Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Texas' Transportation System Needs $315 Billion Through 2030 to Ensure Economic Competitiveness, Fight Congestions and Enhance Safety

Senate transportation committee receives update on Texas' current state of transportation needs

AUSTIN - The Texas Senate Transportation and Homeland Security Committee today heard from the chairman and a member of the 2030 Committee, a group established to identify the state's transportation needs over the next 20 years. Texans for Safe Reliable Transportation applauds Chairman John Carona for bringing before the Texas Senate a clear picture of the transportation funding shortfall that the state faces today and can expect to see over the next 20 years.

Dr. Michael C. Walton, chairman of the 2030 Committee, reported Texas' transportation system is facing a severe crisis, requiring an estimated $315 billion in funding to combat congestion, make roads safer and remain economically competitive through the year 2030.

"Today's hearing was the first opportunity for our Texas Senators to receive testimony on the 2030 Committee report," noted Bill Noble, executive director of Texans for Safe Reliable Transportation. "Our senators now have a clear and stunning picture of how deep Texas' funding crisis is right now and how much worse it can get in the years ahead."

The report's $315 billion accounts for road and bridge maintenance, additional infrastructure to prevent worsening traffic congestion in urban areas and improvements to rural areas to increase mobility and safety. The findings also took into account projected increases in freight traffic and population growth: Texas is expected to increase from 7 to 17 million residents by 2030. The estimate is the combined equivalent of the state's five largest metropolitan areas.

"Texas has a number of funding options available to meet our transportation needs thereby keeping our state at the top of the list for creating jobs and enhancing our prosperity," said Noble. "All of our legislators must stay focused on ensuring we meet our state's enormous transportation funding need."
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