PALESTINE, Texas — The Texas State Railroad, a heritage railway in East Texas, will receive $10 million under the budget passed last month by the state legislature.
The Palestine Herald-Press reports funding will go toward capital projects that could include tie and ballast work, replacement of 100-year-old rails, railcar maintenance, safety improvements, and other projects.
State Sen. Robert Nichols (R-Jacksonville, Texas) and state Rep. Cody Harris (R-Palestine) are credited with securing the funding. It is part of a $321.3 billion two-year appropriations bill passed by a 29-2 vote in the Senate and 124-22 in the House; details remain subject to line-item vetoes by Gov. Greg Abbott until June 18.
The Texas State Railroad operates a 25-mile line between Palestine and Rusk, Texas, featuring steam and diesel operation. More information is available at the railroad website.
