Leaders suggest TxDOT issue more bonds for projects

The letter suggests that TxDOT issue additional bonds so that numerous highway projects that have been put on hold throughout the state can be reinstated. "It is our understanding that you have been hesitant to issue these bonds because it would obligate additional Fund 6 [State Highway Fund] revenues for debt service and the expense of other Fund 6 responsibilities," reads the letter. It further states that the legislature appropriated $300 million in General Revenue funds to offset the cost of debt service and this revenue is available to TxDOT. "We suggest using the additional appropriation to repay short-term borrowing or to pay outstanding Proposition 14 bonds."

Proposition 14, approved by Texas voters, allows TxDOT to issue notes or borrow money. The letter-writers pledged to Andrade that during the next legislative session, they would redirect some of the State Highway Fund revenues "currently being spent by other state agencies in an amount sufficient to cover the cost of debt service on an additional $1.5 billion of Proposition 14 bonds."

Black said that would be "taking money back from TxDOT and giving money back to the legislature that the legislature never should have taken."

While bonding can be part of a strategy to fix the problem, Black said "a two-year debt plan is not a long-term solution. A long-term strategy on how to pay for roads has to come first."

So what alternative might the governor have in mind?

"The governor's plan is in place now," said Black, "in the way we're going about building the Trans-Texas Corridor" - with tools that include tolls, public/private partnerships and bonding.

Black said during the last legislative session, the legislature said "no" to long-term solutions that are necessary to continue statewide transportation projects. "That tap on the brakes brought transportation to a screeching halt."