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.