Austin, Texas (May 29, 2018)--The following comment was released today by the Greater Austin Chamber Board of Directors in support of the Oak Hill Parkway Alternative "A" Proposal:

"The Austin Chamber of Commerce is supportive of any method of financing to advance transportation projects – traditional, design build, and tolls if applicable.

The “Y” at Oak Hill has long been a chokepoint and problem congestion area for residents of Austin and the Central Texas region. Since 2006, the Greater Austin Chamber has supported the construction of an expressway to offer congestion relief at the Y. We continue that support today by urging the Texas Department of Transportation to move forward with its May 2018 “Alternative A,” $550 million proposal to reduce congestion at the Y by constructing the Oak Hill Parkway.

We encourage TXDOT to fully fund the project upfront whatever the source of funding. We need to avoid the potential of an incomplete project. Offering a fully-funded parkway through Oak Hill at the Y will improve the quality of life for Central Texans, reduce congestion and allow businesses, both small and large, to benefit from the improvements."

The Austin Board of Directors supports the project based on the following criterion:

• TXDOT proposes an upgraded, state-of-the-art roadway consisting of three main lanes in each direction, as well as two-to-three frontage-road lanes in each direction.
• Alternative A includes $400 million for construction and $150 million to purchase right of way, complete design work, relocate utilities.
• According to TXDOT, to date, they have identified only $187.5 million of the $550 million needed to complete “Alternative A.”
• If full funding is not identified immediately, TXDOT could construct frontage roads in phase 1 and expressway lanes in phase 2. According to published reports, this approach will cost more, take longer and phase 1 by itself may or may not reduce congestion at the Y.
• TXDOT has said construction could begin as quickly as 2020.

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About the Greater Austin Chamber

The Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce focuses on how the Austin Region works. We serve as the voice of business for 2,800 organizations representing a combined workforce of about 330,000 employees throughout Central Texas. Our mission is to provide leadership that facilitates the creation of a prosperous economy and effective advocacy for members. For more information, please visit AustinChamber.com.

Media Inquiries:
Danielle Trevino, Public Relations Manager
Austin Chamber of Commerce
512.322.5637
dtrevino@austinchamber.com