RUSK COUNTY, Texas — The Rusk County Rural Rail District (RCRRD) and North East Texas Regional Mobility Authority (NET RMA) has announced a multimillion-dollar development project to revitalize the Henderson Overton Branch (HOB) rail line.
"Rusk County is seizing its future by transforming an aging rail line into a vibrant economic artery," said RCRRD president John Cloutier. "This bold step is a testament to our commitment to replacing the county's primary resources and driving economic growth through strategic infrastructure investments."
According to NET RMA, the project, which highlights a major investment in Rusk County's economic outlook, is backed by "an $8.48 million federal grant and matching funds from private partners."
Cloutier says this project will create hundreds of jobs and solidify Rusk County as an industrial hub in the Pineywoods.
"This $15+ million project is a direct result of NET RMA's commitment to fostering economic development in East Texas rural communities,” said NET RMA executive director Glenn Green. “By investing in this rail line, we are not just building infrastructure but we are also building a better future for Rusk County and the surrounding areas."
Key highlights of the project include:
- Rebuilding transload zones: Enhancements in Overton and Henderson to support increased industrial activity.
- Increasing track capacity: Expanding track splits to accommodate more rail traffic.
- Modernizing connections: Upgrading the switch to the Union Pacific mainline, which has not been modernized in over a century.