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October 12th, 2004:
Libertarians Attack Perry's Trans-Texas Corridor and Regional Mobility
Authorities
For Immediate Release
Contact:
Patrick Dixon, LPT State Chair: 512-771-3936 chair@lptexas.org
Wes Benedict, LPT Executive Director: 512-442-4910 wesliberty@aol.com
Kris Overstreet, LPT Media Coordinator, 936-685-4992 cell 936-425-6523
redneck@wlpcomics.com
AUSTIN - "While tolls are a sensible method of financing new road and
bridge construction, the blanket tolling of existing roads is an extreme
idea," Patrick Dixon, Chair of the Texas Libertarian Party said today. "The
problems include double taxation, toll rates set by political forces
instead of actual user benefits, and decision making by unelected bodies."
Dixon pointed out that, contrary to official claims, sufficient revenue
exists from gas taxes to expand and maintain our state highway network.
"The problem arises with Democrats and Republicans in the statehouse, the
Congress and bloated bureaucracies who spend gas tax dollars on wasteful
projects like Boston's 'Big Dig' or billion dollar bridges to nowhere in
Alaska" Dixon explained.
"Politicians pandering to special interests have also diverted money into
non-roads programs like public transit and bike trails. That's why we see
congestion and gridlock."
Dixon acknowledges that transportation issues present a vexing problem.
"Government has created a situation where competitive solutions are not
viable," he admitted. "One alternative to Regional Mobility Authorities is
to have new roads built by private interests (land owners) who are then
reimbursed by TxDOT for all gas taxes generated by the road's users, for a
period of time.
"But the Trans-Texas Corridor is a scar across Texas," Dixon added. "It
will divide counties, drain the State Highway Fund and ultimately fail. We
need practical solutions, not grandiose visions."
House Bill 3588 permits Perry to take more than 20% of the State Highway
Fund for T-TC. "That would cripple urban areas with urgent needs," said
Vice Chair Nancy Neale. "Our Highway funds are already being looted for
other uses."
The State Libertarian Executive Committee voted for a resolution Saturday,
October 9, that condemns Rick Perry's road financing plans as embodied in
House Bill 3588. It also states that any toll projects undertaken should be
approved by voters.
"Ideally, we want a situation where the people that use a resource are the
ones that pay for it," said Dixon. "We would like to encourage a market
condition where the Laredo bypass, a privately developed and operated
freeway, is viable. The Pennsylvania Turnpike Authority is a long standing
example of a self-funding freeway project. Let's start thinking outside the
'tax and spend' box and provide real solutions."
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