Texas Transportation Report Concludes $315 Billion Needed in Next 22 Years
The Texas Transportation Commission recently adopted the 2030 Committee's Texas Transportation Needs Report, which concludes that meeting Texas' transportation needs between 2009 and 2030 will require $315 billion.
The needs estimate focuses on the investment that will be necessary to maintain the pavements and bridges on Texas roadways, to prevent worsening traffic congestion in urban areas, and to ensure rural mobility and safety. The committee based its estimates on several factors, including increased population growth and freight traffic between 2009 and 2030.
"This report demonstrates the tough transportation challenges facing the state of Texas through the next several decades," said Deirdre Delisi, Texas Transportation Commission chair. "TxDOT is ready to work with local and state governments to find innovative solutions that provide Texans with the transportation system they expect. I appreciate the efforts of the 2030 Committee and applaud their hard work and dedication in identifying transportation needs of the future."
The 2030 Committee is comprised of 12 Texas business and civic leaders appointed by Delisi in May 2008. She charged the committee with independently determining the fiscal requirements for the state's future transportation needs. The committee presented an executive summary of its draft findings to the Texas Transportation Commission in December 2008 and posted the draft report on the 2030 Committee Web site for public comment from Jan. 9 to Jan. 31 prior to finalizing the report.
"Data from communities of all sizes clearly show that transportation is one of the top concerns of Texans," said Dr. C. Michael Walton, chair of the committee. "In a resource-constrained environment, our state's leaders must make tough financial decisions over the next two decades. Our report provides an independent estimate of the level of transportation need over the next 22 years and urges our leaders to consider the economic and quality of life enhancements that dollars spent on transportation improvements can provide."
The report, provides a comprehensive analysis of estimated transportation needs, anticipated costs in 2008 dollars and resulting benefits from highway maintenance (pavements and bridges), urban mobility, and rural mobility and safety. The recommendations do not address specific projects, solutions, or funding sources.