2004 TOLL & CORRIDOR SUMMIT JOINT STATEMENT

 We, the participants in the November 13, 2004, Toll & Corridor Summit, agree that House Bill 3588 that authorizes the Trans Texas Corridor and the tolling of roads financed by non-toll highway taxes is bad for Texas.

 Here are a few reasons we believe House Bill 3588, passed by the Legislature in 2003, and the plans it has authorized are bad for Texas:

• It is designed to generate revenue first and provide transportation second.
• It creates potential for tremendous liabilities created by Comprehensive Development Agreements.
• The Plans are based on uncertain assumptions. The plans are predicated on a projection that Texas population growth will continue at a rate of 30,000 new residents per month.
• It doesn’t solve urban congestion and traffic problems.
• Private investment and public-private partnerships place an emphasis on profit instead of transportation.
• Costs too much money! It doesn’t matter whether it is tolls, fees, or taxes. If they create the debt (pubic or private) we the citizens of Texas will ultimately pay the tab whatever you call it.
• It turns private land into State land. More than one-half million acres will become government property used not only for transportation but also as State owned rental property in direct competition with private business.
• Toll roads represent double taxation. Motorists already pay for highways at the gasoline pump, vehicle registration counter, and at auto supply retailers.

We agree to work together to further identify our specific concerns with the various provisions of law created by House Bill 3588 and collectively, and individually, pursue all necessary revisions of such laws during the next session of the Texas Legislature.

 Specifically, we will seek to eliminate the Trans Texas Corridor, tolling roads financed with gasoline and other highway taxes, and other toll tax abuses.