San Antonio Express-News Editorial Board Re-Confirms Texas' Transportation Needs
Last week, our blog post titled "2nd Annual State of Transportation Luncheon - A Call-to-Action for Texans" focused on an Austin Chamber transportation luncheon where keynote speaker Deirdre Delisi and other transportation experts highlighted the growing transportation funding needs facing our state. These experts called on Texans to take action to ensure our state's transportation system is properly funded for the future.
Check out this recent editorial in the San Antonio Express-News which confronts Texas' transportation issue head-on, frankly stating that "lawmakers shouldn't play games with dedicated revenues for roads and highways. Making necessary investments in transportation infrastructure is fiscally sound and economically prudent."
On average, 1,200 new residents move to Texas every day. This rapidly increasing population will take quite a toll on Texas roads. Without additional transportation investment, road conditions and congestion will continue to degrade Texas' transportation system and consequently Texans' quality of life. Additionally, the San Antonio Express-News reported that "this year for the first time in history, the Legislature appropriated more funds to service debt than to actually build new roads — $850 million versus $575 million."
According to C. Michael Walton, University of Texas engineering professor and chair of the 2030 Committee, if Texas doesn't increase transportation funding, average Texas households can expect to pay $6,100 per year between now and 2035 in more travel time, more fuel usage and more vehicle maintenance.
Once again, Texas' transportation system crisis has been publicly brought to our attention. It is imperative that lawmakers continue to take a hard look at transportation needs throughout the interim and return to the Capitol in 2013 ready to make important decisions on innovative funding solutions to maintain and improve our state's transportation system.
What will you do to help ensure Texas' transportation system is properly funded for the future?
Read the full San Antonio Express-News editorial here.
Check out this recent editorial in the San Antonio Express-News which confronts Texas' transportation issue head-on, frankly stating that "lawmakers shouldn't play games with dedicated revenues for roads and highways. Making necessary investments in transportation infrastructure is fiscally sound and economically prudent."
On average, 1,200 new residents move to Texas every day. This rapidly increasing population will take quite a toll on Texas roads. Without additional transportation investment, road conditions and congestion will continue to degrade Texas' transportation system and consequently Texans' quality of life. Additionally, the San Antonio Express-News reported that "this year for the first time in history, the Legislature appropriated more funds to service debt than to actually build new roads — $850 million versus $575 million."
According to C. Michael Walton, University of Texas engineering professor and chair of the 2030 Committee, if Texas doesn't increase transportation funding, average Texas households can expect to pay $6,100 per year between now and 2035 in more travel time, more fuel usage and more vehicle maintenance.
Once again, Texas' transportation system crisis has been publicly brought to our attention. It is imperative that lawmakers continue to take a hard look at transportation needs throughout the interim and return to the Capitol in 2013 ready to make important decisions on innovative funding solutions to maintain and improve our state's transportation system.
What will you do to help ensure Texas' transportation system is properly funded for the future?
Read the full San Antonio Express-News editorial here.
Comments