KLRU (PBS) aired a video report this past weekend, focused on statewide tolls, called "Highways to Hell?". The episode was aired on a show called "Special Session" and included pro, con and neutral panelists.
The episode is well done, with a high production value - similar to the PBS report from 2006 that was focused on the City of Austin's Double Tax Tolls. The 2006 video report included Rep. Mike Krusee, Sal Costello and Council member Brewster McCracken as part of the story - view Part 1, Part 2 .
The summery for the "Highways to Hell?" show states:
"Traffic is getting worse in our largest metro areas. Is Governor Perry's massive central Texas highway plan the answer? Are toll roads the solution? Or are we doomed to gridlock?"I'll say this - based on the recent Texas Transportation Institute (TTI) report, indexing the gas tax and placing the incremental revenue in the mobility fund to pay off bonds allows us to build the roads we need now, without them being toll roads.
It was a great PBS report, with discussions of the current lege - if you missed the 30 minute show with included panelists Kris Heckmann (speaking for Gov. "Toll Tax Everything" Perry), Representative Joe Pickett (D-El Paso), and Ben Wear (Austin American-Statesman), you can view the complete episode HERE.
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2 comments:
EMAIL FROM KEN:
Sal,
Just FYI!
Here's the new scheme, "double billing"! I recently was on a toll road near Georgetown (by mistake) and put money in the machine at the exit. Of course I didn't bother with the receipt, since it was sixty cents! A month later I receive a bill for $1.60 for the toll I had already paid!
I called and complained and they said they would look into it. They NEVER did. I paid the additional money, total #2.25 for a sixty cent toll. Not bad for the State pot.
Ken
What do you know about CanAMex?
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