Check out the cautionary Washington Post opinion piece from Joel Kotkin which examines issues Central Texas should consider and apply regarding the anticipated boon of federal infrastructure spending.
Make Sure All That Spending is Well Supported - Joel Kotkin, Washington Post Outlook and Opinions
The annual joint meeting of the Austin-San Antonio Corridor Council and the Capital Area Transportation Coalition (CATC) was held Wednesday, December 3 from 4:30 - 6:00 p.m. at the Sheraton Austin Hotel in downtown Austin. The shared meeting served as both a membership meeting and to honor efforts on behalf of regional transportation issues and projects. Texas Transportation Commission Chair Deirdre Delisi addressed the 150 attendees prior to the business meeting and awards presentation.
CATC honored two recipients with the “Unsung Hero” award: Travis County Commissioner Gerald Daugherty for his efforts on behalf of of increasing road capacity and improving mobility, and Tom Word, the Chief of Public Works Operations for the City of Round Rock, for his service as the chair of the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO) Technical Committee. Daugherty’s Executive Assistant Bob Moore accepted Daugherty’s award on his behalf as the Commissioner was unable to attend the event.
The “Unsung Hero” award acknowledges those behind the scenes who don’t often receive accolades but deserve recognition for their significant contributions to local transportation. Previous recipients of the “Unsung Hero” award include Gary Farmer and Lynda Rife for their efforts on behalf of Take on Traffic, Legislative Analyst Lindsay Hughes for her work on the Pickle Parkway bill, Central Texas Turnpike Project construction manager Timothy Weight, Round Rock Mayor Nyle Maxwell, Federal Highway Administration Division Administrator Dan Reagan, Austin City Mayor Will Wynn, CapMetro President & CEO Fred Gilliam, Texas Turnpike Authority Director Phil Russell, CAMPO Deputy Director Maureen Daniel, Austin District Engineer Bob Daigh, and long-time TXDOT employee Sallie Burk.