Texas Capitol DomeAustin American-Statesman transportation columnist Ben Wear considers the impact of losing Rep. Mike Krusee and Sen. Steve Ogden, who chaired the transportation committees in the their respective chambers. During their tenures, Krusee and Ogden carried the omnibus transportation bill, HB 3588, that enabled expedited Texas road construction via innovative toll revenue financing and TXDOT allocated billions for construction and maintenance of various Austin toll roads.

However, Krusee leaves the Legislature at the end of year and Ogden moved up to the Senate Finance Committee chairmanship in 2005. As none of the plausible House Transportation chair contenders represent the region, the Capital Area’s hopes rest on Sen. Kirk Watson, vice-chair of the Senate Transportation and Homeland Security Committee, to bring transportation dollars to Central Texas.

Krusee, Ogden brought Central Texas transportation money - Austin American-Statesman