|
NTTA Looking Forward to the 81st Legislative Session The NTTA’s legislative program is in full swing, just in time for the last of the interim charges released by Lt. Governor Dewhurst in late January. Both the Senate and House committees have begun meeting, as well as the CDA Legislative Study Committee created in SB 792 to study private sector participation on toll projects. With transportation financing still an important issue at the local, state and federal levels, the NTTA is working with its mobility partners across the state to identify innovative ideas and opportunities to advance several critical projects. From the $3.2 billion payment to the north Texas region for the right to develop, construct and operate SH 121 to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Toll Equity Grant approved for the Eastern Extension of the President George Bush Turnpike, the NTTA is stepping up its role as the toll provider for north Texas.
The NTTA’s ability to meet the transportation demands of the region is due in large part to the support of the legislative leadership during the 80th Texas Legislature. With the next legislative session months away, it is important that the NTTA continues to work with its mobility partners to find new ways to improve and expedite the delivery of mobility projects. That includes cooperative efforts with TxDOT and the Regional Transportation Council, as well as the elected leadership at all policy levels.
The NTTA Board of Directors will hold its first Legislative Committee meeting soon. The board and staff will seek the support and input on its preliminary legislative initiatives from the NTTA’s four member counties – Collin, Dallas, Denton and Tarrant. NTTA member county support is vital to a successful legislative program, not only for the NTTA but for transportation planning for this region.
For more information on the NTTA’s Government Affairs Program, please contact Carrie Rogers, Assistant Director of Government Affairs, at crogers@ntta.org. |