanded rail connections

Representatives from Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) and the North East Texas Regional Mobility Authority will work together to explore rail connections between North and East Texas. DART President/Executive Director Gary Thomas and Jeff Austin, chairman of the North East Texas Regional Mobility Authority, signed an interlocal cooperation agreement marking the commitment.

The agreement recognizes the importance of coordinated transportation planning and advocacy as the two agencies work to expand rail in the area. Multi-jurisdictional cooperation is often cited by federal officials as a key to securing project funds.

The agreement encourages the two agencies to identify "potential issues of mutual interest in the development of plans" for future rail service between the North Central, North East and East regions of Texas.