(Courtesy of TXnMA)
Posted on 06/24/2008 7:48:48 AM PDT by Tolerance Sucks Rocks
CorridorWatch, a Fayette County-based group that has been active in opposing the Trans-Texas Corridor plan, wants to go beyond the Sunset Advisory Commission’s recommended shakeup of state transportation leadership. The group, led by David and Linda Stall, recommends that TxDOT answer to an elected six-member board led by a chairman appointed by the governor.
CorridorWatch makes it recommendation, along with various other reactions to the Sunset commission staff’s recent report on TxDOT, in written comments submitted as part of the sunset process.
TxDOT, like all state agencies, “sunsets” after 12 years unless the Legislature acts to keep it alive. As part of that process, the Sunset Advisory Commission staff studies each agency and makes recommendations, which are then accepted, rejected or amended by the Sunset board. The Legislature then passes a bill to sustain the agency, incorporating some, all or none of the recommendations. TxDOT’s turn in the 12-year rotation is next year.
The sunset staff early this month had recommended abolishing the five-member commission, all of whom are appointed to six-year terms by the governor and confirmed by the Texas Senate. The staff said that instead there should be a single transportation commissioner appointed by the governor and subject to Senate confirmation every two years.
CorridorWatch, in its comments, says the current system makes the commission entirely beholden to the governor. To give the public genuine input into state transportation policy, CorridorWatch recommends dividing the state into six geographic districts (their comments even include specific boundary lines) that roughly speaking encompass the Rio Grande Valley, Central Texas, Southeast Texas, North Texas, the Panhandle and West Texas.
The governor would appoint the chairman, with a four-year term and Senate confirmation. The chairman would also run the department, replacing the current executive director position.
Trans-Texas Corridor PING!
BTTT
David and Linda Stall are from California and want Texas to have the same gas tax rates as California.
Perhaps they should move back, then, and commune with the Mexicans.
(Courtesy of TXnMA)
If you could be assured that entire TTC would be built as free roads, how much more in gas tax would you be willing to pay? The same as the California gas tax?
Here’s some folks from your area that don’t want the TTCs. ROTCC
http://www.corridorwatch.org/ttc_2007/CW00000020.htm
You also shouldn't underestimate the influence that Houston had on the I 69 route.
BTW, Little Rock and Memphis also joined ROT.
To me that just solidifies my belief that Perry was more interested in creating fly throughs for foreign goods rather than helping the average Texan. (Limited access)
The TTCs would basically destroy any investments along standard trade routes opening the door for foreign company concessions along the new routes. (non compete clauses)
On the other hand, there are those that want the "road across Texas" to be a local road.
Based on the shortcomings of the Interstate System, we already know that won't work.
So, we can subsidize sprawl on one hand, and implement smart growth on the other.
What was your first clue....the plaque they put on every toll road?
“On the other hand, there are those that want the “road across Texas” to be a local road.”
Yes, the are many of us who don't want to give up valuable farm and ranch lands for the benefit of multinationals.
If using Texas as a stepping stone is all they want, build the road in the most inconspicuous area of the state. (or not at all)
Today, the price of gas is $1.75 per gallon higher than it was during the legislature's last session. Who knows what the price will be when they convene.
The average fleet mpg rating is sharply on the rise, meaning less gas tax revenue. Plus, gasoline usage is down, meaning less gas revenue.
So, the question is how much will they have to raise gas taxes to off set the revenue loss?
Plus how much will they have to raise the gas tax to pay for non toll-able roads?
Plus how much will they have to raise the gas tax to pay for your free roads?
There is going to be a lot of squirming in Austin next year.
Squirming....more than you think. Seen this?
http://www.statesman.com/search/content/region/legislature/stories/06/24/0624salestax.html
The average fleet mpg rating is sharply on the rise, meaning less gas tax revenue. Plus, gasoline usage is down, meaning less gas revenue.
So, the question is how much will they have to raise gas taxes to off set the revenue loss?
Plus how much will they have to raise the gas tax to pay for non toll-able roads?
Plus how much will they have to raise the gas tax to pay for your free roads?
Revenue loss? Don't you mean the speculative spending of revenues which weren't there? When I went to school, there was an adage: Don't count your chickens before they hatch.
BTW- I'd rather NOT have a TTC sprawled across Texas-period.
In this case, the revenues were there. But they won't be there in the future, so they will have to raise taxes just to replace the revenue they previously had.
Follow the money....
The average fleet mpg rating is sharply on the rise, meaning less gas tax revenue. Plus, gasoline usage is down, meaning less gas revenue.
DRILL HERE! DRILL NOW! PAY LESS!
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