BURLESON – In response to actions taken last week by the Texas Transportation Commission, State Representative Rob Orr (R-Burleson) applauds the Commission on its formal adoption of statutory principles to help address public concern over the direction of state transportation policy.

Orr told The Record Monday morning in an interview that the adoption of the principles "completely changes the direction for the Trans-Texas Corridor."

He said that he sees the original project now "completely dead."

The Transportation Commission adopted a minute order reaffirming five statutory requirements and issuing two new protections for future transportation infrastructure development, explained Orr.

"Citizens throughout District 58 and across the state have expressed concerns to me and my colleagues in the Legislature about various transportation issues addressed by the Commission. I am pleased the Commission has listened to the Legislature and the citizens of Texas and reaffirmed these policies, Rep. Orr said.

Orr hinted that the Legisalture will be taking a more active role in dealing with the Texas Department of Transportation, which will soon be the subject of sunset review, but that he sees the department important in assuring adequate future transporation needs in Texas. He said that adoption of the policy is a "step forward in good faith."

"Transportation infrastructure is critical to the future growth of Texas," he continued. "I am working to ensure that the state’s transportation needs are met responsibly and with respect for private property rights. The latest action by the Commission is a step in the right direction."

Rep. Orr, along with 33 of his colleagues in the House of Representatives and members of the Texas Conservative Coalition (TCC), sent a letter to the Transportation Commission on Feb. 4 asking for adherence to existing transportation safeguards. "Today’s minute order is in response to that letter," Rep. Orr noted.

Based on the TCC letter, the Transportation Commission has formally agreed to adhere to the following statutory requirements:

• The state will retain ownership of its state highways and will not transfer this ownership to private developers.

• All contracts entered into by the Department will contain provisions that allow the state to buy back any facilities that have been leased to a private developer.

• The Department will only approve initial rates for toll projects in a public meeting and in coordination with local metropolitan planning organizations.

• Tolling will only be imposed on new capacity, and the amount of non-tolled lanes on existing roads will not be reduced.

• No contract entered into by the Department will include any limitations or prohibitions on improvements needed to existing or future highways.

The Transportation Commission minute order also issues the following property rights safeguards:

• The Department will utilize existing rights of way and easements when possible so that private property is not taken when it is not needed.

• Transportation projects will be planned, subject to environmental regulations, so that existing property is not split into separate tracts.

Rep. Orr stated, "It was time that the Transportation Commission clearly and decisively responded to Texans’ concerns regarding state transportation policy."

"Even with today’s recommitment to sound principles, I will remain vigilant in the important challenge of creating a transportation policy that meets the needs of the people of Texas and respects private property rights," Rep. Orr said.

Orr told The Record that he is unsure how passage of the new policy will impact the NAFTA Superhighway project.

Rep. Orr represents House District 58 in the Texas House of Representatives. He is a member of the Texas Conservative Coalition, the conservative caucus of the Texas Legislature.

A second term member of the Texas House of Representatives, Rep. Orr serves as chairman of the House Committee on Land and Resource Management and during the 80th Legislative Session he chaired its Eminent Domain Subcommittee. He also serves as a member of the Financial Institutions Committee, House Research Organization, Republican Caucus Policy Committee, the Texas Conservative Coalition and The Energy Council, a national/international legislative organization that focuses on policies regarding energy and the environment.