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.