FTA gives green light to Fort Worth's TEX Rail project

The Federal Transit Administration has awarded a "letter of no prejudice" to the Fort Worth Transportation Authority (FWTA) for its TEX Rail project, meaning that construction on the 27-mile commuter-rail project can begin next month.

Source: Fort Worth Transportation Authority

The letter authorizes the agency to proceed with material procurement and construction planned for the first six months, FWTA officials said in a press release.

"We can now secure the prime contract and all subcontracts while locking in current pricing," said FWTA President and Chief Executive Officer Paul Ballard. "This has been a long journey and we can't wait to get started on construction next month."

In addition, the FTA's action allows the agency to start spending the local funding it has in reserves while awaiting a Full Funding Grant Agreement.

The TEX Rail line will extend from downtown Fort Worth, across Tarrant County, through North Richland Hills and Grapevine, and into Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport's Terminal B.

Expected to begin service in late 2018, the line is projected to serve more than 8,000 daily riders at nine stations by the end of the first year of operation.

By 2035, FWTA expects that nearly 14,000 daily riders will use the system.