Free Republic

Proponents and opponents alike of the proposed Trans Texas Corridor might be pleased with a bill amendment that, if it completes the legislative process, will put a two-year moratorium on private-public highway partnerships. Officials in Austin believe it will pass both the Texas House of Representatives and the Texas Senate but are unsure whether Gov. Rick Perry will sign it into law. Senate Bill 1267 and House Bill 1892 impose a two-year moratorium on privately funded toll road projects by barring any new comprehensive development agreements or toll-project sales to a private entity, and requiring a study committee to examine...

Cintra-Zachry, the joint construction venture that won a $7 billion contract to start work on the controversial Trans Texas Corridor project, has written a letter to the Federal Highway Administration expressing interest in a $320 million low-interest loan. Critics say Cintra-Zachry won the contract in part because it said it would not use public dollars, but the governor’s office and the consortium say the deal didn't prohibit using federal money. Only state money was mentioned. Kathy Walt, spokeswoman for the governor, says the inquiry involves a loan, not a grant. But some state leaders remain skeptical. Mike Sizemore, press...