TRANSPORTATION
The 26th District of Texas is growing at a very quick pace; therefore, building and maintaining a strong transportation infrastructure is vital to economic development of the entire state. For this reason, I have made transportation one of my main priorities as I serve you in Congress.
Third Annual 26th Congressional District/TXDOT Transportation Summit:
On November 30, 2005, in conjunction with the Texas Department of Transportation Chairman Ric Williamson, I hosted the Third Annual 26th Congressional District/TXDOT Transportation Summit at the University of North Texas in Denton, Texas. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Don Young (R-Alaska) attended the summit for the third year in a row. The event highlighted local, state and federal transportation experts and was devoted to discussing and improving transportation throughout North Texas. With ever-increasing demands on our transportation system for both local mobility and international trade transportation improvements, it is essential that North Texas’ voice be heard in Washington, D.C. This summit helped to provide congressional leaders with the pertinent information needed to ensure all opportunities are explored in Washington to provide better public policies and increased funding for the transportation needs in our region.
H.R. 3, Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (P.L. 109-59):
In Texas, our identified transportation needs outstrip available funding three to one. Texas has several specific transportation needs, such as seeking opportunities for increased funding, supporting international trade transportation and more efficient environmental processes, and expanding innovative financing techniques. Currently, Texas only receives 88 cents for every transportation dollar that it sends to Washington in gasoline taxes -- ranking it 46th out of the 50 states. However, with the passage of the H.R. 3, Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (P.L. 109-59) there will be a gradual increase in the national rate of return from 90.5 percent in 2005 to 92.0 percent in 2009.
H.R. 3 appropriates federal dollars from the Highway Trust Fund for highway programs, research and technology, motor carrier transportation and safety, and transportation research and education. It designates $286.4 billion to be distributed over the six-year life of the legislation among highway, transit and safety projects throughout the country. Through working with Chairman Don Young, I was able to incorporate two crucial policy measures that will help to ensure a more efficient transportation system in North Texas and the nation: transportation development credits (also knows as toll credits) and “Design-Build.” Transportation development credits recognize the non-federal state and local investment in toll facilities to help address traffic congestion in urbanized areas. These credits build on that state and local investment to provide financing options for needed highway, transit, and highway safety projects. “Design-Build” is a term to describe an innovative project delivery method that combines the design and construction of a toll road project into one contract rather than the traditional “Design-Bid-Build” method of having individual contracts for separate, sequential phases of a project. By modifying the existing law, Design Build gives states additional flexibility to design and build roads concurrently, not sequentially. By integrating the design-build portion of a project, we can complete projects in a more efficient and inexpensive manner. This philosophy of road building would bring relief to dangerous and congested roads that can’t wait another 20 years to get fixed.
Through H.R. 3, I was able to secure $18.5 million for seven projects designed to improve the transportation system and structure in North Texas. These projects include: widen from 4 to 6 lanes Interstate 35 East from Lake Lewisville to Loop 288; Union Pacific railroad bridge replacement over Business US 287, Fort Worth; Precinct Line Road Bridge; Tower 55 CMAQ congestion and preliminary engineering study; add shoulders to FM 156 from Ponder to Krum; Interstate Highway 820 widening project; relocation of FM 156 at Alliance Airport.
H.R. 3058, the Transportation, Treasury, Housing and Urban Development, the Judiciary, the District of Columbia, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 2006:
In addition to these important projects, I was able to secure much needed federal dollars for other transportation projects through H.R. 3058, the Transportation, Treasury, Housing and Urban Development, the Judiciary, the District of Columbia, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 2006. The 26th Congressional District of Texas received $4.45 million for the Denton Municipal Airport, the Denton I-35E Bridge at Loop 288/US 77, and grade crossing improvements in Fort Worth.
Additional Transportation Needs:
This year, transportation continues to be a top priority of mine. I will continue to work with TXDOT to ensure that other roads within my district receive the attention needed to better provide for a more efficient transportation system in North Texas. Roads in Cooke County need attention, as well as Highway 380 in Denton to the Wise County line. In Tarrant County, we must continue to work on Rosedale Avenue in Southeast Fort Worth and Loop 820 in the Northeast.
I will continue to work to ensure that the 26th District of Texas receives federal assistance to address our infrastructure needs, such as improving Interstate 35 and State Highway 183, developing intermodal facilities, and expanding DFW Airport and surrounding municipal airports. I have requested funding assistance to expedite the planning and construction of specific highways and transit projects to improve the lives of citizens, business owners, and those transporting goods through the district. We cannot sit by letting funds slip to other states when our roads must stay competitive with other major cities. Even though I am no longer on the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, I will continue to be your advocate for transportation.
For related websites, please visit the following links:
House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
U.S. Department of Transportation
Texas Department of Transportation
Air Traffic Advisory and Real-Time Airport Status
Gas Prices in Your Area
Travel Tips for a Safe Trip Abroad
National Scenic Byways
Travel and Recreation at firstgov.gov
