Issue Position: Transportation

Issue Position

I believe that a healthy road network is fundamental to the economic growth of our area and to our quality of life. No one likes sitting in traffic. We must tackle the issue of how to pay for the roads we need.

The "Y" in Oak Hill is a great example of how things can get bottled up when a few special interest groups impose their will on the majority of citizens. I have and will continue to work with TxDot, Travis County and the City of Austin to make improvements to the "Y". Some short term solutions are on the way, but we need the leadership to tackle the long term issue.

I am also working with TxDot, Travis County and Hays County to get SH 45 SW built. We are making some progress but there is a long ways to go before any dirt is moved. This vital transfer road has been languishing for years and needs to finally be built. It is my top transportation priority.

With the increase in hybrids (which is good) , electric cars (also good) , and the increase in fuel economy of modern automobiles the revenues from the gasoline tax is steadily decreasing leaving the state with less and less money to build and maintain the roads in our state. How we accomplish this in the future is of vital importance to our state.

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