http://www.senate.state.tx.us/
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Live Webcast of Toll/TTC Hearing tomorrow in Austin, TX
If you are unable to attend, tomorrow's hearing will be available live via the web at:
http://www.senate.state.tx.us/
http://www.senate.state.tx.us/
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
TTC - The next "Lexus Lanes"
A interesting article in the Waxahachie Daily Light compares the TTC to California's over-priced "Lexus Lanes".
The State Auditor Office released a report that concludes few will use the Trans-Texas Corridor due to high pricing. This and other studies say that by 2030, only about 24% of the traffic would be diverted from I-35 to the TTC on the congested areas between Dallas and San Antonio.
The State Auditor Office released a report that concludes few will use the Trans-Texas Corridor due to high pricing. This and other studies say that by 2030, only about 24% of the traffic would be diverted from I-35 to the TTC on the congested areas between Dallas and San Antonio.
Corridor Watch spokesman David Stall is concerned about the TTC-35 projected tolls - and the impact on how that expense would affect people’s decisions to use the roadway.
“They’re going to make the tolls as much as people are willing to pay,” Stall said of any private entity that would take on any of the TransTexas Corridor’s planned 4,000 miles of toll roads.
“That’s exactly the opposite with what we have now (with state-run toll roads) that keep the toll as low as necessary,” he said, noting state-run toll roads’ motive is to keep traffic moving - not to make a profit.
“Private operators can raise the tolls as high as the market will bear,” Stall said, noting privately-run toll roads are familiar to people in California, where high tolls have led to the toll roads being nicknamed “Lexus lanes.”“They’re going to make the tolls as much as people are willing to pay,” Stall said of any private entity that would take on any of the TransTexas Corridor’s planned 4,000 miles of toll roads.
“That’s exactly the opposite with what we have now (with state-run toll roads) that keep the toll as low as necessary,” he said, noting state-run toll roads’ motive is to keep traffic moving - not to make a profit.
Spanish company wins 121 toll contract in Dallas
Today State and regional officials announced an almost $3 billion deal for North Texas’ first privately operated toll road, State Highway 121 in Collin and Denton counties.
Cintra Concesiones de Infraestructuras de Transporte SA will pay $2.1 billion for the rights to operate the lucrative toll project through 2057. The Spanish company also has agreed to share an estimated $700 million in toll revenue in equal payments over the life of the contract.
State leaders tout the deal as the first of its kind in Texas, in which a single company will design, build and operate a substantial portion of the road. It also marks the first public-private deal in North Texas, and further solidifies Cintra’s presence in Texas’ growing toll road network. The company in late 2004 won the development contract for the Trans-Texas Corridor.
In winning the 121 contract, Madrid-based Cintra beat out two other heavy hitters in the toll road construction business: Skanska BOT of Sweden and Macquarie Infrastructure Group, which has roots in Australia.
The 121 deal must be ratified by the Texas Transportation Commission. Texas Department of Transportation officials will recommend Wednesday that the commission approve the deal, but the proposal still must clear financial and environmental reviews before it can be formally approved.
Source: Dallas Morning News
Saturday, February 24, 2007
Friday, February 23, 2007
Georgia Law Markers Crack Down on Toll Violators
INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY? Not in Georgia or Texas-
This month the Georgia House voted to allow the state to collect unpaid tolls from the vehicles owner regardless of who was driving the car on the toll road.
Apparently, toll violators have racked up a bill of over $900,000 due to a loop-hole that prevented the state from collecting if they could not prove who was driving the car when the violation occurred. The change gives the state power to go after the Registered Owner of the vehicle regardless of who was driving the car.
The Registered Owner will also be fined $70 per violation, regardless of whether he or she was driving. The owner's registration would be revoked if they do not pay.
Source: www.georgiatolls.com, 02/22/06 - view source
Texas also fines the Registered Owner of a vehicle if they cannot prove who was driving. Read the CTRMA Toll Collection Policy here.
This month the Georgia House voted to allow the state to collect unpaid tolls from the vehicles owner regardless of who was driving the car on the toll road.
Apparently, toll violators have racked up a bill of over $900,000 due to a loop-hole that prevented the state from collecting if they could not prove who was driving the car when the violation occurred. The change gives the state power to go after the Registered Owner of the vehicle regardless of who was driving the car.
The Registered Owner will also be fined $70 per violation, regardless of whether he or she was driving. The owner's registration would be revoked if they do not pay.
Source: www.georgiatolls.com, 02/22/06 - view source
Texas also fines the Registered Owner of a vehicle if they cannot prove who was driving. Read the CTRMA Toll Collection Policy here.
INTERNATIONAL toll-road operator banks on US market for Strong Earnings Growth
The Sydney Morning Herald reports today that Macquarie Infrastructure Group (MIG) is banking on US markets to continue strong earnings growth.
MIG chief executive Stephen Allen said he expected double-digit growth in earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization in the next year, largely from US investments.
"[The US] continues to emerge as the most interesting market for private toll-road operators and in the medium term, remains a place we will be able to generate returns for our security holders," Mr. Allen said.
A major deal on the immediate horizon for MIG is the SH 121, a 22 kilometer toll road to be built near Dallas in Texas. MIG and Macquarie Infrastructure Partners will learn whether they are successful bidders by the end of the month.
About MIG-
(wikipedia)
Macquarie Infrastructure Group is one of the world's largest developers and operators of private toll roads with a portfolio of 11 toll roads across seven countries including Australia. The Macquarie Infrastructure Group is listed separately on the ASX, but is managed by a wholly owned subsidiary of Macquarie Bank Limited. Stephen Allen is the Chief Executive Officer of MIG.
MIG has a 100% stake in the M6 Toll road in the UK, which was constructed to relieve congestion on the M6 motorway—one of the UK's busiest motorways.
Additionally, as part of a consortium MIG has taken over operations of the Indiana East-West Toll Road and the Chicago Skyway, both part of Interstate 90 in the United States; and by itself has a 100% interest in the Dulles Greenway and the greenfield South Bay Expressway, scheduled to open in mid-2007, also in the United States. MIG also has a 47.5% interest in the Westlink M7 to the west of Sydney in Australia, a 30% interest in the 108km-long 407 ETR in Toronto, Canada, and a 20.4% interest in the Autoroutes Paris-Rhin-Rhone motorway network covering some 2205km of north-eastern France.
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Austin Chamber of Commerce Launches "Take On Traffic" and Supports Toll Roads
On 2/20/07, the Austin, TX Chamber of Commerce announced it's jumping into the hot topic of the day. In there press announcement (view announcement video), they claim to support a comprehensive transportation system which includes new roads, toll roads, express bus service and passenger rail.
On their website Takeontraffic.com, they blame population growth and lack of funding for the congestion. They state that in the Austin area, 500 new cars are added each week. As a cute way to illustrate the point, they have a counter of "New cars on the road in 2007" with a 20 minute clock counting backwards. At the end of each 20 minute cycle the counter increases.
Their message seems well balanced until they talk about FUNDING. On this subject, the Chamber seems to push Toll Roads while pointing out the negatives to all other funding options. It's disappointing to see this group so unfocused on fiscal responsibility with the current use of our tax dollars but so eager to push toll roads. They do mention that "clear policies and accountable leadership" are needed, but that does not appear to be the agenda they are pushing. I am eager to see proposals on fiscal responsibility but their "Accountability" page is currently empty and "Coming Soon".
Gas Tax -
CONS: add 30-50 cents/gal and could have a severe impact on lower-income residents and on the regional economy.
Sales Tax -
CONS: add 2 to 3 cents to current, Sales tax can be a volatile revenue source, going up and down dramatically depending on economic trends.
Property Tax (bonds) -
CONS: $200 a year for the next 20 years
Toll Roads -
CONS: NONE!
"The tolls collected on new roads like SH 130 pay back the bonds that financed initial construction. Once those bonds are paid off, tolls can be lowered to the level needed to simply pay for maintenance. [Not if they are run by private CORP for profit for 50-75 years!] Or they can be used to fund other needed projects — like sidewalks, bike lanes, or bus service — that help make up a comprehensive system.
Tolls have been controversial in Central Texas, especially for projects where new toll lanes would be built in existing highway corridors. (No project in Central Texas involves tolling existing highway lanes.) [FALSE - I used to be able to drive Mopac to I35 and North 183 to Cedar Park without a toll] Clear policies and accountable leadership are needed to make sure tolling is implemented wisely. However, compared to taxes, tolls have the advantage of only affecting the people who choose to drive on those roads, while still producing enough revenue to make a difference."
On their website Takeontraffic.com, they blame population growth and lack of funding for the congestion. They state that in the Austin area, 500 new cars are added each week. As a cute way to illustrate the point, they have a counter of "New cars on the road in 2007" with a 20 minute clock counting backwards. At the end of each 20 minute cycle the counter increases.
Their message seems well balanced until they talk about FUNDING. On this subject, the Chamber seems to push Toll Roads while pointing out the negatives to all other funding options. It's disappointing to see this group so unfocused on fiscal responsibility with the current use of our tax dollars but so eager to push toll roads. They do mention that "clear policies and accountable leadership" are needed, but that does not appear to be the agenda they are pushing. I am eager to see proposals on fiscal responsibility but their "Accountability" page is currently empty and "Coming Soon".
Gas Tax -
CONS: add 30-50 cents/gal and could have a severe impact on lower-income residents and on the regional economy.
Sales Tax -
CONS: add 2 to 3 cents to current, Sales tax can be a volatile revenue source, going up and down dramatically depending on economic trends.
Property Tax (bonds) -
CONS: $200 a year for the next 20 years
Toll Roads -
CONS: NONE!
"The tolls collected on new roads like SH 130 pay back the bonds that financed initial construction. Once those bonds are paid off, tolls can be lowered to the level needed to simply pay for maintenance. [Not if they are run by private CORP for profit for 50-75 years!] Or they can be used to fund other needed projects — like sidewalks, bike lanes, or bus service — that help make up a comprehensive system.
Tolls have been controversial in Central Texas, especially for projects where new toll lanes would be built in existing highway corridors. (No project in Central Texas involves tolling existing highway lanes.) [FALSE - I used to be able to drive Mopac to I35 and North 183 to Cedar Park without a toll] Clear policies and accountable leadership are needed to make sure tolling is implemented wisely. However, compared to taxes, tolls have the advantage of only affecting the people who choose to drive on those roads, while still producing enough revenue to make a difference."
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?
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.
For a complete FAQ list, visit http://www.txdot.state.tx.us/frequently_asked_questions/commission.htm
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.
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
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Monday, February 12, 2007
Bill to protect personal information of Toll Road users
2/12/07
In addition to HB719 and HB857 relating to toll roads, TX State Rep. Lebowitz has filed HB570 which will protect personal information that toll agencies gain from vehicle license plates of drivers who use toll roads.
The bill will restrict the use of information to only:
a) toll collection and toll enforcement
b) law enforcement purposes by request of a law enforcement agency
This bill also calls for the same controls if a toll entity enters into an agreement to share information with an entity in another state.
Full test of HB570 can be read on the TX Legislator webite.
All three House Bills are currently in review by the Transportation Committee.
Who chairs the Transportation Committee?
Mike Krusee, dubbed a "Double Taxer" by founders of TexasTollParty.com chairs the Transportation Committee. In 2001, he authored HB3588 which allowed creation of the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority (CTRMA) and gave it power to construct, maintain and operate toll roads including raising revenue and acquiring property without public vote. The "Double Taxer" term refers to putting tolls on existing roads or roads already planned to build with public tax money.
With the passing of HB3588, the CTRMA was formed in 2002 with Mike Heilgenstien as executive director. CTRMA has come under fire by the Texas Comptroller who points to evidence that its board members have personal holding and business interests that present a conflict of interests. In 2005 she called for the resignation of it's chairman and a board member.
It will be interesting to see how Mike Krusee's role as Transportation Committee Chair will impact HB719 and HB857.
~AustinMojo~
In addition to HB719 and HB857 relating to toll roads, TX State Rep. Lebowitz has filed HB570 which will protect personal information that toll agencies gain from vehicle license plates of drivers who use toll roads.
The bill will restrict the use of information to only:
a) toll collection and toll enforcement
b) law enforcement purposes by request of a law enforcement agency
This bill also calls for the same controls if a toll entity enters into an agreement to share information with an entity in another state.
Full test of HB570 can be read on the TX Legislator webite.
All three House Bills are currently in review by the Transportation Committee.
Who chairs the Transportation Committee?
Mike Krusee, dubbed a "Double Taxer" by founders of TexasTollParty.com chairs the Transportation Committee. In 2001, he authored HB3588 which allowed creation of the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority (CTRMA) and gave it power to construct, maintain and operate toll roads including raising revenue and acquiring property without public vote. The "Double Taxer" term refers to putting tolls on existing roads or roads already planned to build with public tax money.
With the passing of HB3588, the CTRMA was formed in 2002 with Mike Heilgenstien as executive director. CTRMA has come under fire by the Texas Comptroller who points to evidence that its board members have personal holding and business interests that present a conflict of interests. In 2005 she called for the resignation of it's chairman and a board member.
It will be interesting to see how Mike Krusee's role as Transportation Committee Chair will impact HB719 and HB857.
~AustinMojo~
Toll roads: Paying a lot to drive a little
$1.50-per-mile spot near Lakeline Mall illustrates fee discrepancies.
Read entire article from Austin American Statesman and commentary by Sal Costello.
Another section of 183A toll road opens
The Map above shows the entire project.
A new portion of the 183A toll road is now open to drivers.
It's a short northbound section between the Lakeline Blvd exit in northwest Austin and a new Avery Ranch Blvd exit (WORK AREA 2).
When finished, the toll road will run more than 11.5 miles starting around Lakeline Mall and extending through Cedar Park and Leander, stopping at the San Gabriel River.
The entire project is scheduled to be open on March 3.
But here's something interesting that you may not know about 183-A. When you get off at Lakeline Mall Drive, your only option is to pay electronically. There will be no cash booths available. "By the number of people who are signing up for TxTags, it's pretty clear that most folks want to have a TxTag. It is the preferred way to pay," Steve Pustelnyk with the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority said. So what happens if you don't have a TxTag and only cash? You'll go through, the lights will go off, and the camera will take a picture of your license plate and send you a bill. When 183-A officially opens next month, you'll be able to drive on it for free through May 1.
The Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority told KXAN that there will be signs posted letting drivers know that there will not be a cash option.
Friday, February 9, 2007
Credit Cards coming toToll Roads
Cards coming to vending machines, toll roads
Cadbury Schweppes Americas Beverages is working with MasterCard and USA Technologies Inc. to equip 1,000 vending machines with e-Port cashless transaction solutions to accept credit card payments. CSAB's machines (selling Dr Pepper, 7Up, Snapple and Canada Dry) in Dallas, New York and Chicago will be enabled to accept major credit cards, including MasterCard's PayPass.
Also, MasterCard, USA Technologies and Paywerks Inc. are conducting a PayPass trial at exit lanes and service plazas on the Ohio Turnpike, reportedly the first toll road in the country to accept payment cards for self-service toll transactions.
Sources: www.amonline.com and www.greensheet.comThursday, February 8, 2007
Public Hearing on Toll Roads, TTC set for 3/1/07, Austin, TX
February 8, 2007
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
TEXAS SENATE
Transportation & Homeland Security Committee
Senator John Carona, Chairman
8:30 AM – Thursday, March 1, 2007
Capitol Extension Auditorium
Public Hearing on State Policy For:
Toll Roads
Public Private Partnerships
Trans Texas Corridor
The Capitol Extension Auditorium is the largest meeting room in the Extension, seating approximately 350 people. It has a small stage and can be used for legislative functions requiring more space than a standard committee room.
The Capitol Extension, located on the north side of the Capitol, is a four-level underground structure which was completed in 1993. It was built to provide the Capitol with much-needed additional space without detracting from its appearance and historical importance. It is connected to the Capitol by three pedestrian tunnels.
For a map of the Capitol Extension
Transportation & Homeland Security Committee
Senator John Carona, Chairman
| Chair Vice-Chair | Members: |
| Clerk: John W. Webb Tel: (512) 463-0067 | Sam Houston Building Room 445 |
Rally at the Capitol planned the next day 3/2/07
What: Don’t Tag Texas Rally
Who/Why: Several organizations led by Hank Gilbert, Farm & Ranch Freedom, and others are sponsoring a rally to protest the Trans-Texas Corridor (TTC) and the National Animal Identification System (NAIS).
When: Friday, March 2, 2007 - Texas Independence Day
Time: The March will begin at 2:00 pm. The rally on the steps of the Capitol will be from 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm.
More info at www.dont-tagtexas.com
Volunteers are needed to visit legislative offices. CorridorWatch will
provide you with all necessary materials, instruction and directions.
If you can help us at the Capitol on Thursday, March 1st (and/or Friday,
March 2nd), please contact our Legislative Liaison Heidi Ullrich at
heidi@corridorwatch.org or by telephone at 512.585.3110. Toll foes show up in force at hearing
2/7/07 - San Antonio, TX
Toll critics weren't allowed to set up a table to greet crowds coming into a public hearing Tuesday for a proposed U.S. 281 tollway, but once inside they made their point.
More at MySanAntonio.com
Toll critics weren't allowed to set up a table to greet crowds coming into a public hearing Tuesday for a proposed U.S. 281 tollway, but once inside they made their point.
When Joe Krier, president of the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, got up to explain how tolls could fund twice as many miles of express lanes in half the time, letting motorists pay if they want to avoid worsening traffic congestion, boos laced the applause that followed.
When toll critic Terri Hall, leader of the San Antonio Toll Party, addressed the hearing to say that gas tax money can pay for what's needed on U.S. 281 and warned how foreign companies would suck million of dollars in profits from motorists, many in the crowd stood to cheer.
And there were a lot of people to make noise.
The Texas Department of Transportation, which held the hearing in the main ballroom of the Alzafar Shrine Temple to get input on its draft environmental assessment for the project, counted 652 people, far more than in attendance at most other local public hearings.
Almost one in 10 who showed signed up to speak.
More at MySanAntonio.com
Tuesday, February 6, 2007
Interactive Austin Area Toll Calculator
This is nice. Based on actual costs and where you enter/exit.
http://www.statesman.com/news/content/news/interactive_sm/01/tollroadcalculator.html
http://www.statesman.com/news/content/news/interactive_sm/01/tollroadcalculator.html
Monday, February 5, 2007
All 3 Texas Parties Oppose Trans-Texas Corridor!!
So why are we still having this debate?
2006 TX Republican Party Platform
Page-10. "Tran-Texas Corridor - Because there are issues of confiscation of private land, state and national sovereignty and other similar concerns, we urge the repeal of the Trans-Texas Corridor legislation,”
Page-24. "Tolls on Existing Roads - We oppose tolls charged for traversing previously toll free roadways and disallow continued tolls except for maintenance on existing toll roads already paid for."
2006 Texas Democratic Party Platform
Page 21. "We oppose the proposed Trans-Texas Corridor, a proposal that is little more than an attempt to transfer ownership of a strip down the middle of the state to a foreign corporation with close ties to the Governor, which could have a potentially devastating effect on rural areas, property owners and communities."
2006 Texas Libertarian Party Platform
"3. TOLL ROADS Libertarians oppose the Trans Texas Corridor Act, a costly boondoggle intended to benefit land developers through the abuse of eminent domain and the power of highway monopoly. Further, we support legislation that would forbid tolls on any highway right of way which was obtained with tax dollars or through the use of eminent domain or condemnation."
2006 TX Republican Party Platform
Page-10. "Tran-Texas Corridor - Because there are issues of confiscation of private land, state and national sovereignty and other similar concerns, we urge the repeal of the Trans-Texas Corridor legislation,”
Page-24. "Tolls on Existing Roads - We oppose tolls charged for traversing previously toll free roadways and disallow continued tolls except for maintenance on existing toll roads already paid for."
2006 Texas Democratic Party Platform
Page 21. "We oppose the proposed Trans-Texas Corridor, a proposal that is little more than an attempt to transfer ownership of a strip down the middle of the state to a foreign corporation with close ties to the Governor, which could have a potentially devastating effect on rural areas, property owners and communities."
2006 Texas Libertarian Party Platform
"3. TOLL ROADS Libertarians oppose the Trans Texas Corridor Act, a costly boondoggle intended to benefit land developers through the abuse of eminent domain and the power of highway monopoly. Further, we support legislation that would forbid tolls on any highway right of way which was obtained with tax dollars or through the use of eminent domain or condemnation."
Bills filed to stop TTC and conversion of existing roads to Tolls
San Antonio-area lawmaker State Rep. David Leibowitz has filed the following bills.
Links to the Bills on State website.
HB719 (1/23/07) and HB857 (1/25/07)
Links to the Bills on State website.
HB719 (1/23/07) and HB857 (1/25/07)
80R3227 JTS-D
By: Leibowitz H.B. No. 719
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the operation of a state highway or segment of a state highway as a toll project.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 228.201, Transportation Code, is amended to read as follows:
Sec. 228.201. LIMITATION ON TOLL PROJECT [FACILITY] DESIGNATION. The [(a) Except as provided by Section 228.2015, the] department may not operate a [nontolled] state highway or a segment of a [nontolled] state highway as a toll project, and may not transfer a highway or segment to another entity for operation as a toll project, unless:
(1) [the commission by order designated the highway or segment as a toll project before the contract to construct the highway or segment was awarded;
[(2)] the highway or segment was open to traffic as a turnpike project on or before September 1, 2005;
(2) [(3)] the project was designated as a toll project when the project was initially described in a plan or program for roads released or disclosed to the public by:
(A) [of] a metropolitan planning organization, if the proposed toll project is located in the territory of a metropolitan planning organization; or
(B) the department, if the proposed toll project is not located in the territory of a metropolitan planning organization [on or before September 1, 2005;
[(4) the highway or segment is reconstructed so that the number of nontolled lanes on the highway or segment is greater than or equal to the number in existence before the reconstruction;
[(5) a facility is constructed adjacent to the highway or segment so that the number of nontolled lanes on the converted highway or segment and the adjacent facility together is greater than or equal to the number in existence on the converted highway or segment before the conversion;
[(6) subject to Subsection (b), the highway or segment was open to traffic as a high-occupancy vehicle lane on May 1, 2005]; or
(3) [(7)] the commission converts the highway or segment to a toll project [facility] by:
(A) making the determination required by Section 228.202;
(B) conducting the hearing required by Section 228.203; and
(C) obtaining county and voter approval as required by Sections 228.207 and 228.208.
[(b) The department may operate or transfer a high-occupancy vehicle lane under Subsection (a)(6) as a tolled lane only if the department or other entity operating the lane allows vehicles occupied by a specified number of passengers to use the lane without paying a toll.]
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this Act takes effect September 1, 2007.
80R3969 DWS-D
By: Leibowitz H.B. No. 857
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to repeal of authority for the establishment and operation of the Trans-Texas Corridor.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 11.11(j), Tax Code, is amended to read as follows:
(j) For purposes of this section, any portion of a facility owned by the Texas Department of Transportation that is [part of the Trans-Texas Corridor, is] a rail facility or system[,] or is a highway in the state highway system, and that is licensed or leased to a private entity by that department under Chapter 91 or[,] 223, [or 227,] Transportation Code, is public property used for a public purpose if the rail facility or system, highway, or facility is operated by the private entity to provide transportation or utility services. Any part of a facility, rail facility or system, or state highway that is licensed or leased to a private entity for a commercial purpose is not exempt from taxation.
SECTION 2. Section 25.06(c), Tax Code, is amended to read as follows:
(c) This section does not apply to:
(1) any portion of a facility owned by the Texas Department of Transportation that is [part of the Trans-Texas Corridor, is] a rail facility or system[,] or is a highway in the state highway system and that is licensed or leased to a private entity by that department under Chapter 91[, 227,] or 361, Transportation Code; or
(2) a leasehold or other possessory interest granted by the Texas Department of Transportation in a facility owned by that department that is [part of the Trans-Texas Corridor, is] a rail facility or system[,] or is a highway in the state highway system.
SECTION 3. Section 25.07(c), Tax Code, is amended to read as follows:
(c) Subsection (a) does not apply to:
(1) any portion of a facility owned by the Texas Department of Transportation that is [part of the Trans-Texas Corridor, is] a rail facility or system[,] or is a highway in the state highway system and that is licensed or leased to a private entity by that department under Chapter 91[, 227,] or 361, Transportation Code; or
(2) a leasehold or other possessory interest granted by the Texas Department of Transportation in a facility owned by that department that is [part of the Trans-Texas Corridor, is] a rail facility or system[,] or is a highway in the state highway system.
SECTION 4. Sections 201.616(a) and (b), Transportation Code, are amended to read as follows:
(a) Not later than December 1 of each year, the department shall submit a report to the legislature that details:
(1) the expenditures made by the department in the preceding state fiscal year in connection with:
(A) the unified transportation program of the department;
(B) turnpike projects and toll roads of the department; and
(C) [the Trans-Texas Corridor;
[(D)] rail facilities described in Chapter 91; [and
[(E) non-highway facilities on the Trans-Texas Corridor if those expenditures are subject to Section 227.062(c);]
(2) the amount of bonds or other public securities issued for transportation projects; and
(3) the direction of money by the department to a regional mobility authority in this state.
(b) The report must break down information under Subsection (a)(1)(A) by program category and department district. The report must break down information under Subsections (a)(1)(B) and[,] (C)[, (D), and (E)] and Subsection (a)(3) by department district. The report must break down information under Subsection (a)(2) by department district and type of project.
SECTION 5. Section 202.112(a), Transportation Code, is amended to read as follows:
(a) The commission may purchase an option to acquire property for possible use in or in connection with a transportation facility[, including a facility as defined by Section 227.001,] before a final decision has been made as to whether the transportation facility will be located on that property.
SECTION 6. Section 222.003(e), Transportation Code, is amended to read as follows:
(e) The proceeds of bonds and other public securities issued under this section may not be used for any purpose other than any costs related to the bonds and other public securities and the purposes for which revenues are dedicated under Section 7-a, Article VIII, Texas Constitution. [The proceeds of bonds and other public securities issued under this section may not be used for the construction of a state highway or other facility on the Trans-Texas Corridor. For purposes of this section, the "Trans-Texas Corridor" means the statewide system of multimodal facilities under the jurisdiction of the department that is designated by the commission, notwithstanding the name given to that corridor.]
SECTION 7. Section 223.201(a), Transportation Code, is amended to read as follows:
(a) Subject to Section 223.202, the department may enter into a comprehensive development agreement with a private entity to design, develop, finance, construct, maintain, repair, operate, extend, or expand a:
(1) toll project;
(2) [facility or a combination of facilities on the Trans-Texas Corridor;
[(3)] state highway improvement project that includes both tolled and nontolled lanes and may include nontolled appurtenant facilities;
(3) [(4)] state highway improvement project in which the private entity has an interest in the project; or
(4) [(5)] state highway improvement project financed wholly or partly with the proceeds of private activity bonds, as defined by Section 141(a), Internal Revenue Code of 1986.
SECTION 8. The following provisions of the Transportation Code are repealed:
(1) Section 201.618(e);
(2) Chapter 227;
(3) Section 370.316; and
(4) Section 545.3531.
SECTION 9. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this Act takes effect September 1, 2007.
TX Motor Fuel Tax Proposal
2/5/07 - Motor fuel tax
......... One of the more far-reaching proposals would revamp the state gasoline tax so that it automatically increases to reflect inflation.
Sen. John Carona, the Dallas Republican who chairs the Senate Transportation and Homeland Security Committee, said he filed the legislation to give Texas an alternative to toll roads.
Under his proposal, the motor fuel tax would be slightly increased each year to reflect the effects of inflation on highway construction costs. The current tax is 38 cents per gallon – 20 cents for the state and 18 cents for the federal government.
Mr. Carona said the annual tax increase probably would run about a penny or so per gallon, which would cost a typical driver who uses a thousand gallons of gasoline a year an extra $1 per month.
"If we do that over the next 25 years, we'll be able to leverage those additional funds into [highway] bond issues in excess of $45 billion" which he said would cover most estimated transportation needs over that period.
But if the tax is left alone, he said, toll roads will be the state's main option, and it could cost drivers $2 per day.
"The math is pretty obvious," the senator said. "It's not just a little more expensive for Texas drivers, it's a lot more expensive to build toll roads."
Gov. Rick Perry, who envisions a broad network of privately run toll roads across Texas, says that's the best way to meet the state's rapidly growing transportation needs.
Thursday, February 1, 2007
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