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January 12, 2009

Life in the slow lane — funding woes creates road hazards

By David Ball

PORT ARTHUR — Bob Dickinson, director of transportation and environmental resources for the South East Texas Regional Planning Commission, SETRPC, said there are road projects they would like to begin or complete, but as with other things in a tight economy, funding is problematic.

“Funding is a big issue. Hopefully when the Legislature meets this session they can allocate the amount for overall funding. The state has a lot of emphasis on transportation,” he said. “The voters passed last election to raise additional bonds for projects. Maybe the state gas tax can finance other projects with the money so TxDOT (Texas Department of Transportation) can move ahead.”

Dickinson was at the Port Arthur Public Library Monday, as part of hosting a series of public meetings throughout Jefferson, Orange and Hardin Counties so residents can have the opportunity to learn about and comment on road projects.

Some of the “much needed” projects that came to Dickinson’s mind was to finish the portion of highway construction on Interstate 10 from the Orange County line to the Sabine River bridge, Interstate 10 West from Beaumont to Winnie to create three lanes rather than the current two lanes, expanding the interchange from Interstate 10 in Beaumont to the Pine Island Bridge on the Hardin County line and widening FM 365 to Spur 93 in Port Arthur.

Another project on hold due to funding issues is the U.S. 69 Corridor. Environmental documentation has been completed, but everything else with the project has been idled.

Currently, the Planning Commission is seeking to upgrade the rail system within the port of Orange at a cost of $490,000 and to replace two vehicles for their rural transportation program for $136,000.

“There are federal funding issues in addition to state funding issues. The federal gas tax hasn’t been adjusted or raised since 1993. The state gas tax hasn’t been raised since 1991. And because of the higher gasoline prices, people are driving less and driving more fuel efficient cars which means the government is not collecting as much revenue,” he said. “They’ve talked about it. Maybe the incoming administration (Barack Obama) can generate some stimulus funds. We get to the point where it (roads and bridges) can’t be repaired and we have to rebuild it. If the money’s allocated, we can rehabilitate them (roads and bridges).”

dball@panews.com

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