DOT Withdraws $63.9M Grant for Dallas-Houston High-Speed Rail

The U.S. Department of Transportation has terminated a nearly $64 million federal grant intended for the high-speed rail project between Dallas and Houston, citing concerns over escalating costs that have surged to over $40 billion. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy criticized the project as a misuse of taxpayer funds, stating that it should have remained a purely private venture. The grant's cancellation will allow Amtrak to redirect focus and resources toward improving its existing services. Kleinheinz Capital Partners, the project's lead investor, expressed readiness to assume responsibility for the project, asserting it is shovel-ready and capable of creating jobs. This decision reflects a broader governmental shift away from funding what are deemed unrealistic private projects reliant on federal dollars. The future of the rail project remains uncertain, as Texas Central has yet to comment on the implications of this funding withdrawal.