June TxDOT Highway Letting Dates

The Texas Department of Transportation has scheduled its next highway letting for June 7 and 8. Ninety-five projects are approved to be let with an estimated total of $476,310,517.

A TxDOT report said projects may be added, advanced or delayed as deemed necessary.

Gov Perry Announces Agreement Between State, Union Pacific

Gov. Rick Perry recently announced a historic agreement between the state of Texas and Union Pacific to work in partnership to move freight rail out of densely populated urban areas across the state.

"Relocating rail lines from crowded city centers will lead to safer crossings, less hazardous cargo carried through populated areas, greater efficiency in the movement of products from the warehouse to the market and the potential benefit of acquiring prime real estate for the development of new roads without tearing down homes and businesses in the process," Perry said.

Perry noted that this memorandum of understanding marks the first time any state has partnered with a private rail company to consolidate, improve and relocate existing freight rail lines away from population centers. Funding and specific projects have not yet been determined.

He also noted that the rail-relocation projects will provide a boost to the Texas economy and will be an integral part in the overall improvement of the state's transportation system.

"Because trains will no longer have to slow down to pass through congested cities, shipments will reach their destination faster, saving Texas businesses valuable time and money that can be used to grow and create jobs," Perry said. "And with the land freed up in our city centers, we could even build new commuter rail lines or new roads that can further alleviate our urban traffic woes."

Report Card Assesses Condition of Nation's Infrastructure

The American Society of Civil Engineers recently released its 2005 Report Card for America's Infrastructure-- assigning a cumulative grade of D for the nation's infrastructure. According to the report, the condition of our nation's roads, bridges, drinking water systems and other public works have shown little to no improvement since they were graded an overall D+ in 2001, with some areas sliding toward failing grades.

"Americans are spending more time stuck in traffic and less time at home with their families," said ASCE President William P. Henry. "We need to establish a comprehensive, long-term infrastructure plan as opposed to our current 'patch and pray' method to ensure a better quality of life for everyone."

To remedy America's current and looming problems, ASCE estimates an investment need of $1.6 trillion over a five-year period from all levels of government and the private sector. This amount does not include estimates for infrastructure security needs. The investment needed for protecting our nation's critical infrastructure is still being defined within the Department of Homeland Security framework.

The report assesses the same 12 infrastructure categories as in 2001, in addition to three new categories-- public parks and recreation, rail and security. While there has been some improvement in aviation and schools, ASCE's analysis indicates that overall conditions have remained the same for bridges, dams and solid waste, and worsened in roads, drinking water, transit, wastewater, hazard waste, navigable waterways and energy.

ARTBA Releases Statement on ASCE Report

American Road and Transportation Builders Association president and CEO Pete Ruane released a statement following the release of the ASCE 2005 Report Card (see above). Following is an excerpt:

"The compelling report released today by the ASCE on the nation's infrastructure should not be surprising to anyone who travels on the nation's highway, bridge and transit systems.

"It provides fresh evidence and reaffirms a series of earlier studies about deteriorating conditions on America's transportation network. In 2004 the Texas Transportation Institute's Urban Mobility Report found that traffic congestion continues to strengthen its chokehold on the American economy, costing nearly $70 billion in lost productivity and wasted fuel annually. Motor vehicle crashes also kill over 43,000 people and cost the U.S. economy $230 billion every year.

"Current investment in the federal highway program is approximately $34 billion. The U.S. Department of Transportation "Conditions and Performance" report to the Congress shows that figure is about $16 billion short of what is needed to maintain current highway conditions. If we wanted to actually improve conditions, it would require a $60 billion annual federal investment.

"Given the projected growth in the U.S. economy and population, vehicle miles traveled and number of licensed drivers on the nation's transportation network in the future, a failing grade is likely on the next report card unless action is taken soon to address this growing problem."