TXDOT – Page 4 – InfoHive

AG Opinion Request: Chair of Transportation Committee Asks About Design Build. 3 Points to Know Now.

The question before Attorney General Paxton: Can TXDOT enter into Design Build contracts in fiscal year 2016-2017 with funds appropriated for that year.
Why is this a question? Design Build Rider 47 to HB 1 and the Transportation Code Conflict.
- Rider 47 has a higher threshold, $250 million, than statute, which has a $150 million threshold
Opposition thinks Rider 47 is unconstitutional. Can’t go changing substantive law in the budget, but you can as long as no court or…

• TxDOT Funding:

Monitor any new & anticipated revenue appropriated to TXDOT
Recommendations that address project prioritization & selection, effectiveness of staffing levels and project delivery methods.

• Vehicle Inspection System

Evaluate the efficiency & effectiveness of the state’s Vehicle Inspection Program.
Recommend how to compress/otherwise reduce the number of required inspections.

• Regional Mobility Authorities

What group studied variable speeds on Texas roads? Texas A&M Transportation Institute

Why? HB 2204 from 2013 legislation required it.

What roadways did TTI study?

 Urban Congestion Site: Westbound (WB) State Loop (SL) 1604 between US 281 and IH-10, San Antonio
 Construction Work Zone Site: IH-35 northbound (NB), MM 297 – MM 301, Temple
 Weather-Related Site: Eastbound (EB) and WB IH-20 at Ranger Hill, Eastland County

What was the result? Yes,…

Proposition 7 Flowchart

New Governor’s Directive to TXDOT. It is less than an excutive order, more than cocktail conversation, but will:
1. Require the identification of the state’s most congested chokepoints
2. Address the chokepoints by working with transportation planners and local communities
3. Goals: reduce congestion & get new roads built as soon as possible.
Building roads is economic development & creates jobs
Congestion has an economic impact of over $1,000 for the average “rush hour”…

Its how Texas utilizes its funding that matters, “The Legislature provided significant new resources for transportation this year,” said House Speaker Joe Straus, San Antonio. “But it’s just as important to make sure that those resources are used in an appropriate and efficient way that will relieve congestion in the state. That’s why House Bill 20 was important.”
Texas is increasing transportation funding. “Over the last two sessions, the Legislature has acted to increase transportation…