Special to The Leader 

Corpus Christi – “No” was the word of Texas Soil and Water Conservation Districts Directors to the development and construction of a non-stop high speed bullet train being proposed for operation between Houston and Dallas. The vote of opposition to the proposed project was voiced by district directors representing 216 soil and water conservation districts (SWCDS) attending their 75^th annual meeting in Corpus Christi, October 26-28.

“The construction of such a high speed rail system by Texas Central High Speed Railway, LLC, (TCR) would remove valuable agricultural lands from production, not to mention the taking of private property from landowners not wanting to give up their property for this venture,” said Charlie Price, chairman of the Bedias Creek SWCD headquartered in Madisonville, TX.

“Furthermore, the construction of a high speed rail system would create extensive negative impacts on farm and ranch operations, property values in addition to the destruction of wildlife habitat,” added Price.

The system TCR is promoting is the N700-I Bullet based on the Tokaido Shinkansen that is currently operating in Japan. The project is backed by a Japanese funded Texas-based private railroad company.

Local Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDS) coordinate the implementation and deliverance of corresponding natural resource conservation programs to farmers and ranchers throughout the state.

Additionally, SWCDS participate in planning, implementing, and managing programs for preventing and abating agricultural and silvicultural nonpoint sources of water pollution.

In other areas of responsibility, SWCDS participate in a state water supply enhancement program through the targeted control of water-depleting brush. An added area of responsibility permits SWCDS to engage in work to ensure local flood control dams are protecting lives and property by providing operation, maintenance, and structural repairs.