MINUTES
SENATE INTERIM COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION
Thursday, March 19, 1998
2:00 pm
Abilene City Council Chambers, Abilene, Tx
*****
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 Thursday, March 19, 1998 at the
Abilene City Council Chambers, Abilene, Texas.
*****
MEMBERS PRESENT: MEMBERS ABSENT:
Senator Kenneth Armbrister Senator Drew Nixon
Senator David Cain Senator Bill Ratliff
Senator Troy Fraser Senator Carlos Truan
Senator Mario Gallegos, Jr.
*****
The Chair called the meeting to order at 2:10 pm. There being
a quorum present, the following business was transacted.
The following members arrived after the roll was called:
none.
The Chair recognized the Mayor of Abilene, Mr. Gary McCaleb
for welcoming remarks.
The Chair recognized Senator Fraser for welcoming remarks.
Senator Fraser moved adoption of the minutes for February 18th
and March 4th committee meetings. There being no objection,
the minutes were adopted.
The Chair reviewed the committee charges.
The Chair recognized the Honorable Judge Lee Hamilton, Taylor
County Judge and MPO Chair.
Judge Hamilton stressed the need for good highways and roads
as well as long range planning with low costs. Judge Hamilton
also declared the trunk priority system a "good idea". As far
as local needs, Judge Hamilton feels Loop 322 around the city
is a priority and is currently waiting for legislative funding
to complete phase four of the project.
Questions and comments from the members followed.
The Chair recognized Mr. Darrell Haynes, City Council member
from the city of Brownwood.
Questions and comments from the members followed.
The Chair recognized Mr. Michael Jones from the Texas Railroad
Commission (TRRC). Mr. Jones testified before the committee
on the Commission's goals of concentrating more on rail issues
rather than oil and gas issues. TRRC is currently preparing a
report on rail safety issues that will be presented to the
76th Legislature.
Questions and comments from the members followed.
The Chair recognized Mr. David Barnhill. Mr. Barnhill
testified before the committee on the Abilene Transit System.
Mr. Barnhill was very pleased with the service and
availability of the transit system to the disabled.
The Chair recognized Mr. George Toone with the Texas
Commission for the Blind. Mr. Toone also testified on the
Abilene Transit System saying he would like to see more
funding for the system so buses may be "kept up to date".
Questions and comments from the members followed.
The Chair recognized Mr. Michael Plaster from the Texas
Transit Association. Mr. Plaster testified before the
committee on emerging issues and public transportation
statewide, including metropolitan areas. Mr. Plaster's
written comments are attached.
Questions and comments from the members followed.
The Chair recognized Mr. Brent Black from the City of
Lubbock's Citibus Transit to testify before the committee.
The Chair recognized Mr. John Autry, General Manager for
CityLink Transit of Abilene. Mr. Autry testified before the
committee on why public transportation is an important part of
the Abilene community and how a small city bus service can
improve the quality of life for citizens as well as contribute
to a city's economic growth. Mr. Autry's written comments are
attached.
The Chair recognized Mr. J.D. Reyes from the City of San
Angelo Transit to testify before the committee.
The Chair recognized Ms. Carole Warlick, Transit Manager for
the Hill Country Transit to testify before the committee. Ms.
Warlick's written comments are attached.
The Chair recognized Mr. Robert W. Stephens, representing the
Concho Valley Council of Governments as well as the
Thunderbird Transit.
The Chair recognized Mr. Charles W. Heald, Executive Director
for the Texas Department of Transportation. Mr. Heald's
written comments are attached.
The Chair announced written testimony being submitted by Mr.
David Maddox, City Manager for the City of Sweetwater. Mr.
Maddox's written comments are attached.
There being no further business to come before the committee,
at 5:20, Senator Fraser moved the committee stand recessed
subject to the call of the Chair. There being no objection,
the motion prevailed.
__________________________________
Senator Ken Armbrister, Chair
__________________________________
Kelly C. Gilbert, Committee Clerk