Texas Transportation Chair Ric Williamson died last night from an apparent heart attack. Williamson was appointed to the Commission by Gov. Rick Perry in March 2001 and became the Chair in January 2004.
More information:
The Governor’s Business Council released a report last month on how best to fund Texas highway needs. The Austin American-Statesman’s editorial board weighed in on the Council’s recommendation to raise the gasoline tax by declaring it deserving of serious study by the Legislature.
The Statesman board maintains that even if a higher gasoline tax doesn’t eliminate the need for tolls, it could at least reduce the number of tolled roads or allow lower tolls and recommended the legislators approve an increase to make up for the loss of value to inflation.
The public has indicated support for requiring auto manufacturers to build higher mileage cars and trucks, but the auto industry and its labor union supporters have blocked efforts to do so in both Democratic and Republican administrations.
Raising gasoline tax is a good idea, even if we still need toll roads - Austin American-Statesman
November 2006 study by the Governor’s Business Council
With TXDOT budget cuts trickling down to the local levels, Austin District Engineer Bob Daigh predicts that the district could rely on the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority (CTRMA) to pick up the slack.
The Austin District’s right-of-way budget has been cut in half and the consultant budget was decreased by 57%. As of February, added capacity projects will be halted through the end of the fiscal year. Worse news: budget reductions could remain in place through 2009.
To help ease the burden, the Austin District is negotiating with the CTRMA to begin design work on projects that the District no longer has the budget for, including five toll projects approved in the CAMPO 2030 Plan and MoPac managed express lanes.
CAMPO Executive Director Michael Aulick notified CAMPO Chair Kirk Watson on Friday of his intent to resign as of January 15, the day after the CAMPO Transportation Policy Board’s next meeting (the December 10 CAMPO TPB meeting has been cancelled). Aulick has served as head of the agency for 15 years.
CAMPO director Mike Aulick resigns - Austin Business Journal
Aulick to leave CAMPO after 15 years - Austin American-Statesman