Galveston looks at forming county transit district

Could help commuter rail

Steve Hawley, Apr 16, 10.

Galveston County and 12 of its 13 member cities voted to hold a public hearing on June 3 to help decide whether or not to create a countywide transportation district, according to the Houston Chronicle. Only Kemah, with a population of about 2,000, did not send a representative to the meeting.

The Chronicle says that a county transportation district “is key to building a passenger rail line linking Houston to Galveston Island.” It would also allow Galveston to “speak with one voice in dealing with state and federal agencies on transportation issues.”

As a result, Galveston County could compete for federal funds that are currently being used by the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO). The mayor of Friendswood said his city and League City combined are entitled to about $1.5 million, but all of that money goes straight to METRO. Forming a county district would divert that money back to Galveston County. After the 2010 Census is completed, which is expected to expand the official Houston metropolitan area, Texas City and La Marque could lose about $2 million annually to METRO.

A county transit district could also levy taxes with voter approval and supporting state legislation.

The public meeting will be held at 6 pm on June 3 at the Wayne Johnson Community Center in La Marque. After the meeting, the city and county governments will have 60 days to decide whether or not to establish the district. Individual cities may also hold their own public meetings prior to June 3.

(Photo credit: Phil Free)