The Federal Railroad Administration signed a draft environmental impact statement for Texas Central on Friday, which outlines a preferred route for the high-speed railway from Dallas to Houston, according to a statement from Texas Central. The FRA's release of the environmental report comes after a four-year study process on the environmental impact of the 240-mile route. "Safe, accessible and efficient regional rail systems are an important component in the transportation networks of many areas," U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao said in a statment. "As proposed, these rail projects would increase travel options and promote economic growth in their regions of the country." Texas Central, a private company, plans to construct a 240-mile high-speed rail route from Houston to Dallas. When completed, the multibillion-dollar route will provide riders a 90-minute trip between the two cities. The complete draft environmental impact statement will be published Friday, Dec. 22, in the Federal Register—the daily newspaper of the federal government—according to the FRA, at which time the FRA will accept public comments on the report. The environmental report does not grant Texas Central a permit to build the high-speed railway. The FRA will consider public input from the draft environmental impact statement and compile a final environmental impact statement. Then, the FRA will issue a record of decision to comply with the permitting process for the project. Here are five things to know about the study's findings.