Livability News - Megaregion
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State Senate approves creation of high-speed rail authority
Bill goes to House
The corporation would be charged with planning and developing a 200 mph rail system connecting Houston, Austin, Dallas/Fort Worth, and San Antonio.
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House leaders discussing broader local-option funding proposal
Would include every city
The proposal would allow communities statewide to raise their own gas taxes, unlike a narrower version that excludes the Houston region.
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Texas transportation commissioner: fix transportation with taxes, tolls, and flexibility
Says system needs more funding
Commissioner Ned Holmes says that states need more funding, and that highway funds should also be used to build passenger and freight rail lines.
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State House considers bill to speed environmental process
Could bias review agencies?
Some groups are concerned that the bill could jeopardize the federal environmental process and bias review agencies in favor of certain transportation projects.
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State Senate approves safe passing act
Sets minimum passing distances
The bill, which must be taken up by the House, would mandate minimum passing distances near vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and bicyclists.
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Local-option transportation bill passes TX Senate, excludes Houston
SB855 excludes Harris County
The bill, which excludes the Houston region, would allow 19 counties to fund transportation projects through local fees approved by voters.
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Fort Worth communities prepare for new rail line, planning TODs
Stops expected to boost growth
Fort Worth area planners, community business leaders, and others are taking a proactive approach to creating economic growth around planned rail stops.
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New school board standards question climate change
Environmental groups upset
The new standards require students to "evaluate different views on the existence of global warming" while examining causes and effects.
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Austin introduces bike-sharing, car-sharing for city employees
Attempt to reduce traffic
Austin has created bike-sharing and car-sharing programs for city workers as part of a pilot program to reduce traffic congestion and greenhouse gas emissions.
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AT&T to broadcast Texas lege
Statewide trial program
AT&T will begin broadcasting the Texas House of Representatives legislative sessions on their cable network across the state, including in the Houston area.
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