Talks continue over controversial transportation bill

May 12, 2007

By GARY SCHARRER, HOUSTON CHRONICLE

AUSTIN — Several county judges expressed support Friday for Gov. Rick Perry's plan to veto a controversial transportation bill, although everyone agrees that ongoing negotiations remain on track to avoid a confrontation with the Legislature.

Community leaders in Denton and Polk counties contend that House Bill 1892 could jeopardize Texas 121 and the Interstate 69 project.

The legislation imposes a two-year moratorium on building more private toll roads. It also places restrictions on contracts with private toll-road companies, in addition to giving more power to local transportation authorities over toll projects. Perry objects strongly to decentralizing transportation matters and diluting the power of the Texas Department of Transportation.

Polk County Judge John Thompson, chairman of the 34-county I-69 Alliance Texas, said the road "won't be built with traditional funding sources. Without private investment, I-69 will not become a reality."

Perry has until Wednesday to veto the bill, which he has promised to do unless lawmakers negotiate a compromise.

An agreement, expected by early next week, must include a moratorium on private toll roads, said Wayne Smith, R-Baytown, author of HB 1892.

"And there has to be a situation in which the Harris County Toll Road Authority can proceed immediately to build new projects," Smith said about some stalled Houston highway projects. "We just can't wait any longer in Harris County for our mobility issues."

Legislative leaders said they are close to reaching an agreement.