US, Mexico officials discuss high-speed rail service

The idea of a high-speed passenger and cargo rail service between Mexico and the United States has taken shape after high-ranking officials from both countries met Thursday.

Secretary of Transportation Anthony Foxx, U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar, representatives from the Texas Department of Transportation and members of the Mexican delegation met in Washington, D.C., to discuss progress and the economic benefits that would be created with the completion of the project, which would link San Antonio to Monterrey, Mexico.

“It’s a historic project that will connect San Antonio, Laredo and Monterrey and also help unite large economies, especially those of our areas,” Cuellar said.

The project, which will be presented to Vice President Joe Biden, should have the backing of the U.S. government as it has support on both sides of the border.

“Transportation is important to any country,” Cuellar said. “The fact that stakeholders are present is something that is taken into account for the authorization of this project.”

The project is in an advanced state on the Mexican side while it’s in the study phase on the U.S. side.