H.R. No. 166
                                  R E S O L U T I O N
    1-1        WHEREAS, In 1991 the Congress of the United States
    1-2  established a 65-mile-per-hour speed limit on rural sections of
    1-3  interstate highways, recognizing recent advancements in road and
    1-4  automobile technology as well as the increased need for rapid road
    1-5  transportation in today's competitive global economy; and
    1-6        WHEREAS, Current federal law continues, however, to restrict
    1-7  the ability of states to adopt this standard for divided four-lane
    1-8  highways of comparable design and quality; and
    1-9        WHEREAS, Within the borders of Texas, most national and state
   1-10  highways traverse broad expanses of rural countryside and, with few
   1-11  intersections or potential traffic hazards, are ideally suited for
   1-12  higher speed travel than is currently permitted by federal law; and
   1-13        WHEREAS, Higher speed limits are essential for promoting
   1-14  rapid ground travel in rural areas of Texas, many of which are not
   1-15  served by rail, air, or any other mode of transportation; moreover,
   1-16  the 55-mile-per-hour speed limit places a disproportionate burden
   1-17  on this state's rural residents, who often must travel great
   1-18  distances for work, shopping, medical care, and other basic
   1-19  necessities; and
   1-20        WHEREAS, Responding to the special needs of rural
   1-21  communities, the Texas Legislature has enacted a statute that will
   1-22  raise the speed limit on divided four-lane highways as soon as
   1-23  federal law permits; and
   1-24        WHEREAS, The State of Texas can best determine maximum speed
    2-1  limits most appropriate to its unique geography, to its vast rural
    2-2  highway system, and to the needs of its citizens; now, therefore,
    2-3  be it
    2-4        RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 74th Texas
    2-5  Legislature hereby urge the Texas congressional delegation to
    2-6  support efforts to authorize states to establish a 65-mile-per-hour
    2-7  speed limit on rural sections of divided four-lane highways; and,
    2-8  be it further
    2-9        RESOLVED, That official copies of this resolution be prepared
   2-10  for all members of the Texas congressional delegation.