STAFF REPORT
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AUSTIN – Friday, the Texas Supreme Court ruled developers of the proposed high-speed rail line connecting Dallas and Houston have eminent domain authority.
“If not stopped, the controversial project will impact private property owners in Ellis County,” stated State Representative Brian Harrison in a news release.
“Private property rights are foundational to a free society, and I am appalled by the Texas Supreme Court’s decision.
“I am firmly committed to stopping the destructive boondoggle that is this proposed high-speed rail and to protecting the private property rights of my constituents and all Texans.
“I will introduce legislation next session to ensure these rights are not eroded.”
BACKGROUND
James Miles, a landowner in Leon County, petitioned the Texas Supreme Court in July 2020 to reverse a Thirteenth Court of Appeals panel’s ruling that Texas Central Railroad & Infrastructure Inc. and Integrated Texas Logistics Inc. had eminent domain authority.
The high court originally declined to review Miles’ appeal in June 2021, but it reversed course in October 2021 and agreed to hear oral arguments on the case in January.
In a 5-3 decision announced on Friday, the Texas Supreme Court held Texas Central and ITL are interurban electric railway companies entitled to eminent domain.
Miles owns 600 acres that have been in his family for about a century.
His property lies directly in the path of Texas Central’s designated rail line, which would bisect it with a 100-foot right-of-way.
Recent court filings show that Texas Central owes at least $622,978 in unpaid property taxes and within the last few weeks has seen the departure of its CEO, Carlos Aguilar, and the resignation of its executive leadership team.
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