Past MOTRAN Chair Drew Crutcher Appointed to 2030 Committee

State Representative Joe Pickett, Chairman of the Texas House Transportation Committee, spoke to MOTRAN members and local officials at an area transportation luncheon.

The September luncheon was hosted by MOTRAN and State Representative Tryon Lewis and co-sponsored by Reece-Albert Construction.

Chairman Pickett spoke about the financial constraints experienced by the state's transportation system in trying to meet future needs and demands. While noting the need for additional funding for transportation purposes, Pickett also said that given the current budget projects and recent economic slump that the state was unlikely to appropriate additional funding or undertake major initiatives related to transportation funding. Pickett mentioned several ideas for additional funding, including an across the board charge for vehicle registrations, as opposed to, the current graduated method, based on the age of the vehicle.

Chairman Pickett also indicated that overall transportation funding while significant, is being used almost entirely for maintenance of the existing system. He went on to add, under the current system, after 2011, funding would no longer be available for new construction.

Pickett, who represents El Paso in the Texas House of Representatives, also talked about reform efforts aimed at the Texas Department of Transportation, including the passage of Sunset legislation and other measures in the 2011 legislative session.

"We appreciate having Chairman Pickett spend time in the Permian Basin. His insight and willingness to listen to our concerns was appreciated by folks throughout our area. We also appreciate Representative Tryon Lewis's efforts to get him to our part of the state.", said MOTRAN Board Chairman David Boutin.