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The state of Texas recently joined the States for Passenger Rail Coalition, bringing the coalition’s membership to 32 states. A “significant portion” of the southern half of the country now is represented, according to the coalition.

Established in 2000, the States for Passenger Rail Coalition is an alliance of state departments of transportation that support intercity passenger-rail initiatives and advocate for federal funding. The coalition was “instrumental” in obtaining $8 billion for high-speed intercity passenger rail projects through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, and helped advance the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2008, which authorized $13 billion for intercity passenger-rail service over five years, according to a prepared statement.