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April 21, 2008
Transportation Forum Opening Day
Hello blog readers. I'm Paul Braun, the public information officer for the Amarillo District of TxDOT. I'll be blogging from this year's Transportation Forum, so feel free to weigh in with your comments about what we are presenting on this blog.
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| Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson |
The Third Annual Transportation Forum opened with a call to arms (so to speak) for Texas to continue to improve existing roadways and to find ways to fund new roadways. Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson of the 30th Congressional District in Texas told forum attendees this morning that Texas faces the greatest transportation challenges in the nation because we have the greatest need due to population growth. She reaffirmed the position of the late TxDOT Commission Chairman Ric Williamson that Texas needs toll roads as a way to build new roadways and raise additional funds to maintain current roads and bridges.
Congresswoman Johnson also says an increase in the federal gasoline tax may be one way to keep up with the rising costs of construction materials, while maintaining existing roadways, and that an increase may be part of a new federal transportation authorization bill. Her positions seem to mirror those of our Transportation Commission and our TxDOT administration in Austin.
How do you feel? Are toll roads and increased gas taxes the answer to our funding challenges? Your thoughts are welcome.
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Congestion and home prices
Posted By: TransBlogger at April 21, 2008 3:25:52 PM
Paul: Conference topics are interesting. Those following same may be interested in piece today from NPR about the decline in home prices being seen in some congested area such as Washington D.C. Seems some folks are factoring commute times, their growing frustration, along with gas prices, and are opting to live closer to where they work. This means some suburban developments are left wanting for buyers, while condo and apartment pricing closer to work are climbing. Classic market forces at work.
Here's link to NPR story
Posted By: TransBlogger at April 21, 2008 3:28:19 PM
Median home prices across the nation continue to decline, but some experts are noting a link between falling housing prices and commuting distances. Suburbs where commuters drive an hour or more to work are seeing some of the sharpest drops in prices. Piece runs for about 5 minutes.
