The Texas Department of Transportation is faced with the ever-changing demands of a rapidly increasing population, maintenance of 80,000 mi. of existing highway and the burden of creating a system that will be complete before it is obsolete.

TxDOT is taking a progressive approach to resolving the state's transportation needs.
The first phases of the Trans Texas Corridor are coming to fruition with construction of Highway 130. Texas' first tolled interstate highway is under construction on a 10-mi. section of the Katy Freeway, thanks to a toll equity plan that combines state and federal funds with money from the Harris County Toll Road Authority.

We spoke with Texas Transportation Commissioner John Johnson, who chairs the three-man panel that oversees the annual operations of TxDOT.

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TXC: What are the most significant challenges on the horizon for TxDOT and the Texas Transportation Commission in 2004?

Johnson: I don't think our challenges have changed much from those we've faced in the past five or six years. Growth in the economy and the state's population have put more demands on surface transportation, and that has put a lot of pressure on TxDOT to move more quickly in some areas. Growth in the economy and population, especially along the border with NAFTA, has created stress on our transportation system. Through the Texas Legislature, with HB 3588, we have more tools to work with. I think congestion and mobility in our big cities continue to be areas we have to come to grips with. As the population continues to grow, and the expectation is that it will at a pretty good clip, most people will find jobs in our urban and metro areas. If we don't do something, congestion and gridlock will remain the same or get worse. We've got to get in front of the growth rather than chasing it.

TXC: How many Regional Mobility Authorities have been formed to date, and how many more do you expect to see this year?

Johnson: Officially, one. The Williamson/Travis County RMA is working on developing its first project, which is 183A. The good thing is that they have a structure in place-a board, a chairman, a CEO and a COO-so they are doing well. By the end of 2004, there will probably be at least five or possibly more RMAs. Several are close to being formed and at various stages of consideration. The first one is always the most difficult because you are in uncharted waters, but you learn so much from the first one.

TXC: Explain HB3588 in relation to federal monies. It seems most states base construction on federal matching dollars.

Johnson: Tea-21 lapsed on Sept. 30 and has been extended five months while it is being negotiated. I don't think you can make a commitment funding-wise until there is a clear picture of what is going to come from the federal level. We've got to make an assumption on the federal horizon, and basically, it is that funding for Texas is about the same. We have gained and will gain some additional funding through the changes made in the last session in point-of-collection of gasoline tax. That will be mostly state tax dollars, but those do attract additional federal dollars. Through mobility funds and bonding capability created by HB3588 and approved by voters, we are able to leverage projects more quickly through bonding.

TXC: Is TxDOT currently developing any future freight or passenger rail projects?

Johnson: At present we have no specific projects under way, but under the new legislation we have that ability and will utilize that capacity as the opportunity presents itself. One of the components of the Trans Texas Corridor is a rail component, which can be freight, commuter, high-speed or passenger rail, depending on the needs of a particular segment of the corridor.

TXC: What is the significance of the Trans Texas Corridor in relation to the future of transportation and commerce in Texas and the nation?

Johnson: The corridor is definitely ambitious and visionary. And if you look at the challenges we face in relation to growth in population and economy, it is probably necessary. From that vantage point, Texas has somewhat of a unique perspective and attitude. President Bush, when he was governor, said that when Texans dream, that's what they do. That's also Gov. Perry's attitude. I think the corridor will become a necessary element when we face the challenges of transportation and quality-of-life issues.

TXC: Is there any work being done on the corridor beyond the conceptual phase?

Johnson: We have one unsolicited proposal we are working through that will be complementary to work being done on Texas Highway 130. We are about to receive another that will get us from the Rio Grande to the Red River. We can receive unsolicited proposals, and, if the rudiments are acceptable to the department and state, we have to open it up to others to offer competing proposals. Construction on 130 is under way right now, and there is a pretty good possibility that it will be a part of the corridor. Other than that, no construction has been done on the corridor, only conceptual routing.

TXC: What steps are being taken to streamline TxDOT's project selection process, and how will these facilitate construction projects throughout the state?

Johnson: The major step that has been taken is that we've simplified the process in our Unified Transportation Program, and we have put more emphasis on selection and priorities being made at the local level. HB 3588 also makes it possible for more partnering at the local level with regional toll authorities, cities or counties.

TXC: What is the current status of the Texas Highway 130 project? How is that a landmark for other projects?

Johnson: It's a centerpiece in a lot of ways. It's the first turnpike the state has done since the Dallas-Fort Worth turnpike. It's an important event for people in Central Texas where congestion has gotten very severe, especially on IH35 between Austin and San Antonio. Toll roads will add capacity and give greater movement to a very congested area of the state. The highway itself will be an element of the Trans Texas Corridor. The project is the first Comprehensive Development Agreement awarded by TxDOT, and since it will be financed as a toll road, will be completed in less than half the usual time.

TXC: What is the status of the Katy Freeway construction project? When will tolls be implemented?

Johnson: We've committed to the first three portions. Projects have been let and are under construction around Texas Highway 6, west to the Fort Bend county line and the interchange at Loop 610 and IH10. In the next three years, the work from Texas Highway 6 eastward will be let. That is the segment that will be tolled.