MPO votes to Toll I-35, Rep. Dunnam Blasts TxDOT

The Waco MPO voted to divert Tens of millions of tax dollars (intended for free roads) into new toll lanes for interstate I35 yesterday. From the Waco Tribune:

“I think it is the stupidest idea I have heard in a long, long time,” said state Rep. Jim Dunnam, D-Waco.

During a heated condemnation of the I-35 toll plan, Dunnam blasted the state transportation department and Gov. Rick Perry, who has pushed toll road proposals. Dunnam pledged to fight to fix the transportation crisis, at least at the state level, when the Texas Legislature reconvenes in 2009.

“At some point you are going to have to ask us as legislators, and I don’t mind putting myself out there,” Dunnam said. “I am an elected state official and we ought to be called on the mat when it is our responsibility. I think this is a state financial and a federal financial responsibility. I don’t mind y’all saying ‘Jim, you need to go take care of this.’ ”

MPO board member Russell Devorsky, who works with Dunnam as a legislative aide, voted against the proposal. He said he philosophically opposes tolling lanes on a highway that was built using the power of eminent domain to obtain property.