Gov. Rick Perry appointed local real estate professional Ray Wilkerson as chair of the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority, replacing current Chair Bob Tesch, who is not seeking reappointment. Wilkerson is the president and CEO of real estate investment firm Ray Wikerson Companies.
In Monday’s Ben Wear “Getting There” column, Wear recounted the third installment of the rush-hour road race series pitting SH 130 against IH-35. The first and second races were split, though there was controversy over the initial race in which IH-35 came out ahead, because the competition occurred between college semesters (thus devoid of the usual student traffic on IH-35), and in the morning, rather than the more congested evening, rush-hour traffic. In the third race, which took place on the afternoon of May 7, the longer SH 130 route beat the IH-35 route by 22 minutes, despite the race taking place between semesters of most local universities.
Wear notes that SH 130 revenues are 12% below TXDOT projections, likely due to less-than-expected numbers of large trucks, which pay more than cars, which is not altogether surprising in a recessionary economy; however, overall traffic is almost 18 percent above projections so more car drivers are finding the quicker trip worth the cost.
We’re not surprised - CATC has always been a big fan of SH 130. CATC coordinated support for public hearings and critical votes for all phases of the Central Texas Turnpike Project roads, including SH 130. CATC spearheaded the effort to raise public awareness and education regarding the project by creating and maintaining the sh130.org website (archived here) and the SH 130 information hotline, and promoted bond initiatives to pay for local participation. As a result of these efforts, SH 130 and the other CTTP projects garnered unprecedented funding from local, state, and federal resources for construction and right-of-way. With the aid of innovative financing, SH 130 was on the ground and in use decades before it would have using traditional pay-as-you-go methods. CATC lobbied for the road to be named in honor of J.J. “Jake” Pickle, and HB 2296, designating of a portion of SH 130 as the “Pickle Parkway was signed in by Governor Perry in May 2007. We’re proud to be a part of the success of SH 130 and happy to see it operating just as we knew it would - saving time (and money) for those who use it.
There will be a major press event in support of the Texas Local Option Transportation Act (TLOTA) on the south steps of the Texas Capitol at 1:00 PM Friday. Senator Carona is asking for a strong showing at this event to demonstrate support of local option transportation funding. The Conference Committee for CSHB 300, the TxDOT Sunset Bill, which includes provisions for local option transportation funding, will be appointed tonight after 10:10 PM. We must show them that there is widespread and deep support for TLOTA.
On Monday, May 11, the CAMPO Board will hold a public hearing regarding proposed CAMPO federal economic stimulus projects. One project under consideration is the Highway Emergency Response Operator (HERO) roadside assistance program. CATC and other business organizations are advocates of this cost-effective strategy to reduce congestion on IH-35.
HERO is one of only two applications for stimulus money involving operations. Normally, CATC doesn’t recommend using one-time Federal funds for ongoing expenses, but in this case it is imperative we make an exception. The HERO program (#13 on the proposed project list) is critical for the safe and effective operation of our roadways. When agencies face severe budget problems, seemingly mundane operations programs often get the ax. Construction programs are important and are more visible to the public but when it comes to safety and congestion reduction, real life examples have demonstrated that roadway operational improvement is THE most effective means of reducing congestion. Federal and State governments will once again underfund mobility, which means we cannot add enough capacity to meet demand. Until this changes we must make the best use of our existing roadways.
HERO should be implemented and the stimulus money allows us to do it now. If you support better mobility, urge CAMPO to fund HERO.
The public comment period is open through Wednesday, May 13 at 5:00 PM. To provide comments to CAMPO in support of the HERO program, you many testify at the May 11 public hearing OR submit comments at the following link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=xIY3CU696ydL0_2f9SbLrFkA_3d_3d.
Austin’s fifth tollroad will open this morning between 10:00 and 11:00 AM. Tolls will not be charged for the the month of May and only half-price in June. Starting in July, the toll for the full 7.4 mile length of the turnpike will be $1 for passenger cars with toll tags or $1.33 for those without.
For more information, visit http://www.sh45se.org.