TXDOT is hosting an open house and present plans for safety improvements on SH 71 in western Travis County tonight from 5:00 - 8:00 PM tonight.
TXDOT representatives will be available to answer questions regarding current safety and highway plans. All citizens are invited to attend and share their comments regarding the proposed projects on Hwy 71.
Location:Bee Cave Elementary @ 14300 Hamilton Pool Road in Austin
After considering the record number of public comments regarding the I-69/TransTexas Corridor in east Texas, the Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT) announced plans to reduce the project’s footprint by using using existing highway facilities wherever possible.
TXDOT expects to submit the final draft environmental impact statement late this year or in early 2009.
TxDOT Recommends Narrowing Study Area for Texas Portion of I-69 - TXDOT press release
TXDOT Executive Director Amadeo Saenz’s letter to FHWA
Texas Transportation Commissioner Ted Houghton’s editorial
TXDOT to consider existing roads for I-69 project - Austin American-Statesman
The Texas Sunset Advisory Commission’s report on the Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT) was less than favorable. Citing problems the department’s credibility which has resulted in public mistrust, the Sunset Commission recommended the creation of a legislative oversight committee and that the agency be reviewed again in four years rather, a departure from the usual twelve-year cycle.
Other recommendations:
The next step will be July 15, when a public hearing will be held in Austin regarding the future of TXDOT, followed by a vote by the Sunset Commission in September, and legislative action in the 2009 session.
TXDOT Sunset Advisory Commission Staff Report
TXDOT Sunset Advisory Commission Self Evaluation
Commission releases scathing report on TXDOT - Austin Business Journal
TXDOT credibility in political pothole - Austin American-Statesman Editorial Board
The Austin American-Statesman Editorial Board weighs in on Gov. Perry’s appointment of his former Chief of Staff, Deirdre Delisi, as Chair of the Texas Transportation Commission. The jury’s still out:
“Though it is fortunate that Central Texas now has a presence on the transportation commission, Delisi still must show that she is more than a Perry pawn. Can she lead the commission? Can she push back? Can she be independent when she needs to be?”
Can Delisi steer Transportation through all the potholes?
Meanwhile, San Antonio businesswoman Hope Andrade remains unruffled by not being re-appointed to the Commission. Perry’s decision is seen as an effort to achieve geographic balance while retaining a strong advocate for Perry’s transportation agenda, but there is already grumbling that Delisi can hardly be considered a representative for South Texas.
South Texan seen as casualty in revamped highway panel - San Antonio Express News
The Governor’s office announced today that Rick Perry has appointed his former Chief of Staff Deirdre Delisi of Austin and Ft. Worth executive William Meadows to the Texas Transportation Commission. Meadows replaces the late Ric Williamson, who died in late December 2007. Delisi will replace Hope Andrade and will serve as Chair of the Commission. Delisi and Meadows’ terms expire Feb.1, 2013.
The Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority (CTRMA) is considering five responses to its request for potential financial partners, including Citigroup, Balfour Beatty Capital, Morgan Stanley, JPMorgan Chase, and Goldman Sacs. The CTRMA expects to select one of the firms by April and then must determine exactly how to finance the proposed road projects.
The Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO) is soliciting comments on requested Surface Transportation Program Metropolitan - Mobility projects (STP MM), Job Access and Reverse Commute, New Freedom, and Transportation Improvement Program amendments. Comments may be submitted via On-line Questionnaire or by email to Art Zamorano by March 21.
Comment on the following categories:
The CATC Board of Directors endorsed the Howard Lane project and the TXDOT HERO program at the Mar 20 meeting. The following comments were submitted to CAMPO by CATC Executive Director Bruce Byron:
On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Capital Area Transportation Coalition, I would like to express our total support for Project FRM-4 - Howard Ln. Phase II as our first priority. Howard Lane is a critical connection from northeast Austin to a currently unutilized grade crossing and ramps in SH130. The extra cost of the grade crossing and ramps were specifically added to facilitate this connection. Moreover, it leverages $11.5 million in local funds with only $6 million in Federal Funds. It is Travis County’s first priority as well as being a major priority for the City of Austin. It is clearly a regionally significant project.
Our second priority is the support of Project OS-3 - TxDOT’s HERO program which was recently unfunded due to TxDOT’s budget shortages. The HERO program is a very cost effective way of providing assistance to motorists that otherwise would cause a traffic problem. Such incidents are believed to cause the majority of congestion delay nationally and are clearly a problem locally. The region needs to expand this program not eliminate it.
In a letter sent yesterday, Texas legislators urged TXDOT to borrow $1.5 billion by bonding gas tax revenues as a short-term solution to get road construction projects moving again. (The Legislature authorized TxDOT to borrow up to $6 billion against the gas tax and the agency has issued $2.9 billion to date). In return, legislators promise to cut back gas tax diversions on non-roadway expenditures. The letter was signed by Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst, House Speaker Tom Craddick, Senate Finance Chairman Steve Ogden and House Appropriations Chairman Warren Chisum.
TxDOT’s response was to demur to the Governor, whose response was less than enthusiastic. A Perry spokesman said the Governor was looking for long-term, not stop-gap, solutions.
Legislators suggest TxDOT borrow money for projects
Borrow more for roads, legislators urge transportation department Austin American-Statesman
Dewhurst: Go forth and borrow Austin American-Statesman
The Dallas Morning News reported that North Texas Toll Authority Board Member William Meadows has been approached by Gov. Perry’s office regarding appointment to the state transportation commission. The Commission is currently short a member due to the December 2007 death of Commission Chair Ric Williamson. Meadows, a Fort Worth insurance executive, said he would serve if appointed by the Governor.
NTTA official may serve on Texas Transportation Commission - Dallas Morning News
TXDOT has announced short- and long-term safety improvements for the segment of SH 71 in the wake of several deadly traffic accidents. Within 30-to6- days, TXDOT expects to:
Long-term improvements include:
TXDOT improving SH 17 following several fatalities - Austin Business Journal