BULLET TRAIN GROUP HIRES ITALIAN CONSTRUCTION COMPANY
The developer of the controversial high-speed rail line, that would connect Houston and Dallas, has announced a $16-billion contract with an Italian company to build the project.
Webuild, based in Milan, will oversee heavy construction of the 236-mile project for Texas Central. Webuild will operate through U.S. subsidiary Cheshire, Connecticut-based Lane Construction Corporation.
The companies say nearly half the distance will be elevated to reduce the impact on property owners.
Residents have fought the high-speed train, which has been discussed for decades and would rely on acquiring land through eminent domain to construct the rail line.
Trey Duhon, who heads a group called Texans Against High-Speed Rail, criticized Tuesday’s announcement, saying it was just the developer continuing to try to drum up support for an unpopular project.
Webuild officials say construction of the project will employ 17,000 people directly. The rail link itself would employ 1,500 people once completed.
They can only push this with eminent domain. The jobs are a fraction of what was lost when someone cancelled the Keystone pipeline.
Use existing railroad right of ways. Elevate above existing beds.