Issues

Transportation and Infrastructure

Position

The movement of persons and goods is the linchpin to economic development. In the Golden Triangle, nearly 110,000 vehicles pass through Beaumont on Interstate 10 everyday. Half a dozen state highways also meet in the region, making the Golden Triangle a hub for regional and national transportation.

The Sabine-Neches Waterway, the nation's third-largest ship channel, is America's energy gateway. Each day, ships dock to more than 60 terminals and link the world to the region's extensive industrial infrastructure system which feeds a growing state and energy-hungry nation. But we are more than just petroleum; the Golden Triangle encourages a balanced development plan to ensure reliable and affordable energy for long term growth. The development of alternative energy sources including the gasification of petcoke, wind, coal, and nuclear should all be considered in the development of electric and hydrogen power generation.

To ensure the continued mobility necessary for a vibrant economy, we take the following positions:

- Support legislation which enhances the competitive position of Texas ports, highways, and other infrastructures that facilitate trade.

- Support continued reconstruction and expansion of IH-10 through Orange and Jefferson counties.

- Support a double rail crossing over the Neches River to allow for the growth of freight movements in Southeast Texas.

- Ensure capital investment in the transmission grid.

- Support a strong and reliable electrical system with a financially healthy utility capable of attracting new business and industry with competitive energy costs.

- Support a review of the existing power regions to determine which power region is most beneficial to all current and future customers.

News

  • ABC sale outlined in plan
    Sep 9, 2010 — The Free Lance-Star
    They did so in part by replacing the current ABC markup and excise taxes, which generate about $226 million, with a $17.50 per gallon excise tax at the wholesale level. That's expected to generate $176 million a year, and $166 million of that will go to the general fund.
  • EDITORIAL
    Sep 9, 2010 — The Virginian-Pilot
    But what's lacking in Virginia isn't efficient management of the meager dollars now earmarked for transportation. In fact, they could help the state better allocate spending. The Reason Foundation found, for example, that Virginia's rural interstates are in better condition overall than urban interstates. Greater efficiency and better prioritization are important goals, but they cannot erase the fact that Virginia has cut $4.6 billion from its transportation budget in two years.
  • Hermon trucking company goes paperless with electronic logs
    Sep 9, 2010 — Bangor Daily News
    Susan Collins on Wednesday when she visited the company's headquarters off Odlin Road. Collins said Wednesday it is doubtful the program will be extended for another year due to opposition from Sen.
  • OPINION
    Sep 9, 2010 — Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
    Patrick McIlheran Sep. 9, 2010 (McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex) -- Roads are good, to be sure. Less probable. Not that all the president proposes is bad. He'd nudge. Even as stimulus, says Moore, the $50 billion is less than smart.
  • South Florida has $3B worth of wishes for stimulus funds
    Sep 9, 2010 — The Miami Herald
    And when or if one is written, it needs congressional approval, which promises to be a bitter battle. Can we use the money to fix our streets, roads, highways? And the economic jolt could be less than the $126 million Miami-Dade received last year. Julio Robaina, R-South Miami, a member of the MPO earlier this decade, has his own priorities. Like the other elected leaders, his center on transportation.
  • Traffic deaths at lowest in 60 years
    Sep 9, 2010 — USA Today
    We have a long, long way to go," Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood says.Traffic deaths are down in every category, including among motorcyclists. Fatalities in this group fell by 850 from 2008, ending 11 straight years of increases.
  • BRIEF
    Sep 8, 2010 — Tulsa World
    ...roads. The foundation's 11-category rating system looked at deficient bridges, fatality rates, urban traffic congestion and pavement condition, among other topics. According to its findings, Oklahoma ranked: --17th in urban interstate congestion. --21st in total highway disbursements. --40th in rural interstate condition. --44th in rural/other principal arterial condition. --46th in urban interstate condition. "Oklahoma is not...
  • District 3 candidates discuss issues facing voters
    Sep 8, 2010 — The Frederick News-Post
    I will personally sponsor a bill to disallow the legislatue and disallow the governor from using Transportation Trust Fund Money to fund general fund revenues." Huckenpoehler made the issue about jobs. Martin O'Malley, a Democrat, that gives businesses a $5,000 credit if they create a new position and hire someone from the state's unemployment rolls.
  • District Three to celebrate $3 million project's completion
    Sep 8, 2010 — Washington County News
    Similar systems served Galax, Marion, Abingdon and Chilhowie. Additional federal and state construction grant assistance was secured for the $3 million structure. The construction contract was awarded to H.S. Williams Construction Company of Marion, District Three said. Construction began in 2007, with planned completion in 2008.
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