City Seeking Amtrak Service

City manager Jim Stephens has begun the courting process to have Amtrak stop in Wills Point, instead of just passing through.

Amtrak currently makes stops in Shreveport, Longview and Mineola on its way to the Metroplex, and Stephens would like to see Wills Point added to that list.

"High-speed rail is coming to East Texas," Stephens said. "Whether it winds up running along Highway 80, or Interstate 20, I think it’s becoming clear that it’s going to happen, and it would be an asset for Wills Point to be leading in that."

To that end, Stephens has sent out a letter to Amtrak expressing Wills Point’s interest, and pointing out some of the city’s assets.

"I really think our old depot is ideal, and can be an asset," Stephens said. "Not only would this help commuters who are struggling with the price of gas, but it would also help bring tourism to Wills Point."

Letters asking for support have also been sent to senators Kay Bailey Hutchison and John Cornyn, U.S. representative Jeb Hensarling, and state representative Dan Flynn.

The Van Zandt Rural Rail District was formed by the Van Zandt County Commissioner’s Court in February 2005. It has since joined with the East Texas Corridor Council.