Senate committee approves two nominees to the Texas Transportation Commission

2/22/07

Ned Holmes of Houston and Fred Underwood of Lubbock where approved by the Senate Nominations Committee after a grilling.

The Texas Transportation Commission has five members, all appointed by Governor Perry.

According to statesman.com, the two at "times looked like deer caught in headlights, as senators grilled them about their views on controversies that have been swirling for months around the agency's management and operations."



So what is the Texas Transportation Commission?
Here's what TxDOT says:

The Texas Transportation Commission consists of five commissioners appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the senate to govern the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). The commissioners' six-year terms are staggered, so that an appointment is generally made every two years. The governor designates one commissioner to serve as the chair.

What are the commission’s responsibilities?

• planning and making policies for the location, construction and maintenance of state highways,
• overseeing the design, construction, maintenance and operation of the state highway system,
• developing a statewide transportation plan that contains all modes of transportation, including highways and turnpikes, aviation, mass transportation, railroads, high-speed railroads and water traffic,
• awarding contracts for the improvement of the state highway system,
• encouraging, fostering and assisting in the development of public and mass transportation in the state, and
• adopting rules for the operation of the department.

A complete list of Commission duties is available in the Texas Administrative Code.

Who determines which projects to present to the commission?

A majority of the state's transportation program is determined locally. Most projects involving local roads or improvements to existing highways are selected by TxDOT's districts and divisions.

Major projects that improve mobility or safety are selected by the commission as part of the Unified Transportation Program, a 10-year statewide plan for transportation project development. These high-cost projects must compete with similar jobs from all over the state to receive funding.

Each must follow three authorization stages: planning, development and construction. Due to complex planning and development requirements, the commission selects projects up to four years in advance based on anticipated funding.


For a complete FAQ list, visit http://www.txdot.state.tx.us/frequently_asked_questions/commission.htm