Question: Gas Tax Increase or Toll Roads?

Whether it's a family sedan, pick-up truck or sport utility vehicle, we Texans have a long-standing love affair with our motor vehicles.

Since the first 20-mile section of Texas highway was completed in 1920, Texans have enjoyed driving along what is now 79,000 miles of state-maintained highways. Unfortunately, the world-class highway system that played a major role in the state's 20th century population growth and economic expansion is showing its age.

More than 18.7 million motor vehicles are registered in Texas. That number is expected to increase significantly in the next decade, placing more strain on already overcrowded roads and highways. A 20th century transportation system financed by motor fuel taxes is not keeping pace with 21st century traffic.

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), which depends on state appropriations for construction funds, asked the Legislature to provide alternative construction-funding methods.

This year the 78th Legislature addressed the state's transportation issues by passing House Bill 3588. This landmark transportation bill includes provisions for new highway construction financing tools, such as the authority to issue bonds.

House Bill 3588 also allows Regional Mobility Authorities (RMAs) authorized in 2001 by the 77th Legislature to take advantage of other transportation options, including rail, public transportation and turnpikes, like those that have enjoyed both economic and congestion-relieving success in Dallas and Houston.

I am not opposed to toll roads that are constructed that way from the get-go, such as State Highway 130 now under construction between Georgetown in Williamson County and north Hays County, but I am opposed to converting existing public highways into toll roads. Taxpayers have already paid for those highways and should not have to pay to drive on roads they have already paid for.

It is my belief that Texans, if given a choice, would prefer to pay an extra 10 cent per gallon gasoline tax rather than convert an existing highway to a toll road.

On October 30, the Texas Transportation Commission adopted a set of proposed rules relating to the conversion of state highways to toll facilities. The commission is asking for public comment on the proposed rules, and I want to know your view as well. These rules on RMA, toll conversion and transfer, and county toll roads may be accessed on the Internet at the TxDOT web site, www.TxDOT.state.tx.us.

Hearings will be held at the TxDOT headquarters building, 125 East 11th Street, Austin. The RMA hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, November 25, at 9 a.m. The Toll Conversion and Transfer public hearing will be at 2 p.m. The converting county roads to toll roads hearing will be held on Wednesday, November 26, at 9 a.m.

Written comments addressed to Phillip Russell, TxDOT, 125 East 11th Street, Austin, 78701, must be received by December 15.

Either in person or by letter, please express your opinion on these proposed rules. The economic future of Texas depends on a modern highway system. You may influence how and where the highway system of the future operates by weighing in now on the decision-making process.