Latest news with #CodyHarris
Newsweek
5 days ago
- Business
- Newsweek
Texas High-Speed Update as Alternative Route Proposed
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The Dallas–Houston high-speed rail system is set to receive an update from local officials that could change the layout of the troubled construction project. The North Central Texas Council of Governments is set to present an examination of an alternative route for the project at a Regional Transportation Council meeting on Thursday. Why It Matters The Houston–Dallas bullet train has been pitched for more than a decade as a transformative infrastructure project that could cut travel time between the two major metros to about 90 minutes. However, it has faced consistent resistance from landowners, lawmakers and local officials over eminent domain use, environmental concerns and the project's viability. What To Know The Regional Transportation Council is scheduled to review progress on the Dallas–Fort Worth bullet train at its August 7 meeting. North Central Texas Council of Governments' staff members are expected to present updates, with an examination for a more westerly rail alignment near downtown Dallas. The alternative was considered after nearby landowners opposed the original elevated route, leading officials to begin exploring different options last August. Stock image: a Red Line light rail car in Houston, Texas, on April 5, 2024. Stock image: a Red Line light rail car in Houston, Texas, on April 5, 2024. Getty Images Officials will also discuss possible effects of the fiscal year 2026 House Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations bill, which may prohibit federal funding for high-speed rail development in the region. The train project has previously lost $63.9 million in federal grant funding and the withdrawal of its operator. A separate Boston Consulting Group study commissioned by the city of Dallas forecast that a Dallas–Houston line would boost Dallas County's gross domestic product by $5 billion annually from 2029 through 2050 and create more than 28,300 new jobs. The study predicted the route could attract 3 million to 6.5 million riders within its first year of operations, which is expected as early as 2035 if planning is completed this year. What People Are Saying Republican state Representative Cody Harris, a long-standing critic of the project, previously told Newsweek: "We will not hand over Texas taxpayer money or land for a project the voters did not choose. In 2017, Texas Central Railroad asked cities and counties to agree to pay for maintenance on its proposed system, despite the fact they would not even pay property tax on land they acquired through eminent domain." Texas Central, the developer of the Dallas–Houston bullet train, told Newsweek in June: "No other state can match Texas' healthy, 'can-do' business environment—or better understands how to meet the needs of its people. The project will improve mobility and safety for Texans, create significant new jobs, and accelerate economic growth in the Lone Star State." What Happens Next The environmental and engineering review process for the Dallas–Fort Worth high-speed rail project is expected to continue through at least 2025, overseen by local and federal agencies.
Yahoo
01-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
East Texas officials express opposition to new high-capacity wells
CROCKETT, Texas (KETK) – The City of Crockett city administrator John Angerstein, State Rep. Cody Harris and State Rep. Trent Ashby have all expressed their opposition to a new permit application for wells in Anderson County. Bill to stop Marvin Nichols Reservoir dies in Calendars Committee According to Angerstein's post to the city's Facebook on Saturday, Redtown Ranch Holdings LLC in Anderson County has submitted a groundwater production permit application for 21 high-capacity groundwater wells that he said could extract 10 billion gallons of water a year from the Carrizo and Wilcox aquifers. Angerstein said the permit application also lists 11 more wells in Houston County that could drain another 5 billion gallons of water a year but aren't covered by the Neches and Trinity Valleys Groundwater Conservation District (NTVGCD) like the 21 proposed wells in Anderson County. According to Angerstein, the 21 wells would extract 52 times more water than the city of Crockett uses for its population. 'This volume of water is staggering. Using the City of Crockett's per capita water usage, it is equivalent for a population of 338,000 or 52 times the City of Crockett. Yet, none of this water is designated for our communities,' Angerstein said. 'It is likely intended to support unchecked development and sprawl in other parts of Texas, presumably in the DFW metroplex or Hill Country, areas that have failed to plan responsibly for their own water needs.' Angerstein said these speculative water wells could jeopardize the area's aquifers and investments that the city is making to develop their own water supply. 'These types of speculative water projects jeopardize not only the integrity of our aquifer system, but also the significant taxpayer investments already being made to responsibly develop local supply. My concerns are not hypothetical. The proposed well field lies in close proximity to Crockett's existing and planned wells, threatening aquifer pressure and yield,' Angerstein said. 'The Carrizo and Wilcox aquifers, which this permit targets, is the same formation that Crockett depends on to serve thousands of residents. If surrounding private or shallow wells are compromised, Crockett will likely face increased pressure to provide emergency water connections, placing operational and financial burdens on the City.' How to know what's in your drinking water Angerstein also alleged that Redtown Ranch Holdings LLC is tied to Conservation Equity Management Partners, Pine Bliss LLC and 24th Parallel Holding, which he claimed are connected to Hayman Capital Management of Dallas. Kyle Bass is listed as a founder by Conservation Equity Management Partners' and Hayman Capital's websites. 'We cannot support the wholesale extraction of rural water to satisfy distant, unplanned urban growth,' Angerstein said. 'Especially when done through layered corporate structures, incomplete applications, and without regard for the future of our communities.' His statement was issued in an attempt to get local landowners, leaders and state representatives to submit their own statements in opposition of this permit to the NTVGCD by emailing manager@ before June 19 at 11 a.m. Angerstein is also asking The Crockett City Council to issue a resolution in opposition to the permits. Texas water projects would get billions under bill headed to Governor East Texas State Representatives Cody Harris of Palestine and Trent Ashby of Lufkin have both put out statements expressing their opposition to the 21 proposed wells. 'As a lifelong resident of East Texas and a member of the Texas House of Representatives, I have consistently supported responsible groundwater management and local control over water resources,' Ashby said on Saturday. 'This proposed project is deeply troubling. The sheer volume of water involved equivalent to the annual usage of more than two million Texans raises serious concerns about aquifer depletion, potential impacts on surrounding private and municipal wells, and the long-term sustainability of our region's water supply.' Harris is the Chairman of the Texas House of Representatives Committee on Natural Resources and he expressed his opposition while noting that the state legislature is working to fix water problems across the state. 'While we are working rigorously at the state level to propose and enact significant legislation that will help ease the ongoing burdens across the state, I will not stand by while attempts are made to drain my own district,' Harris said on Friday. KETK has reached out to Redtown Ranch Holdings LLC and Conservation Equity Management Partners for comment on this story. This story will be updated when any comment is received. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Local veteran honored with Quilt of Valor
The Ioni Creek 4-H held a special ceremony Thursday night at the Anderson County Courthouse Annex to present Veteran Robert Mike Richbourg with a Quilt of Valor. Richbourg served in the U.S. Army from 1993 to 2011, serving as an infantryman and combat medic. He was stationed in Texas, Georgia and Germany and was deployed on several humanitarian missions. He is a combat veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was honorably discharged in 2011. During the special ceremony, Ioni Creek 4-H leader Amy Jones gave Richbourg a special certificate from Rep. Cody Harris. Jones also shared with those in attendance the meaning of a Quilt of Valor. According to Jones, the quilt has a three-part message of honor, freedom and comfort. 'First we honor you for your service to our country in the United States Army. We honor you for leaving all you hold dear to stand in harm's way in a time of crisis, protecting us from the effects of war. 'Next we know that freedom is not free. The cost of our freedom is the dedication of lives of men and women like you, and this quilt is meant to say 'thank you' for your sacrifice. 'And finally, this quilt is meant to offer comfort to you, and to remind you that although your family and friends cannot be with you at all times, you are forever in all our thoughts and hearts,' Jones said. The 4-H members who helped make the quilt then surrounded Richbourg and wrapped him up with the quilt, much like a hug. Jones said the Quilt of Valor is described as the civilian equivalent of a Purple Heart. 'The quilt says thank you for your service, sacrifice and valor in serving our nation,' she said. 'I want to say thank you for that quilt,' Richbourg said. 'I guarantee I'll sleep with it every night. I do have a Teddy bear I sleep with, but the quilt is gonna take its place. We all need comfort at times, we really do. Thank you to everybody that showed up. It was my pleasure and my honor to serve my country, and the people, and I will continue to do my part as an American. I appreciate it, thank you all.' At the conclusion of the ceremony, those in attendance enjoyed cookies, cupcakes and other treats provided by Ouida Mathis, Susie Wolf, Jessica Moore, Betty Pierce and Amy Jones.
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Rep. Nathaniel Moran introduces No Tax on Overtime Act
WASHINGTON (KETK) — Congressman Nathaniel Moran from East Texas introduced the No Tax on Overtime Act on Tuesday which would allow for up to 300 hours of qualified overtime compensation. State Rep. Cody Harris' bill to help preserve access care across East Texas passes State House The deduction means the first 300 hours of overtime worked is tax free within a taxable year. A press release from the Moran House website said the bill will also remove 100% of income taxes on a 50% overtime pay premium for over 90 million hourly workers. For people who work time and a half, this means the half part of that pay will be tax free. This legislation is directed toward those who make up to $100,000 and couples who make a combined $200,00, the release said. President Trump supports the bill as a long time advocate for policy that helps working class Americans. Severe storm devastates East Texas, cleanup efforts underway '[No Tax on Overtime] gives people more of an incentive to work,' Trump said. 'The people who work overtime are among the hardest-working citizens in our country. And for too long, no one in Washington has looked out for them. Those are the people, they really work. They're police officers, nurses, factory workers, construction workers, truck drivers and machine operators.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to |
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
The Texas House wants voters to approve billions to save the state's water supply
LUBBOCK — The Texas House on Tuesday approved a key piece of legislation that brings Texas one step closer to investing $1 billion annually to address the state's water shortage. House Joint Resolution 7, led by state Rep. Cody Harris, R-Palestine, was overwhelmingly approved by the lower chamber, 138-6. Tuesday's vote sets the proposal on a path to voters. If the Senate also approves it, voters will be asked in November to approve the spending, which comes from the state's sales tax. The Senate has a similar proposal, asking voters for dedicated funding. However, it spells out how the money is to be used. Written by state Sen. Charles Perry, R-Lubbock, Senate Joint Resolution 66 calls for 80% of the $1 billion to go toward projects that create new water supply, such as desalination or produced water treatment plants. The remaining 20% would be split among several programs that address other needs, including infrastructure upgrades for aging pipes, drinking water and wastewater treatment plants. Harris' House resolution does not specify how the billions should be spent. The Texas Water Development Board, the state agency that helps manage the state's water, would determine how the money is allocated. Harris told lawmakers the Legislature will work with the board on those decisions, but the board will decide. He also presented an amendment that protects existing groundwater supply, stating the new water supply fund could not be used for groundwater projects unless it's brackish groundwater. On the House floor Tuesday, Harris said the Legislature has the opportunity to address Texas' growing water needs by passing the resolution. 'This is an incredible opportunity for us to tackle this issue,' Harris said. [Texas is running out of water. Here's why and what state leaders plan to do about it.] Texas water supply faces several threats, including a growing population, climate change and leaking infrastructure. Texas does not have enough water to meet demand in the case of a historic drought, according to state data. The situation will become dire if the hundreds of projects detailed in the state water plan are not completed. Another piece of sweeping legislation, Senate Bill 7, is making its way through the legislative process. Also written by Perry, it covers a wide range of water needs and issues. The Senate unanimously approved it earlier this month. However, Harris made changes to the bill while it was in a House committee. The changes were celebrated by the state's water community. If the House approves the bill, the two chambers will have to reconcile the differences to pass the legislation forward. During a debate on the House Floor, state Rep. Brian Harrison, R-Midlothian, objected to dedicated funding for water needs. Harrison argued the money should be going to property tax relief. Harris disagreed and argued that securing the state's water supply was an economic imperative. 'The Texas economy will come to a screeching halt,' Harris said, evoking the link between the state's water supply and economy that fuels the state's budget. Members of the state's water community celebrated the bill's passage. Jennifer Walker, director of the Texas Coast and Water program for the National Wildlife Federation, called it a historic win for Texas. 'Having sustained investments is going to be a huge help,' Walker said. 'This allows flexibility for the water board to utilize all the programs at their disposal to best meet the needs of Texas communities.' Perry Fowler, executive director of the Texas Water Infrastructure Network, said it was encouraging to see bipartisan support for the bill. 'We're optimistic that a reasonable and balanced funding approach will prevail,' Fowler said. 'One that empowers the Texas Water Development Board to support the full range of vital programs eligible.' According to Texas 2036, Texas needs to invest at least $154 billion over the next 50 years on water supply projects and infrastructure upgrades. While there are other state and federal programs to fund water needs, there is still a projected shortfall in funding of $112 billion. Water needs have become a focal point for Texas lawmakers in recent years. In 2023, the Texas Legislature allocated a one-time investment of $1 billion to create the Texas Water Fund, with approval from voters. Disclosure: Texas 2036 has been a financial supporter of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribune's journalism. Find a complete list of them here. Tickets are on sale now for the 15th annual Texas Tribune Festival, Texas' breakout ideas and politics event happening Nov. 13–15 in downtown Austin. Get tickets before May 1 and save big! TribFest 2025 is presented by JPMorganChase.
