After the Texas Central Railroad announced financial hardship in the face of the COVID-19 crisis, and with opposition in the Texas House of Representatives, the plan for a 240-mile, high-speed train from Dallas to Houston could be in jeopardy.

While high-speed rail connections have been proposed around the country, the extreme distances between several of Texas’ metropolitan areas has caused greater interest in such a solution for Texas, according to Narcity. The proposed 240-mile route in Texas would connect the metropolitan areas of Dallas and Houston.

Texas Central High-Speed Rail CEO Carlos Aguilar recently laid off 28 employees due to ongoing government restrictions related to the coronavirus crisis, according to ABC 13.

In a recent letter released on social media, state Rep. John Wray (R-Waxahachie) joined 28 other legislators in calling for a termination of the efforts between Texas Central Railroad and the U.S. Department of Transportation.

"It has become clear Texas Central Railroad simply does not have the financial resources required or expertise employed to continue with this project,” Wray said in the letter. "To proceed otherwise would be an inexcusable waste of taxpayer dollars."

Yet, even after announcing hardships the company faces, Aguilar said the high speed rail could be needed more than ever as Texas tries to rebound from the economic crisis created by the response to the coronavirus.

“It’s disappointing that some lawmakers are focused on killing more than 17,000 jobs in this time of need considering the economic hit we’ve taken due to COVID-19 and declining oil prices," Aguilar said in a statement. "In addition to providing a new, safe and efficient transportation option, this project has the ability to help jump start the Texas economy.”

The original completion for the Texas high-speed rail project was anticipated for 2026.