Phase II Public Hearings

An important meeting for Phase 2 (Freeway Tolls) toll public comments. It's import that we be as attentive and pro-active as possible between now and the all important Campo Meeting January 17th final hearing (mark your calendar). February 12th is the final vote on the Phase 2 toll plans.

'Freeway Tolls' permanently take the option of a free expressway away from drivers. Freeway tolls privatize and toll our public highways. These double tax tolls are created using our tax dollars, and they come without viability studies, and the tax booths will never be removed. The revenue is a slush fund that does NOT go back into the toll road people are driving on. TxDOT will then have a finacial incentive to NOT fix congestion on the frontage roads with stop lights.

Press release from CAMPO:

Public invited to comment on toll road study
For immediate release:
Nov. 21, 2006

The Mobility Alternative Finance Study Steering Committee is seeking public comment on a study that explores the future of Phase 2 toll roads in Austin .
The public may comment on the study at a meeting 6 p.m. Nov. 28 at Town Lake Center , 721 Barton Springs Road , Room 130.

The Mobility Alternative Finance Study (MAFS) draft final report is available at www.campotexas.org. The document addresses questions about alternatives, finances and impacts of the Phase 2 Toll Plan. If the report is accepted, it will be presented to the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO) Policy Board on Dec. 11, 2006.

CAMPO; the cities of Austin and Round Rock; and Hays, Travis and Williamson counties signed an agreement to create the report in 2005. An 11-member steering committee, co-chaired by Texas State Representative Mike Krusee and Austin City Council Member Brewster McCracken, was appointed to oversee the study.

"The CAMPO Board commissioned the alternative finance study because we wanted to make sure whatever road-building strategy we pursue does the most to increase mobility and makes the most sense financially," McCracken said. "What we have learned is that there are alternatives to the Phase Two toll plan that do more to relieve congestion and may make just as much sense financially."

"Because of existing and long-term roadway funding shortages and to preserve our future economic well-being, the region must seriously consider all funding solutions, including tolling and rail transit, in a comprehensive transportation plan," Krusee said.

Proposed Phase 2 toll roads include portions of U.S. 290 East, U.S. 183, State Highway 71 East, the "Y" at Oak Hill , Texas 45 Southwest and Loop 360.

To view a .pdf copy of MAFS, visit www.campotexas.org/pdfs/MAFS_Draft_Final_Report.pdf.

Contact:
Michael Aulick, CAMPO Executive Director, (512) 974-6441