In Texas, our identified current transportation needs outstrip available funding sources 3 to 1. Texas has several specific transportation needs, such as seeking opportunities for increased funding, supporting international trade transportation and more efficient environmental processes, and expanding innovative financing techniques.

In the face of sharp decreases in traditional funding sources and the great number of critical transportation projects needed across Texas, the legislature enacted sweeping changes during the 79th legislative session. The legislation included fundamental changes to the laws governing transportation financing and development. They also provided the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) with the tools necessary to address current transportation needs.

Realizing this historic opportunity, Senator Shapleigh once again took a strong leadership role in the Senate Transportation and Homeland Security Committee. He joined forces in a bi-partisan effort on the conference committee with Senator Todd Staples (R-Palestine) and Mike Krusee (R-Round Rock) and passed H.B. 2702. H.B. 2702, addressed, among other things, the financing and development of Regional Mobility Authorities (RMAs).

To help speed the construction of needed roadways and to put the planning, development and operation of roads in the hands of community-based organizations, under H.B. 2702, RMAs can be created to provide more flexibility by using state and local dollar to leverage revenue bonds for major projects and construct them sooner rather than later. Through Senator Shapleigh's efforts, he ensure that El Paso is one of only two cities in Texas that has the authority to form an RMA, and that El Paso has the ability to finance projects in Texas, New Mexico, and Mexico if the projects are mutually beneficial to Texas. In addition, he ensured that project eligible for funding included Intermodal Hubs, Border Crossing Inspection Stations, and automated conveyor belt for the movement of freight.

By offering input and amending H.B. 2702 to include these provisions, an RMA in El Paso will afford our city the opportunity to significantly accelerate much-needed transportation projects and ensure that mobility decisions that affect our community are made in El Paso, not in Austin. The RMA will also enhance the value and utility of our commercial infrastructure as well as move people and product quickly and efficiently. This in turn will enhance the value of our region as a "just-in-time" port, increasing the number of jobs in the military and manufacturing sectors of our economy.