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TEXAS LEGISLATURE: Lawmakers get map of transportation needs

Tuesday, 12 February 2013 17:57

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Texas transportation officials say they will need about $4 billion more per year to maintain and improve the state's aging highway system and keep its growing population moving.

Phil Wilson, executive director of the state Department of Transportation told House lawmakers that Texas is nearing the end of a decade of construction and maintenance fueled by bonds and other revenue sources.

Wilson says that without new money, state roads are facing a "perfect storm" of a growing population trying to use aging highways.

Gov. Rick Perry has said he wants to spend more than $3 billion from the state's Rainy Day Fund for water and road projects.

The Legislature also is considering a state constitutional amendment to dedicate billions in annual car purchase sales taxes to highway construction.

Published in Around Texas

Greater Magnolia Chamber offers transportation forum, Feb. 28

Wednesday, 20 February 2013 16:20

With transportation being critical to the Magnolia area and transportation improvements in progress and on the way, the Greater Magnolia Chamber of Commerce will host a Transportation Update. This forum featuring Dr. David Ellis of the Texas A&M Transportation Institute and Lamar Casparis of the 249 Partnership will be at the Chamber's Monthly Business Luncheon, Feb. 28.

Ellis is a senior research scientist and manager of the Infrastructure Investment Analysis Program at the Texas A&M Transportation Institute. He is also a visiting professor of urban planning in the Department of Urban Planning, College of Architecture at Texas A&M University. He received his bachelor's degree in Agricultural Economics, a master's of Urban Planning, and a doctorate in Urban and Regional Science, all from Texas A&M University. His areas of interest include transportation finance and economics, demographics, and tax policy.

Casparis is a founding member of the 249 Partnership, a regional alliance dedicated to developing the SH 249 area from Houston to Bryan-College Station and beyond. He is also the 2013 chairman of the Greater Tomball Area Chamber of Commerce. As a certified public accountant with Fitts Roberts & Co., P.C. in Houston, Casparis holds multiple credentials in valuation and forensics and is a certified information technology professional. He is the current chairman of the American Board of Forensic Accountants.

Both Ellis and Casparis will offer an update on transportation in the greater Magnolia area. Mont-gomery County Commis-sioner Craig Doyal will be the chamber's special guest as well.

Doors for the MACC Business Luncheon open at 11:30 a.m. in the Celeste Graves Education Support Center, 31141 Nichols Sawmill Road. This Monthly Business Luncheon is open to the public and RSVPs are available by emailing, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by calling the Chamber at 281-356-1488. Tickets are $15 for members and $20 for non-members.

Published in Business