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REPORT TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
By: Lawrence Olsen
(Friday, January 21, 2005)
LEGISLATIVE BODIES CONVENE IN WASHINGTON AND AUSTIN
When the United States Congress was sworn for its 109th session earlier this month, there were seven new Texans among the 32-member House delegation. For the first time since the 1870s Reconstruction era, Republicans dominate the delegation, 21-11. During the last session the 32 member delegation was evenly split. The five new Republican members are Louis Gohmert of Tyler who ousted incumbent Max Sandlin of Marshall; Ted Poe of Houston who beat incumbent Nick Lampson of Beaumont; Mike Conaway of Midland who won the newly drawn 11th District; Kenny Marchant of Coppell of the redrawn 24th District in the Metroplex and Mike McCaul of Austin, who won the reconfigured 10th district. In addition, two veteran Democrats were buried in the George Bush Texas landslide. Martin Frost of Arlington and Charlie Stenholm of Abilene, both elected in 1978, were fairly rounded trounced by short-term incumbents, Pete Sessions of Dallas and Randy Neugebauer of Lubbock. The quartet was paired in the districts redrawn by a special session of the Texas Legislature in 2003. Both new districts tilted heavily Republican. Three other Texans did not return after the 108th. Conservative Democrat Jim Turner of Crockett chose not to seek reelection in his redrawn district. Democrats Chris Bell of Houston and Ciro Rodriguez of San Antonio both lost primary races; Bell to Justice of the Peace Al Green and Rodriguez to former State Rep. Henry Cuellar of Laredo. Interestingly, Democrat Cuellar was named as Governor Rick Perry's first appointee to the secretary of state post. Two years, Cuellar ran a surprisingly tight race for Congress against incumbent Henry Bonilla (R- San Antonio). Republican strategists knocked off five of the six Democrat incumbents they targeted after the remapping. The only survivor was Waco Democrat Chet Edwards. He beat State Rep. Arlene Wohlgemuth of Burleson.
In its biennial reorganization of committees, Denton County Congressman Michael Burgess left the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. Freshmen Republicans Marchant and Poe, a longtime Harris County district judge, claimed seats on the committee spearheaded by Alaskan Don Young. Dallas Democrat Eddie Bernice Johnson remains on the committee.
With the losses by Stenholm and Frost, the "dean" of the Texas delegation is Ralph Hall of Rockwall, first elected in 1980. Hall switched to the Republican Party before filing for reelection in 2004. Hall, 81, is also the oldest member of the Texas delegation.
MEANWHILE, IN AUSTIN
The 79th edition of Texas Legislature started January 11. Midland Republican Tom Craddick was reelected to his second term as Speaker of the House, with four dissenting votes. Governor Perry will deliver his State of the State address January 26. It is anticipated that Speaker Craddick may well name his committees not longer after that. Only five committee chairmen from last session do not return. The specially appointed committee will hear testimony on the election contest filed by Rep. Talmadge Heflin of Houston who lost to Democratic challenger Hubert Vo by 33 votes. Speaker Craddick named Rep. Jim Pitts of Waxahachie to the Appropriations Committee chairmanship that Heflin held last session.
Governor Perry named San Antonio Rep. Elizabeth Ames Jones to the Texas Railroad Commission. Railroad Commissioner Charles Matthews (the guy who beat Jim Nugent) is slated to become the Chancellor of the State University System at the end of January. Four candidates have filed for the vacant District 121, a heavily Republican area in San Antonio. Early GOP favorite is Joe Straus III, scion of a well-known San Antonio family. Carrying the Democratic banner will be former State Supreme Court Justice, Rose Spector.
The election is February 5.
BANQUET HONORS RETIREE WILLIAMS
After 26 years of distinguished, TxDOT leader Cathy J. Williams has retired. She was honored at a dinner in Austin January 5. Ms. Williams has served recently as the assistant executive director of Support Operations for the Department. Thanks for your outstanding service, Cathy.
REPORT TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
By: Lawrence Olsen
(Monday, November 22, 2004)
COMMISSION OKAYS STATEWIDE MOBILITY PROGRAM...
On November 18, the Texas Transportation Commission unanimously adopted the 2005 Statewide Mobility Program that will provide $21.5 billion for funding, aviation and public transportation projects across the state over the next decade. "These... projects will help ease congestion, clean up our air, encourage business expansion and improve safety in our largest urban area," noted Governor Rick Perry. Perry has appointed four of the five members of the Commission and in January, named Ric Williamson as chairman.
Roughly $15.4 billion of the amount will go for to the state's largest eight metropolitan areas. A key part of the program is the Texas Metropolitan Mobility Plan, developed jointly between TxDOT and local elected officials. This program is part of TxDOT's two-fold plan to ameliorate congestion and maintain the present highway system. The initial part of the plan, okayed in May, will spend $9 billion to maintain the existing system.
In other action, the Commission authorized the staff to begin negotiations with Grayson County to develop a pass through toll agreement that will significantly speed the expansion of State Highway 289.
PRESIDENT BUSH SECOND TERM BEGINS WITH REBUILDING CABINET
Since his overwhelming reelection November 2, President George W. Bush has been undertaking extensive resume reviewing. He has been required to find replacements for nearly half of his first term Cabinet officers who have stepped down. Of course, there is speculation that the exodus may well be joined by Transportation Secretary Norm Mineta, the Cabinet's sole Democrat. A former House Transportation Committee leader, Mineta has had ongoing health problems during the last year or so.
GOVERNOR PERRY PICKS NEW CANDIDATES
The resignation of Texas Secretary of State (SOS) Geoff Connor has compelled Governor Perry to name his third S0S. Replacing Connor will be North Texas car dealer Roger Williams. Williams has been a leading fundraiser for President Bush and other GOP leaders. Governor Perry has also named his former in-house counsel David Medina to the State Supreme Court. Medina fills the slot vacated when Governor Perry elevated sitting Justice Wallace Jefferson to the Chief Justice slot. Medina was in private practice in Houston and also served as a Harris County District Judge.
CRADDICK TAPS PITTS FOR APPROPRIATIONS CHAIRMAN
Texas House Speaker Tom Craddick Friday named veteran legislator Jim Pitts of Waxahachie to chair the House Appropriations Committee. The position was in limbo with the apparent defeat (32 vote margin) of incumbent Chairman Talmadge Heflin of Houston. Heflin was one of five casualties among incumbents the general election. Others who lost were Democrat Dan Ellis of Livingston; and three freshmen, Ken Mercer (R-San Antonio); Jack Stick (R-Austin) and John Mabry (D-Waco). Former Chairman Heflin is to reveal today whether he will request a recount or whether he will ask the full Texas House to undertake a review of his election and loss to Vietnamese-American Hubert Vo in Dist. 149, in north Harris County.
REPORT TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
By: Lawrence Olsen
(Wednesday, October 27, 2004)
COLLEGE STATION--More than 1,900 registrants heard from the "brass" during the 78th gathering at the Transportation Short Course here. The two-day conclave was sponsored by the Texas Department of Transportation and the Texas Transportation Institute. Better than a score of sessions dealt with a wide variety of technical issues confronting the awarding agencies and those who contract with them.
A highlight of the session was the presentation of four highly coveted awards, competed for by department employees, and one top prize for a "civilian." Capturing the civilian award was Polk County Judge John Thompson. This is the Russell Perry Award, named for the late businessman and philanthropist from Dallas who was longtime TGR giant. Thompson of Livingston has proved his mettle for many years as a stalwart for the highway cause. Recently, he has played a big role in the Alliance for I-69.
Recipient of the D.C. Greer Award was Carol Rawson. Carol is the assistant director of the Traffic Operations Division. San Antonio Transportation Planning Engineer Clay R. Smith was named winner of the Gibb Gilchrist Award. Behrooz (Beh) Badiozzamani, deputy district engineer in the Pharr District, was awarded the Luther Deberry Award. And
Carl Bertrand, Supervising Pavement Engineer Specialist of the Materials and Test Division, was the recipient of the Raymond Stotzer Award, earmarked for a non civil engineer.
CHAIRMAN HELDENFELS URGES MEMBERSHIP
Membership committee chairman Fred Heldenfels urges members to act quickly to be eligible for the outstanding prizes available for the TGR membership contest. "We will figure out who the winners are by mid November," promised the former TGR president. "I am pleased that there are strong efforts in the Metroplex, Houston and Beaumont areas and hope that other regions will rival this, " added the San Marcos businessman. Mr. Heldenfels acknowledged that TGR vice president Jack Bowen of Fordyce in Victoria seemed to be in the lead for the top prize, but, “it’s not over, until it’s over. Someone could overtake Jack, though it would be a long shot at this stage."
TIME FOR EARLY VOTING DWINDLING
If you will be away from your home November 2, you have until Friday (October 29) to record your vote through early voting. Texans will help elect (or we hope reelect) a president, pick 32 members of Congress and 150 Texas House members, plus 15 state senators at the polls on the first Tuesday of November. Initial indications are that this year's early tallies are topping those of 2000 by considerable amounts.
CONGRESS PASSES 8TH MONTH EXTENSION OF FEDERAL HIGHWAY BILL
If this sounds like a broken record, it is. Congress has sent the White House an eight month extension of the federal highway reauthorization legislation. This is the sixth "mulligan" for the Congress for legislation that expired September 30, 2003. President Bush is expected to sign the legislation which will continue the nation's highway programs through March 31,2005. According to Engineering News Record magazine, only Texas and Florida have been able to maintain contract lettings at a solid level, because these states have utilized state funds.
MEMBERSHIP DRIVE----APOLOGIES FOR ANY CONFUSION
Recently we included a membership application that explained a new dues structure set to take effect October 1, 2004. This is a part of a drive to increase membership that ends November 5, 2004. Current members of the association will be billed in January of 2005. The next issue of the Texas Transportation Update, which you should receive in the next two weeks, will have more information on the membership drive. If you have any questions, please contact us.
CAMERON COUNTY JOINS RANKS OF RMAs
Represented by Commissioner David Garza of Brownsville, the Cameron County Commissioners court has successfully petitioned the Texas Transportation Commission and been granted status as a Regional Mobility Authority. The Transportation Commission approved the request unanimously, with Commissioner Hope Andrade absent because of an illness in her family. Commissioner Garza said that the West Loop (from the intersection of US Highways 77 and 83 to S. Palm Boulevard) was the first project in the new entity's vision. The Commissioner Court will name six individuals to the RMA and Governor Perry will name a Chairman. The other RMAs are Travis-Williamson County, Bexar County and Grayson (Sherman-Denison) County.
IF YOU WANT TO VOTE NOVEMBER 2, TIME IS SHORT TO REGISTER
If you know folks who have recently moved to Texas or who have just turned 18, October 4 is the deadline to register to be eligible to vote in November's general election. One can obtain a registration form on line from the Secretary of State's shop at www.sos.state.tx.us
POLITICAL TRIVIA
What is the most Republican county (among our 254) in a Texas that has no statewide Democrats in office? If you guessed, the hill country Kendall County (county seat Boerne), you were correct. In the last 32 presidential elections, Kendall has strayed from the GOP but twice, in 1912 when T. Woodrow Wilson was successful for the Ds because former President Teddy Roosevelt ran on a third party ticket and in the depths of the depression in 1932 when even the burghers of the Hill Country opted for FDR.
REPORT TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
By: Lawrence Olsen
(Friday, September 17, 2004)
PRIZES GALORE AWAIT VICTORS IN MEMBERSHIP CONTEST
Meeting in Austin last week, the TGR Membership Committee has extended the "new members" contest until November 5. Chairman Fred Heldenfels also announced that Holt CAT of Dallas/Fort Worth has contributed skybox tickets to an NBA contest between the visiting San Antonio Spurs and the Dallas Mavericks to be used during the coming season. This adds to the already contributed prizes by Williams Brothers Construction Co, Inc, Houston (tickets to the Green Bay Packer-Houston Texas game November 21), Hunter Industries, Hunter, (a hunt at Flying W Ranch in Uvalde) and 2 round trip air tickets donated by Southwest Airlines. In addition, Chairman Heldenfels announced a more streamlined dues structure, effective October 1. Retained as part of that structure is the $25 individual dues for government employees or retired (not employed) government employees.
"While the highway program has reached all time highs in contracting ($8 billion over the last two years), there are still many Texans who do not understand how our highways are financed. In fact, some believe there are "free" roads when in fact, all state system roads must be paid for by somebody, as must the maintenance for the same roads which are so vital to our safety and to our economy, " added Chairman Heldenfels.
Additional members throughout the state will be the messengers to spread these needed educational words to elected officials and local leaders in Texas, added the former TGR president. Go here for more membership information and applications.
SIGN UP NOW FOR GOLF TOURNEY, ADVISES CHAIRMAN COLLINS
Golf Committee Chairman Jeff Collins of Arcadis counsels TGR members to sign up right away for the fall tourney October 4 in Bryan. "Our sign ups are coming along quickly but to ensure your team a slot, you need to act soon," advised the lanky, Austin-bred engineer.
The would-be pros among our group, which is a considerable number, speak highly of the new Traditions course. We are again indebted to our friends at Trinity Industries, represented on the committee by Gillian Jenkins of the Beaumont office, who will do some post-round cooking for the participants.
Other golf committee members are Tom Robertson and Kelly Morgan, both of Hanson Pipe & Products; David Stroud, Ergon Asphalt & Emulsions; Gary Botkin, Capital Excavation; Eddie Bostic and Cham King, both of Austin White Lime Company; Bobby Nauert, Hunter Industries; Clark Ansel, Trinity Industries; Kevin King, TXI; Dean Lundquist, JD Ramming Paving; Kelly Brooks, Southern American Insurance Agency; Steve Maynard, Durwood Green Construction; Paul Messenger; McGriff, Seibels & Williams; Randy Rogers, Williams Brothers Construction, Bret Gowens, BorTunCo and Larry Senkel, Willis of Texas.
URBAN MOBILITY STUDY REVEALS ANNUAL REPORT
TGR friend Tim Lomax and his colleague Tim Schrank of Texas Transportation Institute recently released their annual survey on urban mobility in America. In the country’s top 85 cities congestion costs motorists 3.5 billion hours yearly, up from 700 million hours 20 years ago. Dallas had the largest increase in the two-decade period, from 13 hours in 1982 to 61 hours in 2002, in time of delay for the average peak-period traveler. Interesting, as the Dallas area has focused on significant increases in rail travel during the last decade while its cross state rival Houston did not. The study indicates that congestion increased more slowly in Houston, more so than any other comparable urban area. Local officials attributed this success to an aggressive highway construction program and increased use of toll roads.
COMMISSION ON THE ROAD IN 2005
The Texas Transportation Commission will continue its program to be more "mobile" in 2005, with meetings set for Houston (January) and Brownwood (July). TGR will sponsor breakfasts at both meetings; stay tuned for more details later.
IN MEMORIAM
Our condolences to TGR executive committee member Roger Hord of Houston whose wife Gwen died recently. Roger is president of the West Houston Association and for many years before that was a leading official of the Greater Houston Partnership.
Longtime Department employee Wayne Henneberger died in Austin recently. When Wayne retired many years ago, he headed the Bridge Division.
REPORT TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
By: Lawrence Olsen
(Thursday, September 2, 2004)
COMMISSION ENDS THE LONGEST DAY BY TOPPING FOUR BILLION DOLLAR MARK
Austin---When the Texas Transportation Committee began its deliberations August 26 a bit after nine a.m., few in the audience expected a lengthy meeting, as this was the month when no delegations appear. But when the meeting adjourned at near 6:30 p.m., even the representative of the Sierra Club, doubtless there to rail against some Commission policy, left
before testifying.
If it wasn't a record for a one-day meeting, it sure had to be close. When the smoke finally cleared (and there were more than a one volley fired at five-member commission), contracts for more than $650 million for the month of August were awarded. With August the end of the state fiscal year, it is now official that the Commission and TxDOT will have awarded $4 billion plus for the second straight year. And if one thinks that is not a significant achievement, one would be wrong.
In fact, Governor Rick Perry, who has named four of the five commissioners (former Chairman Johnny W. Johnson being named by Governor Bush in 1999), issued a press release that proudly hailed the actions of the Commission. "These construction dollars will directly translate into reduced traffic congestion, less pollution from auto emissions and more Moms and Dads making it to their children’s softball games and other activities on time. Texas is a national leader in progressive transportation solutions, and we’re pouring by far more concrete than any other state so that commuters and cargo can move more efficiently." Governor Perry also noted that the Texas totals were a billion more than the more populous California and nearly $3 billion more than the Empire State of New York, where the Governor is leading the Texas delegation in renominating President Bush at the GOP convention.
In a subsequent publication there will be a fuller airing of some of the discussion at the August meeting that included protests against the recently passed toll plan by the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority and the proposal to toll portions of SH 249 in Harris County. Speaking against the Centex plan were State Representative Jack Stick and Travis County Commissioner Gerald Daugherty. Representatives Peggy Hamric and Corbin Van Arsdale both told the Commissioners they oppose plans to convert an existing so-called "free" section of Texas 249 into a toll way to help fund its expansion toward College Station. State Senator Jon Lindsay, hailed by Commissioner Johnson as the father of the Harris County toll system, spoke favorably of the toll road concept.
CHAIRMAN HELDENFELS PUSHES MEMBERSHIP
Membership Committee Chairman Fred Heldenfels has called another meeting of the TGR committee to push the fall drive for added rolls. "Several of our members have offered nice prizes to be awarded to those who bring in the most new folks to our TGR roster," added Heldenfels of Austin, a former TGR president. Heldenfels said that the clear leader at this point is TGR vice president Jack Bowen of Victoria. "Unless someone really gets on the stick, Jack looks like a good bet at this point," added Heldenfels. During its deliberations next week, the committee will consider a slight alteration to the membership dues' structure.
FORE, SAYS JEFF COLLINS, FOR OCTOBER 4
Before you can say Hullabaloo, Caneck, Caneck, the fall TGR golf tournament will be here. Golf Chairman Jeff Collins informs the membership that the teeing off will be at the newly opened Traditions course, located in Bryan. A&M grad Collins says that you don't have to be an Aggie to sign up.
REPORT TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
By: Lawrence Olsen
(Friday, July 30, 2004)
COMMISSION USES NEW LAW TO MOVE FORWARD
CHILDRESS----Meeting here in the least populated of the 25 Texas highway districts July 28, the Texas Transportation Commission used several of the innovative powers granted it during by the last Legislature to move forward on several fronts.
The five member commission awarded the H.B. Zachry Construction Company of San Antonio a contract in the amount of $154 million to pursue the development, design and construction of SH 45 Southeast from I-35 at FM 1327 south of Austin to SH 130/US 183. This is the second award the commission has made under the Comprehensive Development Agreement (CDA). Zachry's proposal was considered the best value among the four submissions. Zachry has said it will complete the project in 930 calendar days, about December 2007, which should coincide with the completion of SH 130. Finishing second to Zachry was a team led by J.D. Abrams and Granite. Other submissions were made by LoneStar Infrastructure, winner of the SH 130 sweepstakes and a team led by Archer Western. The new road will be a part of the Central Texas Turnpike project.
The Commission also gave a green light to negotiate on a proposal by Montgomery County to use pass through tolling to construct improvements to four FM roads in the county and tolled direct connectors from SH 242 and SH 105 to I-45. As with the CDA authority, pass through tolling was part of the omnibus H.B. 3588 enacted during the last session of the Texas Legislature. Pass through tolling allows a local government or private entity to pay upfront for an improvement on a state highway and get reimbursed later by the state, generally through a fee based on the number of vehicles using the road. A similar pass through agreement is in the works, through the auspices of a regional mobility authority established in Grayson County (Sherman-Denison area). And finally, the Commission authorized the Houston district to employ advance acquisition of right of way parcels for SH 99 (the Grand Parkway). Again, this is another new wrinkle, courtesy of H.B. 3588, which allows the Department to offer cash "options" to landowners whose land may be needed for future road expansions. Landowner participation in the program is voluntary.
Commissioner Robert Nichols noted at the meeting, with the inclusion of the $154 CDA contract to Zachry, the awards agreed to by the Commission in July exceeded $770 million.
UNFORTUNATELY, CONGRESS DOES NOT EMULATE TEXAS LEGISLATURE (AGAIN)
While the conferees on the federal highway reauthorization seemed to make progress on hitting a compromise figure, the deadline for the Congressional summer break intervened. Congressional members have to attend their respective national conventions and visit the district before returning to the nation's business after Labor Day. As a result, the continuation of the federal highway spending authority was continued until September 24. This is the fifth extension of the authority was initially expired September 30, 2003.
STRONG CROWD ATTENDS TGR BREAKFAST
Some 50 folks convened over eggs and bacon at the Back Forty in Childress July 28 to hear from the Commission and other state leaders. Also speaking at the breakfast were Senator Bob Duncan of Lubbock and Representative Rick Hardcastle of Vernon. Also in attendance for a reception the previous day at the Childress County Heritage Museum was Representative Warren Chisum of Pampa whose district includes Childress County. TGR Childress district coordinator Larry Norton of the local Economic Development Commission opened the meeting. All five members of the Commission spoke at the breakfast, although the newest member from West Texas, Commissioner Ted Houghton of El Paso, was forced to explain his preference for his favorite treat, enchiladas with eggs over. Two Texas Road Hands were on hand: Gaynelle Riffe of Stratford and Clarence Muehlberger of Wichita Falls. Former TxDOT executive directors Arnold Oliver of Wichita Falls and Bill Burnett of Austin were faces in the crowd.
ANOTHER ROAD HAND MAKES NEWS
Governor Rick Perry has named Jerdy Gary to serve as chairman of the newly formed Grayson County Regional Mobility Authority (RMA). Jerdy was named a Road Hand in 1989 from the Paris district. He has been a leader in North Texas for many years and formerly was the executive director of the Texas Oil Marketers Association. Jerdy ran for Congress many years ago and came to politics naturally as his father served as the Governor of Oklahoma in the 1950s, as the first Oklahoma-born governor.
TGR MOURNS FOR BLAKE IRWIN, EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBER
A long time industry stalwart, Blake Irwin has died following a long illness. At his death, Blake was serving as President and CEO of the Lofland Company in Dallas, a manufacturer of reinforcing steel and other construction materials. Blake's family is asking for donations to be made to the First Baptist Church of Euless.
Always with a quick wit and a genial word, Blake requested that no one show up at his service (held today in Arlington) in a suit or tie, but instead to wear a favorite golf shirt. Always an avid linkster, Blake played baseball in high school with Tim McCarver in his native Memphis, Tenn. Our condolences to his wife Pam and the family.