Panel proposes changes for TxDOT

The Houston Chronicle ^ | June 2, 2008 | Peggy Fikac

[Tolerance Sucks Rocks]

AUSTIN — Saying big changes are needed to restore trust in the Texas Department of Transportation, the Sunset Advisory Commission staff is recommending a revamp of its governing board, project planning, and dealings with lawmakers and the public.

The commission's report, to be released today, comes in the wake of controversy over planned public-private partnerships on toll roads, the route of the proposed Trans-Texas Corridor transportation network and questions concerning agency funding figures. The Houston Chronicle obtained a copy of the report.

"The Sunset review of the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) occurred against a backdrop of distrust and frustration with the Department and the demand for more transparency, accountability, and responsiveness," the report says. "Many expressed concerns that TxDOT was 'out of control,' advancing its own agenda against objections of both the Legislature and the public."

The report says, "tweaking the status quo is simply not enough" to restore trust.

Proposals go to Legislature

The Sunset Commission reviews agencies periodically to see whether they should continue to exist and whether changes are needed in how they operate. The Legislature in 2009 will consider any changes proposed by the commission.

Among the proposed changes, the staff recommends replacing the five-member commission with a single commissioner, who would have a two-year term rather than the current six-year term. The shorter term would put the required confirmation before the Senate more often, giving lawmakers more oversight.

"We wouldn't have a problem with that," said Allison Castle, a spokeswoman for Gov. Rick Perry, of the proposal to change from five appointed commissioners to one.

The commissioner, however, still would be appointed by the governor, leaving room for concern by opponents of TxDOT's policies. That's because the policies pushed by the Texas Transportation Commission are in sync with those of Perry, who names the commissioners. Opponents of those policies would prefer an elected commissioner or commissioners.

"I wasn't as much of a stickler on whether there was one, three or five. The most important thing is that they're elected positions," said Sal Costello of TexasTollParty.com. "It gets right down to who's accountable."

Matter of confidence

Other proposed changes include increasing legislative oversight through a new House-Senate committee; making TxDOT's transportation planning and project development more open and easily understood; enhancing chances for public involvement; and improving TxDOT's contract management.

"The confidence of the Legislature and the public are very important to us," TxDOT spokesman Chris Lippincott said Monday. "We still have work to do, but we are confident that our ongoing efforts to improve the transparency and accessibility of TxDOT are making a positive impact."

[Tolerance Sucks Rocks]

Report: TxDOT "out of control"

An end to the Texas Transportation Commission?

[Tolerance Sucks Rocks]

Trans-Texas Corridor PING!

[E.G.C.]

BTTT

[hedgetrimmer]

This is who is corrupting the TxDOT. It is the US department of transportation, and there is where Texans have to start cleaning up the federal government.

[servantboy777]

It's not only TxDot we need to abolish, we need to throw out all the hyper-globalist elitist bureaucrats, starting with Gov. Perry.

These people are killing our country. Massive outsourcing, open borders, sanctuary cities, policy promoting entitlements to illegals and so forth.

No one voted for the Trans-Texas Corridor, no one voted to approve massive toll road projects.

These people are continuing to operate and advance policy and agendas that are contrary to the will of the citizens of Texas.

[Ben Ficklin]

You are focused on the wrong thing. You need to be looking at the National Infrastructure Bank.

Pelosi is calling for a second stimulus which will be infrastructure spending. A new New Deal.

[hedgetrimmer]

I think there are many facets to the problem, actually. Its one way to paralyze the citizens, when there are so many attacks on our rights and sovereignty, it’s hard to know where to start.

[Deek]

This is who is corrupting the TxDOT. It is the US department of transportation

I fear TxDOT has done a fine job of corrupting themselves. They have somehow managed to convince themselves that it is "TxDOT against the world (Fed, Legislature, NTTA, even public)". It is an organization run by Civil Engineers that holds all non-engineers in contempt (think Peter Principle). It has show to be an organization that is either so incompetent that it can misplace $1B, or so arrogant that it believes that the $1B will not be missed by the public or legislature.

Texas has very real infrastructure problems in transportation (and a growing water problem). The gas-tax is fatally flawed. The current road network in Texas (an most of the country) is functionally socialized (we don't pay for what we use, we pay a "tax", and the government decides how to allocate that).

TxDOT may have had the right idea about toll-roads, but their implementation has been a disaster. They have been politically inept, arrogant and in many cases incompetent. They make the Toll Authority in Dallas (NTTA), which is one of the least efficient in the country, look like shining star.

I have no idea how this will play out, but IMHO, the Commission is not the problem. Until TxDOT staff includes Financial Controllers and experienced Operations Managers, we are faced with much of the same.

[girlscout]

They need to start by booting Gov. Perry’s butt out of office. He’s no innocent in the TTC crapola.

[Ron H.]

As a proposed suggestion. Increase the number to say 8 or even 10 with one more appointed by the Guv and confirmed by the Senate to head up the commission; draw up districts that represent the various demographics impacted and have them run for election in staggered years. How long should the terms be is the question. I'd recommend possibly 4 year terms.

Gotta start somewhere but ultimately decisions made here should be held accountable by the public and noy another elected pol with his own business interests agenda.

[wolfcreek]

We sort of did vote for it in a round about way.

Nov. 2001 Special election

PROPOSITION 15 (SJR 16)
“The constitutional amendment creating the Texas Mobility Fund and authorizing grants and loans of money and issuance of obligations for financing the construction, reconstruction, acquisition, operation, and expansion of state highways, turnpikes, toll roads, toll bridges, and other mobility projects.”

I think about 750,000 people voted in this election. I was not one of them.