Several hundred members of the business community joined elected officials from across Texas at today’s Austin Chamber of Commerce “State of Transportation” luncheon at The Four Season’s in downtown Austin. 

The crowd heard an overview of the challenges and possible solutions to the transportation funding issues from keynote speaker Senator John Carona, Chairman of the House Transportation and Homeland Security Committee. Senator Carona opened by saying that ‘Texas will be out of money by 2012’ for anything other than maintaining existing roads and infrastructure. When it comes to funding new road construction, Carona emphasized, Texas will fall short by a significant dollar amount. Considering the state population is expected to double in the next 25 years, compounded with the significant role that transportation and mobility have on the economic well being of the state, the issue of funding needs to be made a priority.

Carona summarized the basics of why Texas is in such a dire situation when it comes to funding: The Motor Fuel Tax (and that it has not been increased in 19 years), Federal Recessions and Diversions. The proposed solutions, some more politically feasible than others, include: stopping the diversions with amendments to the Constitution; reauthorizing the use of Comprehensive Development Agreements while also keeping a balance of toll and free roads, and increasing the gas tax by a minimum of 10 cents. Indexing the gas tax says Carona, is his favorite pick out of all the choices in the tool box.

While Carona recognized the need for some belt tightening at TxDOT, he applauded the organization as having become one of the most transparent state agencies.

He suggested that it will take an enormous grass roots effort to make the Legislature enact the changes that are necessary for the state to be able to invest in infrastructure that will allow mobility of people and goods throughout the state. Learning and understanding the issue won’t be enough Carona, “Come and be a part of the Transportation Crusade.” Carona strongly encouraged each individual to do something more than they have done in the past including writing letters to elected officials or attending a political event. 

For more information on Public-Private Partnerships, see the Dallas Ft. Worth and Texas Road Building Innovations video here.