MINUTES
SENATE INTERIM COMMITTEE ON NORTH AMERICAN
FREE TRADE AGREEMENT (NAFTA)
Monday, October 13, 1997
9:00 a.m.
University of Houston Hilton Hotel,
Houston, Texas
Public Hearing
*****
Pursuant to a notice posted in accordance with Senate Rule
11.11, a public hearing of the Senate Interim Committee on
North American Free Trade Agreement was held on Monday,
October 13, 1997 at the University of Houston Hilton Hotel in
Houston, Texas.
*****
MEMBERS PRESENT: MEMBERS ABSENT:
Senator Carlos F. Truan, Chairman Senator Steve
Ogden
Senator John Carona
Senator Mario Gallegos, Jr.
Senator Eliot Shapleigh
*****
The Chair called the meeting to order at 9:15 am. There being
a quorum present, the following business was transacted. The
Chairman recognized Senator Gallegos to introduce University
of Houston Chancellor-President Arthur K. Smith for welcoming
remarks. The Chairman made opening remarks and recognized
special attendees Jorge Canavati, Mexican transportation
specialist from Houston; Scott P. Flukinger, Economic
Development Officer for the Canadian Consulate General's
Office in Dallas; and State Senator Jon Lindsay.
This was the Committee's organizational meeting for the 75th
Interim. Chairman Truan greeted the members present, and
proceeded to lay out the proposed Committee Rules for
adoption. Senator Carona moved to adopt the proposed rules
and Senator Gallegos seconded the motion. The motion carried
with a vote of 4 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 1
absent. Chairman Truan next introduced the Committee Staff
for the 75th Interim and discussed the Committee's Interim
charges, noting that the Committee's Interim Report
recommendations will be drafted into legislation. The Chair
announced the Committee will hold other hearings across the
State. There being no further organizational business, the
Chairman closed that part of the meeting.
Chairman Truan recognized Bob Evans, Chairman of the Rail
Committee to the National Industrial Transportation League
(NITLeague) to brief the Committee on the Union Pacific
Railroad service problems in Houston, Texas. A discussion
followed. The Chairman recognized Bob Starzel, Vice President
of the Western Region for Union Pacific Railroad to brief the
Committee on current efforts of the Union Pacific Railroad to
resolve their service problems. A discussion followed. The
Chairman recognized Joe Heastie, Products Manager for Mexican
Markets for Union Pacific Railroad, to brief the Committee on
the status of international rail deliveries to Mexico. A
discussion followed.
Chairman Truan recognized Richard Schieffelbein, Railroad
Coordinator for the Port of Houston Authority, to brief the
Committee on the quality of rail service into the Port of
Houston. A discussion followed. Other witnesses testifying
and registering on the subject are shown on the attached list.
The Chair recognized Senator Gallegos for an introduction of
Max Castillo, President of the downtown University of Houston
campus. The Committee recessed for lunch at 12:10 p.m. and
resumed at 1:20 p.m. After reconvening, Chairman Truan
accepted testimony regarding NAFTA's impact on Texas
transportation. Witnesses testifying and registering on the
bill are shown on the attached list. Mr. Jorge Canavati, at
the request of the Committee, provided testimony on the status
of several Mexican transportation projects. A discussion
followed. The Chairman also recognized Mr. John Wright,
architect from Corpus Christi, as being in attendance. There
being no further business, at 4:55 pm Senator Truan moved that
the Committee stand recessed subject to the call of the Chair.
Without objection, it was so ordered.
______________________
Senator Carlos F. Truan, Chair
______________________
Carla D. Buckner, Clerk