Hispanic Chamber Endorses Urban Rail Alternative

Austin (May 25, 2012) - The Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (GAHCC) Board of Directors voted to unanimously support the concept of an urban rail as a regional asset and a key part of the solution to the traffic and congestion issues in Central Texas.

While the Board has not endorsed the proposed first route presented to city council on May 22nd, they recognize that it is important that the city’s leadership knows that once there is consensus on the optimal route, it will maximize riders and reduce congestion. Discussions have been held on financing and potential partners (both public and private), and the GAHCC looks forward to supporting a referendum.

“It’s not difficult to grasp the positive impact rail can have not only to our urban core, but also to our entire region”, said Celia Israel, advocacy chair, GAHCC.

The GAHCC welcomes further discussion and a continued fleshing out of this positive vision for the city. GAHCC further encourages their regional partners to continue with collaborative discussions at both the CAMPO Board level and the CAMPO Transit Working Group level.