State transportation officials are discussing a shift of responsibility for maintaining nearly 1,900 miles of urban highways in 59 cities to those cities' governments.
The Dallas Morning News reports the Texas Transportation Commission will discuss the proposal on Aug. 29. The newspaper reports the shift would force the city governments to absorb $165 million each year in new costs.
The legislature passed a bill this month that requires the commission to cut state highway spending by $100 million.
Texas Municipal League Executive Director Bennett Sandlin says the plan is would increase property taxes sharply for urban homeowners and businesses. He calls it a state "gimmick" to avoid the duty of providing an adequate highway system.
Copyright AP - Associated Press
