Who is proposing a shift in state transportation funding? Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner
What is the impetus for his transportation funding proposal? Mayor Turner asserts that widening highways adds to more congestion. “These types of projects are not creating the kind of vibrant, economically strong cities that we all desire”
Under Mayor Turner’s transportation funding proposal, what should be the focus of transportation funding? Shift from automobiles and toward alternatives
What transportation alternatives are suggested? commuter rail, high-occupancy vehicle lanes, park and rides, and local transit
How have the paradign shift in transportation funding been received?
- Harris County Commissioner Raddack: ” “This is Texas. People either want to own a horse or a car,” Radack said. “The most rapidly growing area, by far, of our region is the unincorporated area of Harris County.”
- “Making a major change in how the money is invested would be a big challenge,” said Alan Clark, director of transportation planning at the Houston-Galveston Area Council.
- Clark Martinson, general manager of the Energy Corridor District, called Turner’s speech “the boldest, best thing I have heard from a mayor in the 30 years I’ve been in Houston.”
Houston Chronicle | Turner calls for change in transportation philosophy