FAQs

Q. How is a Rail District formed?
County Commissioner's Court.

Q. How are board members selected?            
A. Board members are selected by the
County Courts.  

Q. Is the Rail District a taxing authority?      
A. A Rail District cannot levy a tax on the citizens of a County!

Q. Does the County have any continuing liability?
A. NO! The Rail District is a governmental sub division of the
state of Texas and is totally responsible for it's own activities!

Q. How does the Rail District generate revenue?
A. The Rail District can seek State and Federal Grants, procure
loans,collect user fees, or issue bonds to back specific projects.

Q. What is required to become a board member?
A. Board members have to be a resident of the County. They
serve a two year term and can be reappointed by the County
Court for another term of two years.

Q. Can a County belong to several Rail Districts?
A. Yes! A County  may create a single Rail District or may join
a multiple County Rail District if required.

Q. Is a Rail District for an entire county?            
A. Yes, a Rail District covers an entire County.

Q. How many Rail Districts are there in Texas?
A. There are currently 37 Rail Districts in over 80 counties.

Q. Who pays to have the rail district set up and retain
the professional group that will direct the district?
A. Local funds are raised through the County and
City Governments, Economic Development and Chamber of
Commerce agencies, banks, utility companies and shippers along
the rail line.