By Martha Estes - Feb. 25, 2009
Texas Transportation Commission Workshop (Wed) afternoon Feb. 25 at 1:30.
Fourth on Agenda:
2b. Discussion of the Department's plans for the use of Texas' portion of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for transportation related activities.
On February 17, 2009, President Obama signed legislation enacting the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act which created an economic stimulus package aimed at bolstering the economy through activities that will create new jobs. One element of this package provides investment in transportation infrastructure projects. TxDOT is working with the Texas Division of the Federal Highway Administration and Texas' metropolitan planning organizations, tolling authorities and transit providers to develop a list of potential projects that would qualify for funding from the stimulus package. This discussion item will allow the commission to discuss the activities TxDOT and our partners have taken thus far and the planned approach we will take to select projects from across the state to recommend to the commission for funding from the program.
Live streaming Video of the Workshop discussion
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Action Alert: Stimulus money should not be used for toll roads and bridges
By Faith Chatham - DFWRCC - Feb. 25, 2009
Lack of funding was the basis used for planning state and federal roads and bridges as toll roads. The Federal Stimulus funding targets infrastructure. Those projects which are planned are most likely to be funded through Stimulus funds. Texas Legislators, US Senators and Congress persons, the Governor and Lt. Governor and President Obama need to hear from you. Let them understand that STIMULUS MONEY SHOULD NOT BE USED ON TOLL PROJECTS OR PRIVATE PUBLIC PARTNERSHIP HIGHWAY PROJECTS.
If we do not speak out now, we'll pay gas tax, pay tolls and pay back the stimulus money. We'll face TRIPLE TAXATION if we don't demand that project planned as toll projects be revised to non toll roads and bridges.
Please take this opportunity to demand what is best for you, your neighbors, and future generations.
Lack of funding was the basis used for planning state and federal roads and bridges as toll roads. The Federal Stimulus funding targets infrastructure. Those projects which are planned are most likely to be funded through Stimulus funds. Texas Legislators, US Senators and Congress persons, the Governor and Lt. Governor and President Obama need to hear from you. Let them understand that STIMULUS MONEY SHOULD NOT BE USED ON TOLL PROJECTS OR PRIVATE PUBLIC PARTNERSHIP HIGHWAY PROJECTS.
If we do not speak out now, we'll pay gas tax, pay tolls and pay back the stimulus money. We'll face TRIPLE TAXATION if we don't demand that project planned as toll projects be revised to non toll roads and bridges.
Please take this opportunity to demand what is best for you, your neighbors, and future generations.