TxDOT tries new tactic - RUSHED tolling contract with city.

The City of Austin is quietly trying to move forward with Freeway Toll contracts, that if approved by city council members this Thursday, will move us a few steps closer to toll portions of our freeway system - 183, 71 on the East side and 290 & 71 in Oak Hill. This rushed double taxation agreement is being made so TxDOT can try to buy off the City with money, before the laws that were changed in the last session take place. TxDOT is desperate to "sweeten the pot" for any and all since the revenue generating plan will give them Hundreds of Millions of Dollars every year - and it all comes out of our pockets right here in Central Texas.

Why would the council members even consider these contracts? They just approved an independent review of the toll plan (phase 2-freeway tolls) that will cost us hundreds of thousands of dollars and take months to complete. ANOTHER PROBLEM: The independent review has already begun months ago, BUT the public has yet to see or be a part of it. The Statesman reported yesterday that there is a compromise being made - WITHOUT PUBLIC INPUT - AGAIN!!!. Tell City Council that you want the public involved - BEFORE DEALS ARE MADE with the Toll Lobby (RECA). Enough is enough. No more backdoor deals!

Now that we have 3 new City Councilmembers who said they would not allow their taking RECA (big developers behind the toll plan) campaign contributions to influence their stated opposition to toll roads -- this is their first test. Make sure they know you'll be watching - to see if they pass or fail with the people of Austin.

IMPORTANT: Send an email to all the Austin Council Members with this one email. Tell others to do the same ASAP. We need everyone to tell Austin City Council to say "NO!" to the new TxDOT & City of Austin tolling ROW contracts! City Council agenda items 85, 86 & 87 for this Thursday.

Other cities, look out for the same type of contracts in your coming agendas!

As always, after the council members vote we'll point out who the tolling weasels are.


CITY COUNCIL AGENDA READS:
85. Approve a resolution ratifying the Second Supplemental Contractual Agreement for Right-of-Way Procurement (ROW CSF NO.: 011313086) with the Texas Department of Transportation, amending the provisions of the Contractual Agreement regarding reimbursement to the City of Austin of expenditures for right-of-way acquisition and utility relocation for the proposed tolled portion of the State Highway 71 Project from Riverside Drive to Thornberry Lane and including the State Highway 71 intersection.

86. Approve a resolution ratifying the Second Supplemental Contractual Agreement for Right-of-Way Procurement (ROW CSJ NO.: 015109039) with the Texas Department of Transportation, amending the provisions of the Contractual Agreement regarding reimbursement to the City of Austin of expenditures for right-of-way acquisition and utility relocation for the proposed tolled portion of U.S. 183 Project from U.S. 290 East to State Highway 71 and including the State Highway 71 intersection.

87. Approve a resolution ratifying the Second Supplemental Contractual Agreement for Right-of-Way Procurement (ROW CSJ NO.:011308039) with the Texas Department of Transportation, amending the provisions of the Contractual Agreement regarding reimbursement to the City of Austin of expenditures for right-of-way acquisition and utility relocation for the proposed tolled portion of U.S. 290 West from Joe Tanner to Scenic Brook Drive and including the State Highway 71 Intersection.