08/26/2005: "Highway Bill Can Prove Advantageous to Texas"
Transportation has been a major topic of conversation in Texas since way before the Republic was established in 1845. Early buffalo and Indian trails served as pathways for the gradual construction of roads and railways which, in turn, became the matrix for the complex multi-modal transportation system that benefits Texans today.
Through the years, dependable, safe, and efficient movement of people and products throughout the state has enabled our economy to grow and develop into the eighth largest in the world. Highways, of course, have played a highly significant role in this development.
The transportation bill recently signed by President Bush will likely add a new dimension to the possibilities soon to be available to Texas. The nearly $290 billion authorized by Congress funds the most expensive public works program in the history of the United States.
With money to construct and repair roads, thousands of new jobs will be created. There is also the potential that better roads will save lives. Highway officials note that substandard road conditions and hazards contribute to nearly 14,000 fatalities across the US annually. Without a doubt, road improvements will increase efficiency, leading to cost savings and encouraging economic growth.
It is estimated that American drivers waste some 2.3 billion gallons of fuel each year due to delays caused by highway congestion, much of which is the result of inefficient infrastructure. Practically any method to save money at the gasoline pumps will certainly be welcome with today’s record fuel prices. Moreover, the easier (and faster) it is to get people and products where they need to be, the more the economy benefits.
The economic benefits of highway improvements can be enormous. Studies have shown that congestion cause drivers in the US around 3.7 billion hours of delays annually. Texas travelers in urban areas spend from 20 to 60 hours or more each year stuck in traffic.
Imagine the potential gains if this time were spent engaging in some more productive activity. Not only would life be much more pleasant for these commuters, they would also be contributing more to the economy.
Taking a lead in transportation innovation is nothing new for the Lone Star State. In 1950, Texas was among the first states to take advantage of the visionary interstate highway system designed to connect major cities. Federal highway matching monies provided the support necessary to accomplish the required construction.
Another new adventure—the Trans-Texas Corridor—is now underway. This project has the potential to accelerate transportation in many parts of the state. The degree of success achieved through this endeavor will depend on many variables, but dire necessity to improve today’s transportation systems to meet the needs of the future are hardly debatable.
Texas has over 79,000 centerline miles of roads maintained by the Department of Transportation, far more than any other state. Texas’ share of the new highway bill’s $24 billion for currently earmarked projects across the US amounts to about $750 million. These funds will certainly prove advantageous in improving road systems across the state. Some 230 highway and transit projects in Texas will be the recipients of these funds. Although Congress’ new highway bill is not considered equitable by some groups representing specific causes, the money provided will certainly be a step forward and a great asset in creating jobs, stimulating our economy, increasing efficiency, and enhancing Texas’ competitive edge.