Monday Morning Report
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According to important Senate Transportation Committee testimony in Austin last week (4/22), TxDOT will run out of money for new highway construction during the first quarter of 2012, a situation the Committee's chairman John Corona described as "catastrophic" for the state transportation system. He asked TxDOT to put it in writing, and here's a copy of chairwoman Deirdre Delisi's thoughtful letter on the agency's finances - a must read if you're interested Texas' transportation future.
In other news important to the Corridor Council's efforts to finance the Texas Railroad Relocation and Improvement Fund, Lt. Gov. Dewhurst appointed members of the Senate Conference Committee on the budget last week (4/24): Senators Steve Ogden, "Chuy" Hinojosa, Royce West, Florence Shapiro, and Tommy Williams. Any rail relocation funding will have to move through this Committee.
Infrastructure
The most recent poll data shows the race for mayor of Austin to be a statistical dead heat among three top contenders and indicates a pretty broad consensus across most demographic groups for expanding commuter rail service in the Capitol City (details here). The election is May 9.
In the San Antonio city council and mayor’s races, the Express-News editorial page weighed in over the weekend on council races here, and the mayor's race here.
The Free Trade Alliance San Antonio has launched a Cross Border Trucking Coalition to advocate for a new trucking agreement between the US and Mexico. Congress canceled a cross-border trucking pilot program in March, but a new proposal is under consideration at the USDOT. Information at www.freetradealliance.org.
The Edwards Aquifer Recovery Implementation Program has received a $1 million Federal grant (4/21). The EARIP is an effort of more than 35 local governments, water conservation districts and other stakeholders that studies how the area can sustain the more than 2 million residents who live off the Edwards Aquifer and protect endangered species that depend on water flows from the Comal and San Marcos springs to survive. Details.
Round Rock is looking for people to participate in a 5-day commuter survey as part of its ongoing commuter rail link feasibility study. The data collected will be used to determine the time-competitiveness of a commuter rail trip over a typical auto trip for daily commuting from Williamson County to central and downtown Austin. Read more here.
The Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization in Austin will consider funding a new Lakeway Drive Bridge over IH35 as one of the 32 projects identified by the CAMPO Transportation Policy Board for possible funding with federal stimulus money. Public comments will be accepted concerning the proposed projects at the meeting scheduled for April 29 at 6 p.m. at the Cedar Park Public Library located at 550 Discovery Boulevard. Details.
Economic Development
Exxon Mobil Corp. and employees have donated $8.3 million in educational gift funds to 73 Texas universities and colleges. The fund allows donors to pledge up to $7,500 per year to colleges or universities. Story.
The Comptroller’s office launched the redesigned Texas Recovery Web site: An Eye on the Texas Dollars which offers Texans an in-depth look at the federal stimulus dollars coming to Texas. For more information and the latest news click here.
A Texas consortium trying to bring a Federal lab to San Antonio will sue over loss of the facility to Kansas. Late rule changes, political string-pulling, and serious irregularities in the decision process will be among the reasons listed. The National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility will replace a lab run by the Department of Agriculture on Plum Island, N.Y. The lab will study diseases that could threaten the food supply and possibly pass from animals to humans. Details.
A Global Trade Policy Forum sponsored by the Free Trade Alliance will take place May 28th. Experts will discuss the future of trade and the global economy. Details here.
A Hispanic Leadership Initiative Launch promoting leadership is scheduled for May 4. The event will include a keynote speech by Dr. Francisco Cigarroa, UT System Chancellor followed by panel discussions to include Henry Bonilla, former US Congressman; Ted Cruz, former Texas Solicitor General; Pete Gallego, Texas State Representative; and Orlinda Naranjo, 419th District State Judge. Details, registration and more info here.
“Every plant knows this: It’s only when you get crap thrown on you that you really start to grow.”