Click here to sign the Letter of Support for Texas Rail Caucus
Please fill out the form above to join your organization to our cause
This link will open a new page in microsoft forms
Call to Action
Download Letter of Support for Texas Rail Caucus last updated March 4, 2026
Texoma organizations play a critical role in shaping strong, thriving communities. Below are signatures to this letter of support that help demonstrate broad alignment across business, community, and civic sectors—signaling that this initiative is not just a single effort, but a shared priority embraced by the very organizations that drive economic vitality, community development, and long-term prosperity.
This gathered support strengthens the collective voice that advocates for resources, policies, and investments that directly benefit the people, businesses, and neighborhoods our Texas Leaders serve. As trusted leaders, Chambers of Commerce, EDCs, and nonprofits set the tone for responsible advocacy. Their signatures reflect commitment, vision, and a dedication to advancing the well-being of the entire region.
Join us by signing this letter of support. Your voice is vital. Together, we can expand opportunities, strengthen our community, and drive meaningful, lasting change.
From the TXDOT website 2024 Texas Rail Plan
Letter of Support for Texas Rail Caucus
Dear Members of the Texas Legislature,
On behalf of Chambers of Commerce, Economic Development Corporations, municipal leaders, associations, and nonprofit organizations across North Texas and the Texoma region, we urge you to take immediate action to restore and sustain state support for the Heartland Flyer passenger rail service and to establish a dedicated Texas Rail Caucus.
The Heartland Flyer is a vital transportation asset serving one of Texas’s most economically significant corridors. Connecting Fort Worth, Gainesville, and Oklahoma City along I35, it provides a reliable, cost-effective travel option that supports workforce mobility, tourism, and regional commerce while reducing roadway congestion, emissions, and infrastructure wear.
In fiscal year 2025, the Heartland Flyer carried more than 80,000 passengers, with nearly one-third connecting in Fort Worth to other regional and national rail services. These connections—especially during peak travel periods—demonstrate the line’s importance to an integrated transportation network that supports business travel, major events, and tourism. Communities such as Gainesville benefit directly through downtown revitalization and increased access to the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex and Oklahoma City.
Passenger rail investment is a sound fiscal decision for Texas. The 2024 Texas Rail Plan found that intercity passenger rail generates an estimated five to one return on investment through increased economic activity, travel time savings, congestion reduction, improved safety, and expanded access to jobs and visitors. Yet the removal of state funding for the Heartland Flyer has disrupted a service that is already planned, operating, and delivering measurable public benefits.
Local and regional commitment to the Heartland Flyer remains strong. The service is recognized as a community asset in state and local planning efforts, and Amtrak has committed $1.9 million in federal funding for ADA improvements to the historic Santa Fe Depot in Gainesville. State partnership is essential to protect these investments and maintain continuity of service.
As Texas continues to grow, the Legislature’s leadership is critical to ensuring a balanced, multimodal transportation system that keeps our economy competitive. We respectfully urge you to:
- Restore and sustain state funding for the Heartland Flyer; and
- Establish a Texas Rail Caucus to provide focused legislative leadership, coordinate policy discussions, and align funding decisions with long-term economic and transportation goals.
With decisive legislative action, Texas can preserve an existing, high performing passenger rail service and strengthen statewide coordination for future mobility needs. We appreciate your leadership and stand ready to support efforts that keep our communities connected and our economy moving forward.
Respectfully,
On behalf of organizations across North Texas and Texoma
Tavia Evans/CRO Ripples Gainesville
Reese Evans/COO Ripples Gainesville
David Jones/Parker Electric
Parker Jones/The State Theater
Martin Phillips/President Gainesville Economic Development Corporation
Matt Carlson/Executive Director of The Gainesville Economic Development Corporation
Mary Jo Dollar/Gainesville City Council Ward 6
Randy Jones/Gainesville City Council Ward 3
Howard R Jones/Gainesville Economic Development Corporation Secretary