3 Takeaways from Speaker Straus: Transportation Reforms Continue with HB 20 Report.

  • 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 funding by more than $4 billion per year without higher taxes or fees.”
  • Priorities matter.  Its funding + prioritization of projects= good transportation system. 

HB 20 Report

Speaker Straus Press Release

3 Facts about Each of the 3 new DMV Appointees

Laura Ryan

  • Vice President of Market Representation and Dealer Development for Gulf States Toyota
  • Volunteers for the National Charity League, Northwest Assisted Ministries, Operation Interdependence, Boys and Girls Country of Houston Inc., and Habitat for Humanity of Cypress.
  • Attended Penn State University

Guillermo “Memo” Trevino

  • President of Southern Distributing, a multi brand beer and soft drink distributor.
  • Serves on the Board of Directors of BBVA Compass USA, the Board of Trustees of Rice University, and is current President of the Boy’s and Girl’s Clubs of Laredo, Texas.
  • He previously served as a Director of the San Antonio Branch of the Dallas Federal Reserve, a member of the Board of International Bank of Commerce & former president of the Laredo Chamber of Commerce, the Laredo Development Foundation, the Washington’s Birthday Celebration Association, and as Jefe de los Caballeros de la Republica del Rio Grande.

Gary M. Swindle

  • 33 year veteran of the Tyler Police Department and has served as the Chief of Police since 2000, and is a graduate of the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) National Academy and the Bill Blackwood Law Enforcement Management Institute Command College.
  • Member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), FBI National Academy Associates of Texas, Texas Police Chiefs Association, Texas Police Association, Smith County Peace Officers Association, East Texas Peace Officers Association and East Texas Violent Crimes Task Force.
  • President of the Tyler Sister Cities, president of Tyler Police Foundation, board member of the Children’s Advocacy Center of Smith County, board member of East Texas Crisis Center, member of the Tyler Junior College Criminal Justice Advisory Board and ex-officio board member of the Tyler Chamber of Commerce.

Governor Abbott Appointment

Senator Schwerter on High Speed Rail

  • Schwertner says the trains can’t provide an economic development benefit to affected landowners in 11 counties, of which five are in his district.
  • Schwertner says if TCR gets it built and they run out of money, there are 40 House members from Houston and 40 more from the Dallas-Fort Worth area that will vote to keep the trains running.

WTAW summarizing Senator Schwertner’s comments to a local Chamber of Commerce

Regional Transportation Council Funding Texas High Speed Rail

“The Regional Transportation Council earlier this month agreed to pay $4.5 million through 2018 to keep up planning efforts on the portion of the proposed bullet train system that would connect Fort Worth, Arlington and Dallas.”

What’s the source of the funds? “The council decided to use $4.5 million in surplus revenue collected from the region’s toll roads.”

What will the toll money be used for? “preliminary engineering, and will help the high-speed rail commission gather the data it needs to document projected ridership”

 

FW Star Telegram: North Texas puts up more high-speed rail money  Science Blog

 

UPDATE: Mexico-US New Train Bridge

The first train bridge in 100 years is now open between Mexico and the US. 

Statesman

 

 May 7, 2015, Information Intelligence:

Cameron County Judge Suplevada announced that the new US-Mexico bridge will open in July. Background:

  • The new US- Mexico bridge is the first in 100 years
  • It’s original opening date was April 2015
  • What’s holding up the bridge: an x-ray unit that was relocated on the Mexican side
  • Union Pacific will operate rail movements on the US Side
  •  Kansas City Southern Mexico will run rail movement on the Mexico Side

Rio Grande Guardian 

$32 Billion transportation bond approved in Red State

55% of Phoenix voters approved a $31.7 billion transportation bond package that will add:

  •  Triple Valley Metro’s light rail system
  • Add more buses
  • More city street upgrades
  • 1,150 Miles of Bike Lanes
  • 170 Miles of Sidewalks

The bond package will be backed by:

  • The city’s transportation sales tax will go to 0.7% from the current 0.4%
    • Except for​transactions over $10,000, which are exempted
  • $5.1 billion of ​​Transit fares 

The financials are:

  • $2.9 billion for debt service and a reserve fund. 
  • Bus and bus rapid transit will get $17.5 billion
  • $11.9 billion dedicated to maintaining the current level of service
  • $1.9 billion allocated to new and extended bus routes.
  • $8.9 billion for rail projects includes:
    • $6.7 billion for 42 miles of new line and
    • $2.2 billion for upkeep of the current 20-mile.
  • Phoenix will devote $2.4 billion from the 35-year program to city streets.
  • Major street and bridge projects are funded at $280 million.

​BondBuyer

 

 

 

UPDATE: New Federal Rail Administration Technical Report on Texas Central Rail. Central Texas Rail identifying Land Owners

The Houston Chronicle reports this week that Central Texas Rail is moving to identify landowners to negotiate with after last week’s FRA report affirming a preferred straight route for the high speed rail.

Houston Chronicle  See Also: Houston Press  Dallas Morning News  Dallas Business Journal  

 

August 18, 2015, Information Intelligence:

The Federal Railroad Administration issued a report on the proposed path of the Texas Central Rail. Nothing salcious. But, here’s the next steps:

  • FRA will conduct a 2nd screening analysis
    • to identify & evaluate potential location alignments
    • and whether the corridor alternatives analysis is feasible & reasonable

FRA Report