FORT WORTH, Texas — Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker announced the creation of the Urban Rail Committee Supporting Economic Development & Tourism on Thursday.
The committee, formed in partnership with Trinity Metro, will explore opportunities for urban rail as a transportation solution for the city, officials said.
“We know that Fort Worth remains one of the fastest-growing cities in America, and current trends show that in 2100 the Fort Worth-Dallas Metro region will be the largest metro area in the country,” said Parker in a statement. “With that growth comes immense challenges and opportunities. I believe right now that we are well-poised for the opportunity to explore urban rail opportunities, particularly in supporting our growing economic development and tourism industries.”
Committee members will tackle three main tasks at meetings beginning this summer through the rest of the year: To determine the likelihood of developing a fixed rail system to move people through Fort Worth entertainment districts, explore possible financial support and construction/operation mechanisms, and to determine possible legislative needs and priorities related to rail projects and economic development.
“Trinity Metro is always striving to think ahead for what Fort Worth’s transit needs will be into the future,” said Trinity Metro CEO Rich Andreski in a statement. “We are glad to continue our collaborative work on this effort with City of Fort Worth, this time with a focus on exploring solutions that support the dynamic economic development and tourism needs of a rapidly-growing Tarrant County.”
The city of Fort Worth and Trinity Metro have agreed to split consulting fees for the research needed for the efforts, the city said.
Jay Chapa of J Chapa Strategic Solutions will act as Chair of the committee. The rest of its membership is made up of leaders in business, transportation and tourism in Fort Worth.
Assistant City Manager Dana Burghdoff said during a city council presentation on April 2 that the city envisions there being a future transit corridor connecting Downtown Fort Worth and the Stockyards, possibly down to Near Southside.
The city already has plans to extend TEXRail about 2 miles south to the medical district, linking Magnolia Avenue and South Main Street. But a federal grant is needed before the city can begin construction.
The Trinity Lakes subdivision east of 820 is being designed for transit in the same manner Panther Island is expected to be.
