2nd Annual State of Transportation Luncheon - A Call-to-Action for Texans
Hundreds of transportation leaders and advocates gathered Wednesday, Aug. 24, for the 2nd Annual State of Transportation Luncheon in Austin. The luncheon, featuring keynote speaker, Diedre Delisi, clearly laid out Texas' muggy transportation situation. As the chair of the Texas Transportation Commission and with more than 12 years experience in governmental policy, Delisi is well-versed in Texas transportation issues and brings a fresh and insightful perspective in her discussions about the needs of Texas' transportation system.
In her address, Delisi discussed a recent report released by the 2030 committee. We have discussed this report on our blog before: Basically, the Texas transportation system currently needs $315 billion just to maintain current road conditions across the state. This shocking number brings to light the dire need to derive additional solutions and make substantial changes to Texas' transportation funding in order to maintain and hopefully improve Texas roads.
Speaking of innovative solutions - Delisi also pointed out the 11 highway projects that were recently approved for funding through P3s across the state. This is a step in the right direction, but she emphasized the need to also consider other alternative funding solutions such as capturing existing highway revenues, paying additional fees or increasing the gas tax.
Delisi concluded her address with a call-to-action to all Texans: She asked us to get involved by helping to champion solutions and spread the word about transportation needs across the state. If you want to be a part of helping to improve Texas' transportation system, one way to get involved is to attend one of TxDOT's statewide public involvement meetings taking place in all 25 TxDOT district offices across the state. Click here to learn more about those meetings.
Following Delisi's speech, panelists Bobby Jenkins, owner and president of ABC Home and Commercial Services; Terence Spielman, senior director of product development and general manager for Austin PayPal; and Ken Allen, retired senior vice president of supply chain and logistics for HEB and member of the 2030 Committee, provided insights on how Texas' deteriorating transportation system will affect their business. Each of the panelists - leaders of businesses where transportation infrastructure is key to the company's success - understand the importance of an efficient transportation system in our state.
For example, Bobby Jenkins (ABC Home and Commercial Services) pointed out company truck drivers' frustration with congestion and the significant costs to the company when its trucks sit in traffic.
"Day-to-day transportation is absolutely a core fundamental issue that we deal with," said Jenkins.
Additionally, Ken Allen stated that HEB is very concerned about the future infrastructure needs within our state.
"Our population is growing and yet our infrastructure is growing slower than we feel like we need," said Allen.
Terence Spielman spoke about the transportation system in Austin as a means of getting his employees to and from work. Paypal is growing tremendously and Spielman emphasized the need for an efficient transportation system and the importance of providing alternative methods to maintain and even improve transportation for PayPal employees.
To wrap up the luncheon, Terry Mitchell, board member of the Austin Chamber, chair of Take on Traffic, and president of Momark, provided the audience with a transportation strategy announcement.
"It all starts with a healthy economy," said Mitchell. "We must plan for the future... [and] find new ways of moving people. Let's take on traffic!"
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