Gov. Perry Touts Progress in Texas Transportation

Gov. Rick Perry today touted the important strides Texas has made in bolstering transportation infrastructure in the state since 2001. The governor spoke at the Ninth Annual Texas Transportation Forum, where the Texas Transportation Commission announced the creation of the Governor Rick Perry Leadership in Transportation Award. Beginning next year, the award will be presented annually to recognize leaders who have shown a commitment to advancing transportation infrastructure in Texas.

Under Gov. Perry’s leadership, the Texas highway system has grown by more than 6,600 new miles from 2001 – 2012, more than any other state over that time, and invested more than $59 billion in transportation projects. This includes crucial projects across the state, from I-35 in Central Texas to I-10 in Houston, I-69 in the Rio Grande Valley and the Dallas-Fort Worth Connector. Texas has also implemented effective methods to fund new roads and highways, giving more control to local authorities who can best address their region’s needs and expanding public-private partnerships, all without raising taxes.

“Transportation fuels the economy that’s making it possible for families to build lives, but transportation is also essential to help families enjoy the lives they’ve built,” Gov. Perry said. “That’s a simple fact of life that we need to keep in mind moving forward. That’s why we’ve taken so many steps over the past decade to improve our roads, while remaining true to the essential Texas value of fiscal responsibility.”