A proposal from the company Texas Central Partners calls for the construction of a 240-mile track to carry a bullet train from Houston to Dallas in 90 minutes. Project officials said construction will begin by the end of 2019 and will not require any public funding. However, opposition groups—such as Texans Against High Speed Rail—are skeptical about that promise.

Officials with Texas Central said the project is fully financed through the pre-construction phase and that all the risk falls to private investors. Taxpayer dollars would come into play if the company decides to pursue federal loans. If loans are necessary, Texas Central said they would be paid back in full using revenue garnered by the operation of the train over time.

The question is one of the rail’s ridership and profitability, where Texas Central’s supporters and opponents have vastly different thoughts. If federal loans are sought, this debate is certain to take center stage.