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Money for new roads in Texas faces struggle
By Peggy Fikac - Express-News
Web Posted: 10/04/2010 12:00 AM CDT
AUSTIN — If you like traffic congestion, you'll love Texas' funding outlook.
The state's highway fund is projected to run dry of dollars for new construction projects in 2012, but with the state already facing a massive budget shortfall, any drive for major new transportation money could face a rough road.
The state's 20-cents-a-gallon gas tax hasn't been raised since 1991, and leading lawmakers give its chances of increasing in the coming legislative session as slim to none. GOP Gov. Rick Perry ruled out the idea; Democratic challenger Bill White said such an increase is “not where you start.”
“It's going to be hard just coming up with billions of dollars to put into new construction. Everyone is taking these oaths. ... No new taxes,” said House Transportation Committee Chairman Joe Pickett, D-El Paso. “I'm trying to make small changes that over time could make a difference. ... Because I can tell you right now, Pickett trots out there with a gas tax bill, I think we'll get 160 votes against it (in the 150-member House).”
Pickett said any proposed gas-tax increase would have to follow a move to end diversions of gas-tax revenue from transportation. He cited other revenue possibilities, such as making vehicle registration fees uniform — meaning some would pay more — and asking communities that get state bond money to kick in for the interest.
He expects pressure for more borrowing but voiced concern over the cost, which is taking a $1.64 billion bite out of the current two-year Texas Department of Transportation budget.
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