Officials working on a controversial rail line project have placed a pause on the permit application process, citing a need to do more “assessment and evaluation.”
Texas Materials, a Cedar Park-based company, notified public officials, politicians and media that they have withdrawn their federal permit application for the project.
The company, a subsidiary of CRH Americas Materials, had plans to upgrade 27 miles of rail line to transport aggregate rock materials. Documents showed that about half of the route would reconstruct a section abandoned since the 1940s. The remaining stretch would extend past Lake Victor in Burnet County into Lampasas County.
“Texas Materials Group (TMG) recently purchased a railroad right-of-way from the Georgetown Railroad Company, extending through Burnet County,” according to a statement released May 21. “As part of the project’s early planning phase, TMG initiated engagement with the Surface Transportation Board’s Office of Environmental Analysis to explore a potential connection between right-of-way and the Burlington Northern Santa Fe andAustin Western Railroads.
“At this time, TMG has made the decision to pause development of the proposed shortline railroad between Burnet County and Lampasas to allow for additional assessment and evaluation.”
The rail line project coordinators clashed with Burnet County and Lampasas County residents who expressed vocal opposition with issues including noise, the environment and private property encroachment.
More than 100 properties were expected to be impacted. In April, Burnet County organizers hosted a meeting attracting hundreds of opponents. Also, state politicians in the House and Senate supported local residents in their concerns.
“We want to thank Texas Materials for being a responsible business. By listening to the public’s push back against their proposed rail road system thru Burnet County and withdrawing their proposal proved them to be a better neighbor than many other Texas APOs (aggregate production operations),” said Fermin Ortiz, spokesman for Texans for Responsible Mining (TRAM). “We commend Texas Materials for being a responsible community member. “
TRAM was among aggregate watchdogs who rallied against the project.
“Many other quarry operators should listen to the communities in which they’re engaged,” Ortiz said. “Many claim to want to be good neighbors. If you want to be a good neighbor, there are ways to prove it.”
