Walton, C. Michael2015-10-192018-01-222015-10-192018-01-222015-05May 2015http://hdl.handle.net/2152/31776textTransportation projects do not necessarily get evaluated for economic value or impact even though arguably most projects are done to advance the economy in the long run, from inducing travel to improving market access. Those studies that do provide an economic study in their reports do not explain the methodology or critique the economic study process. This thesis takes a look at using the Texas Statewide Analysis (SAM) in combination with the Transportation Economic Development Impact System (TREDIS) to better understand the bearing a transportation project, or group of projects, may have on a region. The overview and critique of the SAM-TREDIS methodology is completed using a few scenarios of groups of projects for the Texas study region, for which one scenario includes the implementation of HSR in the Texas Triangle. The scenario of high-speed rail is explored as to encourage a future discussion to create a more concrete plan regarding future HSR. While the outputs of SAM for most Texas transportation scenarios were too subtle in difference between scenarios to create informative TREDIS outputs, they provided an in-depth look in the use of SAM and TREDIS separately and collectively. Overall, this method is useful at looking at future roadways projects that produce a moderately significant change in travel characteristics. Another model, or an improved SAM, is recommended for an accurate HSR study.application/pdfenSAMStatewide analysis modelTexas triangleTREDISEconomic impactHSRHigh speed railThesis2015-10-19