MINUTES
SENATE INTERIM COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION
Wednesday, March 4, 1998
2:00 pm
Tyler Rose Center, Tyler Texas
*****
Pursuant to a notice posted in accordance with Senate Rule
11.11, a public hearing of the Senate Interim Committee on
Transportation was held on Wednesday, March 4, 1998 in Tyler
Rose Center, Tyler Texas.
*****
MEMBERS PRESENT: MEMBERS ABSENT:
Senator Kenneth Armbrister Senator Troy Fraser
Senator David Cain Senator Mario
Gallegos, Jr.
Senator Drew Nixon Senator Bill Ratliff
Senator Carlos Truan
*****
The Chair called the meeting to order at 2:15 pm. There being
a quorum present, the following business was transacted.
The following members arrived after the roll was called:
none.
The Chair recognized Senator Cain for welcoming remarks,
following were welcoming remarks from Senator Nixon.
The Chair reviewed the committee's charges.
The Chair recognized the Honorable Kevin Eltife, Mayor of
Tyler to welcome the members of the committee as well as
testifying on transportation needs of the citizens of Tyler.
The Chair recognized the Honorable Andrew R. Melontree, Smith
County Commissioner. Mr. Melontree submitted written
testimony and addressed the committee regarding the
maintenance of roads and bridges due to increased traffic
conditions.
The Chair recognized State Representative Ted Kamel to testify
regarding the development of the Loop 49 project.
The Chair recognized the Honorable Bobby McClenny, Mayor for
the City of Lindale. Mr. McClenny testified on the Loop 49
project as well as endorsing Commissioner Nichols trunk system
proposal.
The Chair recognized the Honorable Celia Boswell, Mayor for
the City of Mineola. Ms. Boswell testified on the need for
overpasses in particular areas which have railroad crossings.
These overpasses are needed to alleviate the traffic jams and
to better allow emergency vehicles the right of way during
certain situations.
The Chair recognized Judge Mitch Shamburger, Justice of the
Peace for the City of Winona. Judge Shamburger testified
before the committee on his concern for the speed limit on
highways with the suggestion of adding additional signs along
the highway with posted speed limits for different types of
vehicles.
The Chair recognized Mr. Fred Carl with the Tyler Chamber of
Commerce. Mr. Carl testified on the need for increased
highway funding, air quality with improved trunk systems as
well as the ability to improve corridor systems and completion
of these projects.
Senator Armbrister asked Mr. Carl if the Tyler Chamber of
Commerce supported an increase in the state motor fuels tax.
Mr. Carl could not speak on behalf of the Chamber of Commerce.
The Chair recognized Mr. Thomas G. Mullins, President and CEO
for the Tyler Chamber of Commerce and the Tyler Economic
Development Council. In response to Senator Armbrister's
question Mr. Mullins stated that in the past, the Chamber of
Commerce has supported raising the state motor fuels tax.
The Chair recognized Ms. Carolyn Flores, 9-1-1 Coordinator for
the East Texas Council of Government. Ms. Flores testified
regarding the need for a crossed reference mapping system for
local EMS response to railroad accidents. Questions and
comments from the members followed.
The Chair recognized Mr. Jerry L. Martin, Director of the Rail
Division for the Texas Railroad Commission. Mr. Martin gave a
history of the railroad commissions position on the Union
Pacific and Southern Pacific (UP/SP) merger. Mr. Martin also
responded to the EMS issues brought to the committee's
attention by Ms. Flores.
The Chair recognized Mr. Paul Lockhart, a retired highway
engineer from Tyler. Mr. Lockhart made suggestions on how to
enhance current capacity on roadways as opposed to building
new roads.
The Chair recognized Mr. Lyle Nelson, from the Brazos Transit
District / Texas Transit Association. Mr. Nelson expressed
his wishes for equal concern for more rural transit needs as
opposed to only the seven communities which have Metropolitan
Transit Associations (MTAs).
The Chair recognized Mr. Jeff Tuley who testified on behalf of
the Northeast Texas and Southeast Texas Nursery Growers
Associations. Mr Tuley expressed concern over a proposal
whereby a tree growing operation will be developed at Texas
prison sites to supply trees for use on "public land" which
will supply trees to a number of state agencies in particular
the Texas Department of Transportation.
The Chair recognized Mr. Charles Breedlove. Mr. Breedlove
testified before the committee on the usage of tax dollars on
rest stops. He believes rest stops in Texas are too
"luxurious".
The Chair recognized the Honorable Cary Hilliard, Commissioner
for Van Zandt County. Mr. Hilliard testified before the
committee on county road funding and current and proposed
speed limit.
The Chair recognized the Honorable Jeff R. Warr, Mayor Pro Tem
of the City of Tyler, who supported previous testimony.
The Chair recognized Mr. Larry Badon, Director of
Transportation for the Tyler MPO. Mr. Badon testified before
the committee on the Loop 49 project currently in Tyler.
The Chair recognized Mr. Barham Fulner who testified on behalf
of the Lindale Economic Development Corporation. Mr. Fulner
testified on highway development in the city of Lindale.
The Chair recognized the Honorable J. Ray Rucker, Mayor for
the City of Grand Saline, who thanked the committee for their
efforts and for visiting the area.
The Chair recognized Mr, Rohn Boone, Chairman for the Tyler
Area Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Boone's testimony focused on
the need for continued improvement on highways.
The Chair recognized Ms. Sharon Emmert, County Commissioner
for Smith County, who offered welcoming remarks..
The Chair recognized the Honorable Gary Hays, Justice of the
Peace. Judge Hays testimony focused on farm-to-market roads,
current and proposed speed limits, and the need to improve
shoulders on roads.
The Chair recognized Mr. Kevin Tyer with the City of Tyler.
Mr Tyer's testified before the committee on the Tyler Transit
System.
The Chair recognized Mr. Mark W. Sweeney, Director of
Regional Development for the East Texas Council of
Governments. Mr. Sweeney's testimony focused on
transportation needs for the citizens of East Texas.
The Chair recognized Mr. Robert Nichols, Commissioner, Texas
Department of Transportation. The Department had no formal
presentation. Mr. Nichols only responded to questions and
comments from the members of the committee.
There being no further witness, at 5:15 pm, the Chair moved
the committee stand recess, subject to the call of the Chair.
____________________________
Senator Ken Armbrister, Chair
____________________________
Committee Clerk