MINUTES
SENATE INTERIM COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION
Thursday, April 23, 1998
10:00 am
UTSA, Main Campus, Business Bldg.
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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, April 23, 1998 at the
University of Texas at San Antonio's, Main Campus, in the
Business Building.
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MEMBERS PRESENT: MEMBERS ABSENT:
Senator Kenneth Armbrister Senator David Cain
Senator Troy Fraser Senator Carlos Truan
Senator Mario Gallegos, Jr.
Senator Drew Nixon
Senator Bill Ratliff
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The Chair called the meeting to order at 10:40 am. There
being a quorum present, the following business was transacted.
The following members arrived after the roll was called:
none.
The Chair recognized Mr. David Arson, Vice President of
Business Affairs for the University of Texas at San Antonio
for welcoming remarks.
The Chair recognized The Honorable Judge Candy Taylor Crier,
County Judge, Bear County Judge. Judge Crier addressed
transportation issues from a local perspective. Judge Crier
also discussed specific methods to coordinate among all
transportation planning entities in the San Antonio area.
The Chair recognized Mr. Tim Bannwolf, San Antonio City
Councilman and MPO member. Mr. Bannwolf spoke on equity
issues and the fact that only 2/3rd of San Antonio's fuel tax
comes back to the area.
Mr. Bannwolf related his view that toll roads cause more
pollution because when vehicles slow down to pay a toll and
accelerate back to speed, more exhaust is created.
Mr. Bannwolf referred to several high priority highway needs
in the area including the 281/1604 interchange, expansion of
Loop 410, expansion of I-35 from the border to Dallas, Kelly
AFB related transportation improvements, the SH130 proposal,
and the proposed commuter rail facility from Austin to San
Antonio.
Mr. Bannwolf also expressed his support for giving TxDot and
local governments the "design-build" option in order to save
time and money in construction.
Chairman Armbrister referred to Houston Mayor Brown's
testimony regarding the onerous "strings" attached to
projects, and asked whether the city of San Antonio is having
trouble during annexation with annexing sub-standard road
infrastructure? Bannwolf responded that the city has
provisions that allow strong enforcement of road standards in
un-annexed areas.
The Chair recognized Mr. Richard Tankerson and Mr. John Milam
with the VIA Metropolitan Transit Authority. Mr. Tankerson
and Mr. Milam discussed the TransGuide ITS system developed by
TxDot. Written testimony was submitted.
The Chair recognized Mr. Arthur Emerson, Chair-elect of the
Chamber of Commerce and Chair of the Free Trade Alliance. Mr.
Emerson discussed statistics regarding trade with Mexico.
Mr. Emerson stated he supported the idea of making Kelly AFB a
hub for different modes of transportation, to "turn the
negative into a positive."
The Chair recognized Mr. Ross Milloy, President of the
Austin-San Antonio Corridor Council. Mr. Milloy's written
testimony is attached.
The Chair recognized Mr. John Kelly, TxDot District Engineer
for San Antonio should members have any questions.
The Chair recognized Mr. John German , Public Works Director
for the City of San Antonio. Mr. German was present should
members have any questions.
There being no further business to come before the committee,
at 2:15pm Senator Gallegos moved the committee stand recessed,
subject to the call of the Chair.
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Senator Ken Armbrister, Chairman Committee Clerk