Heartland Flyer emergency funding influenced by 2026 FIFA World Cup, business leaders say
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — Texas approved funds to keep the Heartland Flyer in service, but the solution isn't permanent.
Oklahoma's only passenger rail service was less than 90 days away from suspension, due to the Texas Legislature opting out of their portion of its funding between the two states.
The North Texas Council provided $3.5M in emergency funding to keep the train running.
"If we ever lose it, getting it back is very, very difficult," said Derek Sparks with the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup played a role in the North Texas Council's decision to pick up the million-dollar tab, as some of the games will be played in the Dallas area.
"That was really, I think, one of the main impetuses behind them taking this step," Sparks said.
The Heartland Flyer has been around for two decades, connecting Oklahoma City to Dallas-Fort Worth.
The rail service recently considered expansion to Kansas and a northern cross-country route.
Sparks said, "What I know for certain is if a solution had not been found on this issue, then the northern extension would no longer have been an option."
The million-dollar solution, however, comes with a catch.
The funding is only for one year of service.
"We don't want to play this game of having year-on-year funding. We've got to have long-term stability," Sparks added.
Sparks and other Oklahoma lawmakers are aware, the same situation could arise next year, should the Texas Legislature decide to opt out again.
"We are going to be highly engaged with our partners and friends and those South of the Red River to try to come up with a long-term funding solution," Sparks concluded.