Bulverde solicits study of 281 corridor, could include tolls

TxDOT official says U.S. Hwy. 281 should be a 'superstreet'
By Eric Weilbacher, Contributing Writer
San Antonio Express-News
Wednesday, June 12, 2013

The Bulverde City Council on Tuesday unanimously passed a resolution asking the Texas Department of Transportation to perform an analysis of the U.S. Highway 281 corridor.
Council also approved several changes to the ongoing-community park project.

Jonathan Bean, the director of transportation and development in the San Antonio area for TxDOT, gave a presentation on several future projects that would affect the Bulverde area.

Included in his briefing was a plan to eventually make Texas Hwy. 46 from New Braunfels to Boerne a six-lane highway with curbs, gutters and center turns.

Read more here.

Ports to Plains Trans Texas Corridor in progress in Dawson County

Link to article here.

Ports to Plains is one of the Trans Texas Corridor (TTC) trade corridors. There are no traffic jams in this county of a population of only 13,000. These road improvements are being made to build the TTC piece-by-piece to facilitate global trade and the transport of cheap Chinese goods into America and the free flow of people and goods across the Texas-Mexico border.

Dawson County road work to improve South Plains connections to Permian Basin
TxDOT plans projects on US 87, Texas 349 south of Lamesa
By Adam D. Young
Lubbock Online.com
June 5, 2013

Road crews have their work cut out for them this fall and in 2014 on Dawson County highways connecting the South Plains with the Permian Basin.

The Texas Department of Transportation last week earmarked $11.2 million for roadway improvements and repairs to nearly 20 miles of US 87 south of Lamesa — just months after the department allocated up to $17 million to a project to widen a portion of Texas 349 between Lamesa and Midland.

NY Comptroller: Proceed with caution on public-private partnerships

Link to article here.

No such caution can be found in Texas. It's a public private partnership lovefest down here from the Governor on down...the public interest and affordable travel be scorned.

Comptroller: Proceed with caution on public-private partnerships
By Cara Matthews
June 5, 2013
lohud.com

Strong oversight provisions need to be in place if New York broadens the authority of the state to enter into public-private partnerships or privately finance public projects, state Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli said in a report today that looks at public-private partnerships in other parts of the country.

In December 2011, the state has authorized five state agencies and public authorities to use a simple form of public-private partnership called design-build contracting. The Thruway Authority is using design-build contracting for the new Tappan Zee Bridge, meaning design and construction services are awarded to the same contractor. The approach is expected to streamline the project, shift some financial risk to private contractors and save the Thruway Authority money.

Lakeway proposes toll road over preserve

Link to article here.

Lakeway suggests toll road over Balcones Preserve
by SHANNON MURRAY / KVUE NEWS and Photojournalist SCOTT MCKENNEY
Posted on June 7, 2013

LAKEWAY, Texas -- Lakeway officials say a new toll road could be the answer to traffic congestion in western Travis County, but some Austinites worry about the suggested highway's location.
It would start at Highway 71 and end where Ranch Road 620 meets 2222, but it's the area between there that has some people concerned. The road would cross The Balcones Canyonlands Preserve.

"620 is miserable," said Kathryn Wahlers, who used to live near the busy road. "It's terrible out there."



"We need to start somewhere to solve this traffic problem. Just sitting here and ignoring it doesn't make any sense," said Lakeway Mayor Dave DeOme. "It's not going away. It's only going to get worse."

Mayor DeOme says expanding 620 isn't an option since businesses already line the roadway. He has another idea.

"I'll call it 'the closing of the gap between 45 north and 45 south,'" he explained.

He's suggesting a limited access toll road. The highway would stretch from Hwy 71 to Hwy 45, then cross over RR 620 and end where 620 and 2222 meet, meaning the new highway would cross the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve.

"They need to design whatever they need to do to relieve the congestion by making things environmentally friendly also," said Richard Hilsta, who has lived in Austin since 1975.

Just on the outskirts of the Balcones Preserve people enjoy a pristine backdrop for hiking, swimming and experiencing the outdoors in Austin.

"We're always losing more and more of our natural habitats for not only us, but the animals," Hilsta said.

Mayor DeOme says the city would have to make some compromises to ensure any disruption to nature and the wildlife in the preserve is kept to a minimum.



"There would have to be absolutely some mitigation of the use of some of that land," Mayor DeOme said. "We may come up and find there is a reasonable trade off that everybody could live with."

When it comes to the environment, he encourages Austin to look at the big picture.



"There's a balance that has to be worked here. Sitting in traffic with your engine running and not going anywhere, I would argue, is environmentally unsound also," Mayor DeOme pointed out.

The discussion over the proposed road is just beginning, but as the conversation stands now many say building new roads is a good idea, but isn't worth the risk of losing something else.



"I love Austin because of this, and I hope stuff like this stays," Wahlers said.

Right now the toll road is just a suggestion from the city council. They will be meeting with the community and preserve representatives in the coming months. The city started discussing the toll after noticing the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization didn't have any projects planned for the area in the 2035 plan. This plan wouldn't even start until 2040 if it's approved.

Bass: County toll study duplication of effort

Link to article here.

County toll road study a duplication of effort, cost
By Mike Bass
Guest Columnist
June 4, 2013
Montgomery County Courier

Tuesday’s Courier reported that Commissioners Court is considering spending $550,000 to update a study for the development of a Montgomery County Parkway – more toll roads.

I am generally opposed to toll roads as they are often just one more way to “tax” us all. But in this case, I also wonder whether the right hand knows what the left hand is doing. The proposed toll road study would duplicate what already has been started in South Montgomery County. Why don’t commissioners recognize the need to work within our regional transportation planning and funding framework so they can leverage our local dollars with available state and federal transportation funding dollars?

Elkhart to raid tolls to pay for other projects

Link to article here.

Tolls -- the new slush fund to bail out the rest of government. But many toll projects are starting to falter and aren't even collecting enough to cover their debt. So lawmakers need to stop salivating at toll revenues and start properly funding government functions in a transparent, fiscally responsible way. Tolls aren't gonna solve reckless spending problems…raiding tolls to pay fro other things make tolls a tax, not a user fee.

Commissioners want to tap Toll Road fund for local road repairs
By JOHN KLINE
June 3, 2013
 THE GOSHEN NEWS

GOSHEN — Elkhart County Commissioners Monday voted to approve a $700,000 additional appropriation from the county’s Major Moves Construction fund to go toward county road maintenance.



With the additional appropriation, the commissioners hope to increase the county’s current road paving and maintenance program funding from $2.2 million to just over $3 million — a significant increase, though still short of the projected $7 million needed to complete all road maintenance and repair projects highlighted for the county this year alone.



With its approval by the commissioners Monday, the additional appropriation request will now move on to the Elkhart County Council for final consideration at the council’s Saturday meeting.



According to County Administrator Tom Byers, the County Council in the past has been reluctant to use Major Moves funds for road maintenance projects due to concerns that the funds may be needed for larger and more pressing projects down the line.

However, during Monday’s meeting, Byers noted that a provision has been found in the original ordinance that created the Major Moves Fund from revenue from the state’s lease of the Indiana Toll Road, that indicates any Major Moves funds that exceed the growth factor of 1.9 percent can be used for road maintenance.



“So we went back and we took a look at that,” Byers said, “and there are funds that exceed the growth factor that are in the Major Moves fund.”

If the council were to approve the request for Major Moves funds, Byers noted that the county would stick with its plan to eliminate several road projects slated for C.R. 6 and Ash Road as an additional cost saving measure.



“We would also add to that list of eliminating the programed right of way purchase on C.R. 38 for this year, and simply move that back into 2014,” Byers said. “Then lastly, if they approve that, we would go back and do a reduction in the $1 million appropriation that was approved by the council last month.”



“If all of that happens that way, when all is said and done, we would have a $700,000 appropriation from Major Moves, a $1.2 million appropriation that has already been made from the Wheel Tax, we will still have roughly $440,000 from EDIT, and then the Redevelopment Commission at their last meeting recommended $770,000 of Northeast TIF monies be allocated for roads, either C.R. 6-C.R. 17, or other county roads in the NE TIF district,” Byers said. “That will give us about a $3.1 million paving program.”



Following unanimous approval by the three commissioners, Commissioner Mike Yoder said, “That’s a good program,” Yoder said. “It took a lot of sweat to get here.”



Other business



In other business, the board approved:


• A $149,357 grant renewal application for the county’s Maternal Child Health-Prenatal Care Coordination program;


• A $50,874 grant renewal application for the MCH-Children’s Dental program;


• A $560,000 additional appropriation from the Cumulative Bridge fund for Simonton Street bridge construction and inspection;


• A $400,000 additional appropriation from the Motor Vehicle Highway fund for $400,000 to replace three vehicles;


• A $277,081 additional appropriation from the Economic Development Income Tax fund to make the C.R. 17 Phase 2C Major Moves fund payment; and,


• A $750,001 additional appropriation from the Major Bridge fund to make the Six Span Bridge Major Moves fund payment.

Fitch warns driving declines will hurt toll revenues

Link to release here.

Yet what is Texas' plan? Tolls, tolls, tolls to 'relieve' congestion. They're referred to as 'managed lanes' added to congested urban corridors. None are toll viable, all need public subsidies and even the public subsidies are running out. So what's Perry and lawmakers' answer? End gas tax diversions and dedicate ALL existing road taxes to roads (like vehicle sales tax that's going to general revenue not roads), which is exactly how much money TxDOT needs to get back to pay-as-you-go? No, it's raid the money going into the Rainy Day Fund so they can keep issuing MORE TOLL ROAD DEBT to subsidize LOSER toll projects and triple tax Texans to drive on our public roads.

PRESS RELEASE    
Fitch: U.S. Driving Declines Could Negatively Affect Toll Roads

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 03, 2013--
The revenue of some toll roads may come under pressure if the driving decline trend continues for the long run, according to Fitch Ratings. Americans have driven less each year since 2004 and those ages 16 to 34 have reduced their driving more than any other age group.

Fitch downgrades Illinois' gas tax bonds

Link to article here.

This ought to be a wake-up call to Texas lawmakers who have a fiduciary duty to rein-in Texas Governor Rick Perry's debt spiral. How long will it be before Texas' credit rating on its outstanding gas tax backed bonds go south? Especially since lawmakers are draining the state's Rainy Day Fund?
_________________________________________________

Press release
Business Wire
June 4, 2013

Fitch Downgrades Chicago, IL's Motor Fuel Tax Bonds to 'BBB+'; Outlook Negative

NEW YORK, Jun 04, 2013 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- -Fitch Ratings has downgraded to 'BBB+' from 'A-' the rating on the following Chicago, IL motor fuel tax bonds:

--Approximately $101 million motor fuel tax revenue TIFIA bond (wacker drive reconstruction project - including the chicago riverwalk expansion:TIFIA 2013-1004A);
--$103.6 million motor fuel tax revenue refunding bonds, series 2013;
--$114.4 million motor fuel tax revenue bonds, series 2003A;
--$62.9 million motor fuel tax revenue bonds, series 2008A;
--$3.7 million motor fuel tax revenue bonds, series 2008B.

The rating action was triggered by the downgrade of the State of Illinois' general obligation (GO) rating to 'A-' from 'A'.

The rating is removed from Rating Watch Negative. The Rating Outlook is Negative.

SECURITY
The bonds are secured by a first lien on all motor fuel taxes distributed to the city by the state, subject to annual appropriation by the state legislature. Additionally, various project-related revenues are pledged.

KEY RATING DRIVERS
STATE RATING DOWNGRADE: The downgrade was triggered by Fitch's downgrade of the state of Illinois' GO bond rating to 'A-' from 'A'. The rating on the fuel tax bonds is limited by the state's credit quality. Motor fuel tax revenues are distributed according to a formula controlled by the state and are subject to annual appropriation by the state. Therefore, the rating on these bonds is capped at one notch below the state's GO rating.

SOLE RELIANCE ON FUEL TAX REVENUES: The rating assumes no support from the additionally pledged revenues, given the difficulty in assessing the new revenue stream. It therefore relies solely on the motor fuel tax revenue stream.

ADEQUATE COVERAGE: Fitch base case projections indicate maximum annual debt service coverage at or above 1.3x, assuming modest annual declines in motor fuel tax revenues.
NEGATIVE OUTLOOK TIED TO STATE'S RATING: The Negative Outlook results from Fitch's Negative Outlook on the state of Illinois' GO bond rating.

RATING SENSITIVITIES
STATE CREDIT QUALITY: The rating is sensitive to a downgrade in the state's GO rating (currently 'A-', Rating Outlook Negative). A downgrade of the state's GO rating would result in a downgrade of these bonds.

CREDIT PROFILE
For details on the city's motor fuel tax bonds see 'Fitch Rates Chicago, IL Motor Fuel Tax Bonds 'A-'; Ratings on Negative Watch' (May 24, 2013), available at www.fitchratings.com.

For more information on the state see 'Fitch Downgrades Illinois' GO Rating to 'A-'; Outlook Negative' (June 3, 2013), available at www.fitchratings.com.

Additional information is available at 'www.fitchratings.com'.

TxDOT outsources hundreds of tech jobs to Japanese firm

Link to article here.

Texas Governor Rick Perry's 'new' highway department is about globalization and selling-off Texas public infrastructure to private, foreign corporations. So it shouldn't surprise anyone that he's keen on outsourcing Texas jobs, too, by having TxDOT send contracts to a foreign company rather than a Texas one.

TxDOT outsources tech to Japanese company
By Christopher Calnan
June 3, 2013
Austin Business Journal

The Texas Department of Transportation is enlisting a Japanese company to manage portions of its technology department — work worth $190 million over five years.

The company, NTT Data Inc., plans to offer jobs to 300 TxDOT tech workers for at least six months. The department will retain 50 existing tech workers, according to a Monday news release and TxDOT officials.

Study: Public-private postal service proposed

Link to article here.

New Study Proposes Hybrid Public-Private Postal Service
By Lisa Barron
Newsmax.com
Monday, 03 Jun 2013

A new study by a nonpartisan Washington think tank recommends a radical new solution to the problems faced by the United States Postal Service in the form of a public-private partnership.

In the report released Monday, the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation argues that all but "final mile" mail delivery should be opened up to private competition and the size of the postal service should be drastically reduced to meet the realities of the digital age.

"Like many other industries whose business models made sense in an analog, paper-based era, USPS’s business model makes much less sense in today’s digital era and as such is in need of fundamental reform," foundation President Robert Atkinson wrote in the study report.

With a decline in the volume of mail, combined with the recession, the postal service has lost almost $30 billion dollars in the last three fiscal years and is on track to lose billions again in 2013, Atkinson notes.

The foundation's proposal centers on allowing private companies competing to transport and process much of the country's first-class mail. The postal service would maintain the mail carrier "letterbox monopoly" on existing delivery routes, and it would determine a national average for delivery costs that it would charge private carriers.

Atkinson acknowledges the plan would mean that 40 percent of the more than 500,000 postal workforce would lose their jobs and possibly half of the more than 30,000 post offices would close.

"These proposals laid out here will change the postal system to such an extent that it may no longer be recognizable. Competition may well force USPS out of every part of the postal system aside from the final-mile monopoly," he writes, adding, "If that happens, so be it."

Atkinson acknowledges that fixing the system "will require tremendous political will on the part of all the players," but he concludes: "The important goal is improving overall efficiency and quality in the postal system (public and private) and improving service for customers, not to preserve USPS as we know it."

"Opening USPS to private competition outside last-mile delivery is necessary to make the postal system better, and is therefore a step that should be taken," he wrote.

Blowback: Miami tolls may be lowered

Link to article here.

Of course, big government threatens to cut needed road improvements if it cuts the planned INCREASE in toll rates that are already sky high and inhibiting freedom to travel. They say they'll collect less money, when the toll rate increase hasn't even been enacted yet. They basically spent the money before they ever collected the higher tax. Typical when you put unelected toll bureaucrats in charge of tax rates!

MDX may lower tolls on State Road 836, but other improvements may suffer
By Alfonso Chardy
Miami Herald
June 6, 2013

The Miami-Dade Expressway Authority (MDX) is organizing public presentations in coming weeks to advise drivers about the impact of a possible toll rate on State Road 836.

The agency board had proposed a higher toll rate on March 19, but reversed itself before voting on the measure and decided on a lower toll rate at its April 30 board meeting.

MDX board members initially voted to set a rate of 70 cents per collection point – in essence, a toll increase, because full-fledged electronic collection will be activated on 836 and cash no longer will be accepted.

Currently, the 836 tolls range from 25 cents to $1. Many drivers get on the expressway, but never pay because they exit before they reach a toll plaza. Under the changes, all motorists will pay a toll, no matter where they enter the roadway.

The issue barely passed by a majority vote on March 19.

But the MDX board got opposition to the higher rate prior to board members taking a final vote. Also, board members promised to re-examine the issue at a later date.

At its April 30 meeting, Shelly Smith Fano, board vice chair, made a proposal to reduce the rate to 60 cents per collection point.

The majority of the board backed Smith Fano’s proposal for a lower rate.
The first presentation will be a June 10 webinar on the MDX’s Internet website -- http://mdxway.com/.

The second will be a June 11 open house at MDX headquarters, 3790 NW 21st St. Agency staffers will explain the proposal to anyone who drops in.

“This is an open-house type meeting where people can come in anytime it is convenient,” said Tere García, an MDX spokeswoman.

And on June 18, MDX will hold a public hearing giving the community a chance to speak on the new toll rate – which would bring in less money in tolls – and its consequences. MDX board members are expected to take a vote afterward.

MDX staff has sought help from civic groups, including chambers of commerce, Miami Dade College and Florida International University to spread the word about the meetings. In addition, SunPass will send an “e-mail blast” to about 350,000 customers.

The new toll rate takes effect next summer.

MDX had planned to make about $800 million in improvements on busy State Road 836 and other agency toll roads under the higher toll rate. Now, some major road projects would be delayed and the number and scale of projects would be reduced, said MDX executive director Javier Rodriguez.

MDX engineers had planned to rebuild interchanges and make other improvements on State Road 836 from 87th Avenue east to where the toll road intersects with Interstate 95. Also, the Gratigny Parkway was to be extended from the Palmetto Expressway west to Florida’s Turnpike.
Now, the Gratigny extension, the overhaul of the 87th Avenue interchange and portions of reconstruction projects near I-95 all would be delayed, Rodriguez said.

About $110 million in improvements likely will be delayed under the reduced toll rate, Rodriguez said.

“Since we don’t receive money from anywhere other than the tolls, we can only build a program that is supported by the tolls,” Rodríguez said.

The majority of the improvements is to improve traffic flow on the perennially congested expressway, which has left and right exit ramps that cause problems for motorists who scramble to cut across lanes at the last minute to exit.

Under the improvements, all exit ramps would be on the right, Rodriguez said.

Meanwhile, the lower toll rate and possible delay could affect increased truck traffic as a result of the opening of the PortMiami tunnel next year, and the dredging of the port’s cargo channel that is about to begin.

Residents and MDX board members should consider carefully whether they want a lower toll rate, Rodriguez said. If the board acts to delay funding some of the projects, construction costs will increase, he warns.

U.S. and Europe sign joint tolling declaration

Link to article here.

U.S. and Europe Sign Joint Tolling Declaration
By Patrick Jones, Dir. of IBBTA
May 31, 2013
Huffington Post

There has been a lot of discussion in the United States about the deteriorating conditions of our roads, highways and bridges. Most recently the collapse of the Skagit River Bridge in Washington State is yet another example of why we must renew our commitment to investing in our country's infrastructure. But, the transportation and infrastructure crisis extends well beyond the North American continent.

As governments worldwide face shrinking budgets and growing economic challenges, the International, Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association (IBTTA) and our European counterpart, the European Association of Operators of Toll Road Infrastructures (ASECAP) forged a greater alliance last week by signing a Joint Tolling Declaration designed to support a wider application of tolling policies across our respective continents. Tolling is quickly becoming a powerful infrastructure funding tool not only here in the United States, but also in Europe.

Complete streets policies run amok in Austin

Link to article here.

Agenda 21 'complete streets' policies are clearly anti-car and elevate pedestrian and bike travel over autos. While remaking Austin downtown streets as pedestrian friendly for the young and hip crowd, what about the elderly, families with small children, or simply anyone who prefers to travel by car? You're out of luck just like the business owners who need customers who drive cars, not just travel by foot or bike. Rep. Linda Harper-Brown and Sen. Rodney Ellis filed a bill to spread this policy statewide. It's anti-freedom and social engineering run amok!

Austin builds ‘great streets,’ but at what cost?
Wider, nicer sidewalks mean lost parking, fewer car lanes.
By Ben Wear
June 1, 2013
Austin American Statesman

People going to P.F. Chang’s downtown these days must really be hankering for some Chinese food.

The restaurant at East Second Street and San Jacinto Boulevard is obscured from two directions by concrete construction barriers, part of the city of Austin’s accelerating “great streets” program. On first glance, at least during the day, it’s not clear that the restaurant is open.

Even so, the negative effect on business has been minimal, P.F. Chang’s operating partner Joey Sharp says. And he predicts that what’s going on behind those barriers — turning East Second into a tree-lined pedestrian haven with wide sidewalks comparable to the several blocks of West Second a few blocks away — should more than pay off later.

Texas legislature kills property rights bills

Link to article here.

Texas legislature kills property rights bills
By Terri Hall
News & Analysis
Selous Foundation for Public Policy Research
June 5, 2013

A slate of pro-property rights bills died in the 83rd regular session of the Texas legislature that ended on Memorial Day. Texas politicians love to tout their property rights credentials at election time, but when lawmakers are in session, they've yet to give meaningful protection to landowners in several key areas when it comes time to cast a vote.

Whether it involves proper oversight over granting private entities the power of eminent domain (which most property rights groups vehemently oppose under ANY circumstances) or ensuring condemning entities actually use the land for the purpose for which it was taken in a reasonable period of time, the leadership of the Texas legislature continues to punt rather than lead.

Montgomery County mulls more toll roads

Link to article here.

Commissioners to review toll road projects

By This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | Posted: Saturday, June 1, 2013

With Montgomery County’s first toll roads under construction and the Grand Parkway coming closer to reality, county commissioners will hear about possible future projects when their court convenes Monday morning.

PTP Transportation is on the meeting agenda to make a presentation regarding toll roads in Montgomery County during a workshop of the Montgomery County Toll Road Authority.

County Judge Alan B. Sadler said one project to be discussed is the construction of toll roads that would start at the south county line and connect to east and west locations on Texas 105.

For that project to go forward, Sadler said voter approval would be required.

Editorial: What if Perry signs toll road bill & no new funding comes?

Link to blog here.

Finally a prominent member of the press who gets it! This is going to hurt all of us and our already fragile, stretched-to-the-limit incomes and economy.

What if Perry signs the toll road bill but doesn't add transportation funding to the 'call'?
By Rodger Jones
Dallas Morning News
May 31, 2013

Gov. Rick Perry has a bill on his desk to open up more projects to what planners call comprehensive development agreements, for deals with private companies to build roads in return for tolling rights. It’s how LBJ is being built with the Spanish company Cintra as partner.

The bill, SB 1730, would allow CDAs for a slew of new projects statewide, including I-35 E/US 67 south of town, SH 114 in Dallas County, SH 183 in Dallas and Tarrant, Loop 12 from 183 to I-35E, and Loop 9 in Dallas and Ellis counties.

If you think tolls are everpresent now, just think about the highway map of the future.

I bring this up because as anyone knows in the metro area, taking toll roads to and from work every day add up to another major utility bill. It’s a big hit on the family’s wallet. The DMN’s Tom Benning wrote this morning about the next round of NTTA rate hikes and how the pennies add up.

Toll rate hike for DFW commuters

Link to article here.

This is following their recent 32% rate hike in 2009 and another 6% in 2011. It's set to go up automatically every two years.

Dig Deeper, Drivers: Tolls Going Up July 1
By BJ Austin
May 30, 2013
KERA News.com

Drivers on North Texas toll roads will pay more starting July 1. Michael Rey, with the North Texas Tollway Authority says the 5.6 percent increase is part of a 2009 plan to raise rates every other year.

“It’s a way to keep things reasonable for travelers so they know what’s ahead; there aren’t big jumps in the toll rates," Rey explained. "These are incremental increases. For somebody who uses the toll roads for $40 a month, which I think is pretty representative, you’re talking about an extra $2.50 per month.”

$12 million windfall: Bexar County fee hike could subsidize toll roads, transit

NOTE: HB 1573 is a $10 vehicle registration fee hike that only applies to Bexar County. Unlike the other local fee hike bills, this is the ONLY ONE that does NOT require voter approval! It is specifically administered by the Alamo Regional Mobility Authority (RMA), the local toll authority -- so it will undoubtedly be used to SUBSIDIZE toll roads.

None of the Bexar County toll projects are toll viable. That means there is not enough projected toll payers to cover the cost of construction and retiring the debt. Rather than scrap the ill-conceived, unsustainable toll roads, the RMA sought another source of revenue to SUBSIDIZE its toll projects so that all vehicle owners will be paying for the toll project but only those who can afford to pay tolls will actually be able to use it!

The RMA can also operate parking structures, intermodal hubs, transit projects and systems, and RAIL projects. So this fee hike can be used to fund all of these types of projects, without a public vote. It can also be used to subsidize Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff’s unpopular street car system.

This $12 million a year in new revenues gives the RMA a healthy revenue stream it then bond against -- meaning MORE debt for Bexar County residents.

Sen. Donna Campbell, with the help of Jeff Judson, amended the bill to keep the ATD Board from getting access to the funds, however, the RMA can operate a street car as well. So she voted for a tax hike that can go to fund both toll roads and street cars when she ran opposing both.

Fee increase could yield $12 million for Bexar County roads
By Vianna Davila, Staff Writer
Express-News
Tuesday, May 21, 2013

The state Senate approved a substitute bill Tuesday that would authorize the optional collection of a motor vehicle registration fee of $10 that would yield $12 million for Bexar County road and bridge projects annually.

The bill now will be sent back to the House for consideration. Friday is the last day the House can act on Senate amendments.

Even if the substitute is approved in the House and signed into law by the governor, Bexar County commissioners still would have to vote to invoke the fee, which would be on top of existing vehicle registration fees.

Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff said it's not clear if commissioners would decide to do that or when, but this bill “would give us that option.”

Read more: http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/politics/texas_legislature/article/Fee-increase-could-yield-12-million-for-Bexar-4536533.php#ixzz2UureeVww

Maryland toll hikes: Second one in last 18 months

Link to article here.

Toll hikes on top of a gas tax increase...a double whammy for struggling Marylanders.

The Summer Of Toll Increases
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Robert Lang
WBAL.com

As the summer travel season starts this weekend, motorists can expect higher gasoline taxes, and higher tolls starting July 1.

The 4-cent-a-gallon increase in gasoline taxes will take effect, as part of the transportation funding bill Governor Martin O'Malley signed into law last week.

Money from that tax is used to pay for roads, bridges and mass transit.

However, the state's toll roads, bridges and tunnels are run by the Maryland Transportation Authority and are funded through toll hikes.

TxDOT seeks 'rule change' to pursue new P3s, after law failed to pass

Link to article here.

TxDOT is seeking to do P3s using a 'rule change' after the bill to authorize the 'availability payment' type of P3 failed to pass. So its up to its old tricks - when all else fails, break the law. The first P3 in Texas is already in danger of going bankrupt, and only public subsidies are bumping up the traffic on SH 130. So now TxDOT wants to make the public subsidies permanent by using ALL Texas taxpayers' state highway money to pay back these private toll operators for the benefit of Rick Perry's buddies (courtesy of the crony-capitalist infested highway department).

TxDOT May Sweeten Pot to Draw Private Funds to Projects
By Aman Batheja
May 30, 2013
Texas Tribune

In its first meeting after a legislative session in which requests for transportation funding fell billions of dollars short of requests, the Texas Transportation Commission voted Thursday to open the door to allowing private firms to take on a larger role in some road projects.

“We’re trying to stretch our resources as far as possible,” TxDOT Executive Director Phil Wilson said.

The five commissioners voted unanimously to consider amending the agency’s rules to allow for a new kind of public-private partnership for the agency in which TxDOT would share financial risk with private entities on a project and even agree to reimburse them from the state highway fund if needed to ensure they make a profit. TxDOT will accept public comments on the rule change until July 15. Afterward, the commission will consider adopting the proposal.

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