Together, we'll keep Texas moving

May 07, 2008

Austin American-Statesman

Deirdre Delisi, CHAIRWOMAN, TEXAS TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION

Not since President Eisenhower began the interstate highway system more than 50 years ago and Texans embarked on the farm-to-market and ranch-to market road systems in 1949 have Texans been so focused on our roads. In fact, for generations, Texas has enjoyed one of the finest road systems in the world. But with our state's population exploding, our transportation infrastructure is quickly becoming overwhelmed.

More than 1,000 people move to Texas every day. And our state sits squarely in the center of international trade for this hemisphere. These realities contribute to Texas' expanding economy, but they also mean that our state has great challenges to manage growth. With state, regional and local governments in search of solutions, it is imperative that we have as many tools as possible to get the job done. There is no one-size-fits-all solution, and local and regional solutions will be key to how Texas responds to our growth challenges.

Gov. Rick Perry recently honored me with an appointment to the chairmanship of the five-member Texas Transportation Commission, which oversees the Texas Department of Transportation. I am succeeding interim Chairwoman Hope Andrade of San Antonio and Chairman Ric Williamson of Weatherford. Both set an example with their commitment to developing a world-class transportation system, and I fully recognize the large shoes I have to fill.

As head of the Transportation Commission, I will be mindful that the future of our state's air quality, safety and economy will be affected by the decisions we make today. The past few years have seen political, regional and economic divisions eclipse the important discussion about how we will solve our state's transportation problems. The challenge is too big for any single leader at any level of government to tackle. We will not solve these problems without open dialogue, creative thinking and hard work. Together, we will meet the challenge.

What we build and how we pay for it have been the subject of intense debate. Our state must find new money to pay for roads and mass transit. It is difficult to imagine that the answer to our state's transportation problems will be found in higher gas taxes or will hinge on significant increases in state or federal authority. Rather, we can give local and regional leaders the flexibility to meet their goals. Local leaders know best what their regions need, and my goal will be to make sure they have the tools to meet those needs.

Communities of every size across Texas should have the opportunity to create their own transportation futures.

I look forward to a frank, productive relationship with the Legislature, our representatives in Washington and our local transportation partners. I pledge to do my part to move beyond the divisions that have stalled our efforts to find long-term solutions for our transportation goals and to work with political and business leaders on transportation solutions that reflect our commitment to economic opportunity and fiscal responsibility.

It's time to keep Texas moving ... together.