Transportation officials from around state talk trains, planes and automobiles at annual mobility forum

Photo by John Rigg

State and local officials stressed the need for partnerships in regards to transportation projects Nov. 1 during the fifth annual Cy-Fair Houston Chamber of Commerce mobility forum.

"It's about finding solutions together, because TxDOT doesn't have all the answers, and it certainly doesn't have all the money," said Phil Wilson, TxDOT executive director. "Neither does your local county [or toll road authority], but together we can find critical key needs and leverage our resources together by utilizing toll roads and design-build programs. We can move projects forward in a faster, smarter and more efficient way."

George Greanias, CEO of the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, also discussed the benefits of partnerships during a roundtable discussion.

"With Hwy. 290, if we don't coordinate we won't get the optimum use out of that corridor," he said.

During the keynote speech, Wilson spoke about the challenges TxDOT faces in keeping up with population growth in Texas during a time when 1,200 people move to the state everyday.

The gas tax, which has remained the same at 20 cents per gallon since 1991, is TxDOT's main source of revenue. After deductions, TxDOT has about 11 cents leftover to use for infrastructure, Wilson said.

"That 11 cents in 1991 bought a very different amount than it does in 2012," he said.