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What is the Texas Transportation Commission? |
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The Texas Transportation Commission consists of five
commissioners appointed by the
governor
with the advice and consent of the senate to govern the
Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). The
commissioners' six-year terms are staggered, so that an
appointment is generally made every two years. The governor
designates one commissioner to serve as the chair.
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What are the commission's responsibilities? |
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The Texas Transportation Commission is responsible for:
- planning and making policies for the location, construction and maintenance
of state highways,
- overseeing the design, construction, maintenance and operation of the state
highway system,
- developing a statewide transportation plan that contains all modes of
transportation, including highways and turnpikes, aviation, mass transportation,
railroads, high-speed railroads and water traffic,
- awarding contracts for the improvement of the state highway system,
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encouraging, fostering and assisting in the development of public and mass
transportation in the state, and
- adopting rules for the operation of the department.
A complete list of Commission duties is available in the
Texas Administrative Code.
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Who determines which projects to present to the commission? |
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A majority of the state's transportation program is determined locally. Most
projects involving local roads or improvements to existing highways are selected
by TxDOT's districts and divisions.Major projects that improve mobility or
safety are selected by the commission as part of the Unified Transportation
Program, a 10-year statewide plan for transportation project development. These
high-cost projects must compete with similar jobs from all over the state to
receive funding.
Each must follow three authorization stages: planning, development and
construction. Due to complex planning and development requirements, the
commission selects projects up to four years in advance based on anticipated
funding.
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How can I get involved in transportation planning activities at the
local level? |
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Building a highway, bridge or other major transportation improvement is a
complex, long-term process that involves the participation of both
transportation professionals and the public. Local communities in cooperation
with TxDOT districts determine their transportation priorities. These priorities
form the basis for how projects move through the TxDOT selection process.
There are many opportunities for local involvement in transportation projects.
To learn more about public involvement opportunities, contact your
local TxDOT district.
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How can I communicate with the commission? |
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Local citizens and interest groups can form delegations and make presentations
before the commission at their monthly
meetings. Individual citizens also have the opportunity to express their
concerns about any item posted on the agenda, or any issue that falls under the
commission's jurisdiction. To learn more about delegations or how to be added to
the commission's meeting agenda, please visit the Texas Administrative Code
Web site and click on §1.4.If you are unable to attend commission
meetings, you may write a letter to the commission at 125 East 11th Street,
Austin, Texas 78701-2483.
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Where does the commission hold its meetings? |
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Meetings are usually held at the DeWitt C. Greer building in Austin, located
at 125 East 11th Street. To make it easier for citizens throughout Texas to
participate in the transportation planning process, the commission schedules 3-4
meetings a year at locations around the state.
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How often does the commission meet? |
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The commission meets once a month, usually the last Thursday
of the month.
Meetings
generally begin at 9 a.m.
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How may a citizen or organization appear before the commission? |
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There are several opportunities for a person or group to speak before the
commission during the monthly commission meetings.Posted Agenda Items
- Any one may sign up to speak on a posted agenda item. Sign up cards are
available at the registration table and speakers will be heard on an item before
the commission votes.
Open Comment Period - At the end of the agenda of each regular
commission meeting, the commission will allow up to one hour for an open comment
period during which speakers may address the commission on any subject under the
jurisdiction of the commission. Speakers must sign up before the beginning of
the open comment period using a card provided at the registration table.
Generally, for posted agenda items or during the open comment period,
speakers are allowed three minutes for comments. The commission chair may limit
or extend that period to assure that as many people as possible may speak during
the time available.
New Agenda Items - A person may request that an item be added to the
commission agenda. The request must be in writing and received by the commission
chair at least 20 days before the date of the meeting. The request must include:
- the name and address of the person making the request;
- a clear and concise statement of the subject of the proposed agenda item;
and
- a brief summary of the action sought.
If the chair determines that the proposed item is within the jurisdiction of
the commission and concerns a matter in which there is sufficient public
interest to warrant consideration by the commission as an agenda item, the chair
may place the matter on the posted agenda for the next meeting or a subsequent
meeting.
Complete guidelines for appearing before the commission are contained in the
Administrative Rules at Title 43, Texas Administrative Code, §1.4.
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