West Texas rail upgrades 'critical' for oil and gas industry
A $7 million federal grant will be used to rebuild the Presidio-Ojinaga International Rail Bridge and the track between the border and Coleman, a news release states.
The Texas Department of Transportation was awarded the grant as part of a public-private partnership to replace the bridge, which was closed in 2008 after a fire, and reconstruct the 72 miles of track on the state-owned South Orient Rail Line.
The grant, announced Thursday, Aug. 3, is being hailed as a critical investment in the West Texas oil and gas industry by Texas Transportation Commission Chairman Tryon Lewis.
“The South Orient Railroad has become an increasingly important freight line for the agriculture and oil and gas industries in West Texas ... the improvements ... will allow enhanced freight opportunities for communities in Texas and between Texas and Mexico, with greater efficiency and safety,” Lewis said.
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The South Orient Rail Line is a 391-mile line running from Presidio through San Angelo to just south of Coleman.
Read more: http://www.gosanangelo.com/story/money/industries/energy/2017/08/07/west-texas-rail-upgrades-critical-oil-and-gas-industry/546458001/
