New Texas Transportation Group Vows to Fight Tea Party on How to Ease Traffic Jams

AUSTIN — Business groups, local elected officials and highway industry interests are launching a new group targeting commuters to raise awareness about the lack of funds needed to ease traffic congestion in Texas' four biggest metro areas, including Dallas-Fort Worth.Frustrated by tea party activists' vehement opposition to toll roads, such as the proposed "managed lanes" for Interstate 635 East in Dallas County, the transportation funding boosters have formed Texans for Traffic Relief.As motorists hit the road for the Thanksgiving holidays, the nonprofit will launch a website and begin educational efforts, said spokesman David White.Although voters in two recent statewide elections approved shifting general-purpose state revenues to roads, Texas' highway budget remains inadequate, he said."Common-sense solutions" that add to available road money and embrace innovation are crucial to easing congestion, he said.White, a GOP lobbyist and public relations adviser with roots as a conservative activist, said Texans for Traffic Relief would engage commuters in North Texas, Houston, San Antonio and Austin. It will inform them about how the Texas Department of Transportation's finances aren't rosy and ask their views on what should be done, he said.Opening shot"The Legislature has made historic investments in transportation, but with our exploding population growth it is not enough," White said. "Raising taxes is off the table, so if we aren't going to take advantage of innovative opportunities to fund our roads, then I guess we can just ask Santa Claus to pick up the tab."  Continue reading...