Texas Central Partners, developers of the state’s high-speed train, announced today that it had reached land option agreements on about 30 percent of the parcels of land estimates to be needed for the bullet train's route in the 10-county stretch between North Texas and Houston. The railway is expected to cross portions of Harris, Waller, Grimes, Madison, Leon, Limestone, Freestone, Navarro, Ellis and Dallas counties. Negotiations have resulted in option agreements in all 10 counties, including 50 percent of the parcels for the proposed route in Waller and Grimes counties. Grimes County is the site of a Brazos Valley passenger station, a midway stop on the 240-mile line between the state’s top metro areas. The option program compensates owners today in exchange for the right to acquire a parcel at a future date at an agreed price. The option offers are being made in select areas of alignments that are under review as part of the parcels estimated for the potential route. “This is a significant step in the progress of the high-speed train and it reflects the positive dialogue we have has with landowners along the route,” said Texas Central CEO Carlos Aguilar in a press release. “Texans see the many benefits of a system that will provide a safe, reliable and productive alternative to the state’s transportation demands.” Some county officials and landowners have expressed concerns about the railway claiming that it would put a financial burden on the counties that they would not be able to meet. Since the beginning of the project Texas Central Partners have hosted 28 information meetings throughout the 10 counties to outline the project and discuss any concerns.