Posted on 12/22/2020 5:10:57 PM PST by Tolerance Sucks Rocks
Harris County Commissioners approved a restructuring of how county toll road revenue can be used, which is concerning some people in northwest Harris County about how road projects will be funded.
The measure approved creates a corporation to oversee duties performed by the Harris County Toll Road Authority. According to HCTRA, this measure would also change the grip the state has on where toll revenue can be spent by the county.
A memo from Peter Key, HCTRA’s interim executive director, said HCTRA currently can only provide the issuance of revenue bonds for tolled infrastructure, and not non-toll transportation infrastructure challenges. He also brought up the COVID-19 pandemic and economic downturn the county is facing.
“This is an unprecedented situation that presents unique financial challenges for the county and may require additional levels of financial support for the county to effectively respond to these challenges for the foreseeable future,” Key wrote in the memo.
Under the agreement with the LGC, the county could use toll revenue for other projects like flood control.
Passing with a 3-2 vote, the measure has been met with some opposition, including from the Greater Tomball Area Chamber of Commerce. Chamber President Bruce Hillegeist wrote a letter to the Commissioners’ Court opposing the measure.
“Our area is interlaced with many two-lane roads with open ditches that are proving to be unfit for our growing population,” Hillegeist said. “Projects are slated in design and in the works to improve these conditions for a safer and more prosperous community, making mobility funds more important than ever.”
If funds are not going only to mobility projects as intended, Hillegeist said drivers must ask why they are still being assessed tolls.
(Excerpt) Read more at chron.com ...
PING!
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