The Senate Committee on Transportation has released their interim report to the 85th Legislature which includes background, conclusions, and several letters to the Chair which cumulatively have concerns on every interim conclusion published. Below is a spotlight on the conclusions from the report; however, for complete details please refer to the report.
TxDOT Funding – with the infusion of additional funding, it is important that “TxDOT monitor and improve on several issues such as: increasing the amount of engineers on staff, which is essential for the day to day operations of TxDOT. As staff are responsible for the engineering and management of projects, it is necessary there are adequate staff accessible to implement in a timely manner, the additional projects that come with an increase in funding. As well as the purchase of Right of Way, and work with utility companies to relocate utility lines as projects progress.”
Vehicle Inspection System – “We conclude that vehicle safety inspections should continue to be implemented in order to keep driving conditions safe, until the inspections impact could be
proven otherwise. Finally, an issue that was not discussed was the funding gap which would hit General Revenue (GR) if the state were to remove or eliminate safety inspections.”
Regional Mobility Authorities – “As Texas continues to experience exponential population growth, demand on the state-wide transportation system will only increase. TxDOT’s partnerships with RMAs allow for the advancement of crucial transportation projects based on local needs and priorities. Upon review, there seems to be substantial oversight and reporting done by the RMAs.”
Driver Responsibility Program – “The issue of the drivers responsibility program should continue to be monitored and studied by the Legislature. DPS has recommended several viable recommendations to move forward with a transition in how the program should be implemented. Due to fiscal consequences, an all-out repeal would not be plausible and the legislator should consider perhaps looking closely at phasing the driver responsibility program into a points system while leaving Driving While Intoxicated (DWIs) as the lone program to collect the existing surcharges.”
Oversize/Overweight Vehicle Regulations – “It is too early and difficult to make any outright recommendations in regards to the new federal or state regulations that have recently passed. TxDOT works in conjunction with various state agencies to assist in routing for OS/OW vehicles. While the permitting process for these vehicles is administered by DMV and the enforcement is handled by DPS and local authorities, TxDOT’s deliver a safe, reliable, and integrated transportation system that enables the movement of people and goods. However, Texas needs to be a little more proactive in implementing some additional tools to help TxDOT address any additional strain put on the states infrastructure. One consideration is assessing a penalty for damages caused by third parties to bridges, highways and road signs especially if a truck is off a TxPROs specific route or fails to obtain a permit for a specific route. Finally, the Legislature should monitor DPS implementation of new federal standards as it relates to commercial vehicles and encourage the agency to find ways to mitigate and strains that exist with CDL testing and testing facilities. The agency should look at providing adequate facilities to safely administer CDL skills tests, as well as FTEs to serve as CDL examiners or to back-fill FTE shortages. Another option DPS may consider is entering into MOUs (contracts) with private and governmental entities desiring to administer CDL skills tests.”