Railroads
Regional Rail Initiatives
MOTRAN and the La Entrada al Pacifico Rural Rail Transportation District (LEAP) continue to work together on several items concerning local rail service. This year, both groups have joined with TXDOT and communities from West Texas and the Panhandle to form the West Texas Freight Rail Study Group and are currently working with consultants on a study of current demands and constraints within the West Texas freight system, as well as areas that need to be improved to ensure continued service for the future.
In addition, MOTRAN and LEAP are leading the effort to study the economic feasibility of a north-south line connecting the Midland-Odessa area to other area rail systems and intermodal facilities to provide competitive service and increased rail shipping opportunities for current businesses and future economic prospects.
