Traffic through the 15th Congressional District has grown dramatically as a result of the North American Free Trade Agreement. For example, 1.9 million trucks and 23.7 million cars cross back and forth annually over the Texas -- Mexico border in the Rio Grande Valley. Yet, there is no interstate highway system in South Texas from San Antonio to McAllen and Harlingen to efficiently move this trade and traffic north or south. When completed, I-69 will finally link South Texas with the national interstate system. Congressman Hinojosa continues to work with the Texas delegation to obtain funding to make I-69 a reality.
Many rural communities in Central Texas are facing increased traffic and strains on their infrastructure as more and more commuters to Austin and Houston move into their communities. The evacuation of Houston during Hurricane Rita in 2005 illustrated the importance of increasing road capacity to meet future emergencies.
Congress finally completed work on a six-year reauthorization of the Surface Transportation bill, popularly called TEA-LU. This bill set forth transportation priorities for the nation. As a member of the Congressional States' Highway Alliance for Real Equity, or SHARE coalition, Congressman Hinojosa worked to ensure that Texas receives a fairer portion of the highway formula funds. These funds are generated by federal gas taxes and returned to the states and make up the bulk of funding available to states for highway projects. The coalition was successful in increasing the return from 89 cents to 92 cents. This will mean billions more for Texas road projects.
Rail and air are also vital links in the transportation chain and Congressman Hinojosa is working to improve safety and capacity at local and regional airports. He led a successful effort to obtain funding for the North Rail Relocation Project in Harlingen, Texas that will move rail lines out of downtown Harlingen so that the city can improve safety and grow economically while still maintaining its role as a transportation hub.
