Transportation

Regional Infrastructure and Development Mission: To ensure the regional transportation system and infrastructure supports quality economic growth and an improved community that is supportive of business, while maintaining livability in Central Texas.

Contacts: Beth Ann Ray, Vice President, Regional Infrastructure, 512.322.5693 Jeremy Martin, Sr. Vice President, Government Relations, 512.322.5630

Chair, Tranportation Committee
Dan Hodges, Austin/San Antonio President, Regions Bank

Downloads

  • 2012 Transportation Committee Handbook
  • 2012 Transportation Engagement Opportunities
  • 2012 Transportation Committee Volunteer Form
  • 2012 Transportation Committee Meeting Dates

    Current Policy Positions

    2011 Travis County Bond Election – Supported

    2011 State Transportation Agenda for 82nd Legislature

    Transportation continues to be a significant issue for the Chamber. We believe that a successful transportation infrastructure is vital to ensuring a successful Texas economy. The Austin Chamber will continue to monitor the progress of TxDOT's Grant Thornton audit recommendations and support the ongoing efforts for additional transparency and accountability of the agency. We are sensitive to the projected budget deficit facing the State however; we remain steadfast in the need for a supplemental and secure revenue stream for maintenance and future capacity.

    Texas earned the reputation as having the nation's best surface transportation system. We know that if we are to remain the best State to do business, we need to plan for growth and creatively think of ways to continue to invest in our infrastructure and support TxDOT's effort to prepare for economic growth while enhancing safety, improving air quality and increasing the value of the state's transportation assets.

    New Revenue
    The Austin Chamber urges the Legislature to optimize existing funding sources and identify new funding sources for transportation, including but not limited to:

    • Eliminating diversions;
    • Raising taxes on motor fuels;
    • Indexing the motor fuels tax;
    • Increasing vehicle registration fees; and
    • A local option transportation tax.

    Any increase to the motor fuels tax rate above the current 20ยข should be directed 100% to transportation to the extent consistent with the Texas State Constitution.

    A Sustainable Funding Source for Road, Rail & Transit Infrastructure
    We encourage the Legislature to determine which funding mechanisms will provide a sustainable funding source for road, rail and transit infrastructure to operate and maintain past investments and provide additional capacity for projected population and business growth. An implementation strategy should be identified.

    Rail Relocation & Improvement Fund
    The Legislature and TxDOT should work together to find an appropriate long-term revenue source to fund the Rail Relocation and Improvement Fund. Rail infrastructure is a key component of the State's transportation system and voters approved the creation of the Rail Relocation and Improvement Fund in November 2005. The 81st Legislature appropriated the funds in 2009, but the conditions required by the contingent appropriations rider have not been met to be certified or released for expenditure.

    Streamline the Environmental Process at State Agencies
    The Austin Chamber supports improvements to the state environmental process that timely and efficiently implements those provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act and other relevant federal and state statues. A long, lengthy environmental process can result in increased right-of-way costs and drawn-out project timelines for desperately needed infrastructure improvements.

    Texas Mobility Fund
    The Texas Mobility Fund (TMF) provides the state with a creative mechanism to substantially leverage transportation dollars. It is estimated that for every $100 million allocated annually for the TMF, about $1 billion in bonding authority is created. The Austin Chamber urges the Legislature to identify additional and new revenue sources during the 82nd Texas Legislature for the Texas Mobility Fund.

    Transportation Reinvestment Zones
    Transportation Reinvestment Zones (TRZs) offer an important tool for generating local funding. The Austin Chamber supports uncoupling TRZs from the "pass-through" program.


    Current Initiatives

    CAMPO Transit Working Group
    Chamber Leadership Serving:

    Bobby Jenkins, President, ABC Services
    Immediate Past Chair

    Martha Smiley, Counsel to the Firm, Enoch Kever PLLC
    Vice Chair, Regional Infrastructure

    Jesus Garza, Executive Vice President/COO, Seton Healthcare Family
    Vice Chair, Government Relations

    Senator Kirk Watson’s Mobility Investment Priorities Working Group
    Chamber Leadership Serving:

    Terry Mitchell, President, Momark Development LLC
    Board Member

    City of Austin Bond Election Advisory Task Force
    Chamber Leadership Serving:

    Terry Mitchell, President, Momark Development LLC
    Board Member

    Craig Enoch, Managing Member, Enoch Kever PLLC
    Board Member


    Federal Transportation Agenda

    1. Support the Authorization of a Long-Term Surface Transportation Bill

    Position: Support the authorization of a long-term surface transportation bill that:

    • Increases transportation funding for all modes – roads, passenger & freight rail, waterways, public transportation, and bicycle and pedestrian travel;

    • Funds the maintenance of existing infrastructure;

    • Reduces burdensome regulations and processes;

    • Supports technology to reduce congestion and improve operations and maintenance

    • Takes advantage of cost effective, strategic debt;

    • Guarantees program funding and does not include rescissions; and,

    • Reduces the number of federal programs.

    2. Support the Reestablishment of Financial Integrity to the Highway Trust Fund

    Position: Support the reestablishment of financial integrity to the Highway Trust Fund which:

    • Develops new revenue sources
    • Supports the strategic use of debt

    3. Support Creating New, Innovative, and Streamlined Funding Mechanisms and Delivery Methods

    Position: Support creating new, innovative, and streamlined funding mechanisms and delivery methods such as:

    Public-Private Partnerships (P3); A National Infrastructure Bank that:

    • Is solicited through an open, transparent competitive application;
    • Is administered as a revolving fund, not as a discretionary grant program;
    • Is primarily directed toward transportation infrastructure; and,
    • Funds projects of statewide or regional significance.

    The Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) Program and Build America Bonds.

    4. Support Streamlining the Environmental Process for Projects Under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)

    Position: Support streamlining the environmental process for federal transportation projects under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) so that the legislation:

    • Limits project delay;

    • Lowers project costs;

    • Provides greater certainty;

    • Reduces burdensome regulation & processes; and

    • Increases staffing resources for the review process.

      • 5. Support Increasing the Number of Beyond-Perimeter Exemptions to DCA Through FAA Reauthorization

      Position: Support legislation that adjusts the beyond-perimeter exemptions by increasing the number of city slots available to communities beyond the 1,250 mile radius of Reagan National Airport (DCA) in Washington, D.C.


    Issue Documents & Presentations

    From time to time, Chamber committees or staff develop informational documents for the membership. Occasionally guest speakers for the Chamber Board or Committees provide handouts or power point presentations. Below are recent materials and presentations related to infrastructure.


    Transportation Events

    Attend a meeting, advocate for transportation improvements and funding, and stay up-to-date on transportation related issues in Central Texas!


    Annual Intercity Visits

    A key benefit that the Chamber offers its membership is exposure to best practices and lessons learned in other communities about issues also impacting Central Texas.


    Archived Policy Positions

    Each year, the Chamber membership through volunteer committees recommend various position statements and resolutions to the Board of Directors regarding important issues and projects impacting the business community. Below are the Board approved positions since 2005 relating to regional infrastructure development.

    06.26.08 – Capital Metro Fare Increase

    08.23.07 – CAMPO TIP Amendments

    07.13.05 – Name SH 130 for Congressman Jake Pickle

    3.24.05 – CAMPO 2030 Plan

The Austin metro population expanded by 41% from 1999 to 2009, while Texas grew at a rate of 21% and the nation at 10%