Transportation
Transportation
Street and Highway Transportation:
With mobility a major concern for all residents of the 29th District, I have worked in Congress for a variety of street and highway improvements for the Houston area. Among my priority projects are the Central Street Bridge over Manchester Avenue, the construction of four direct connectors at UUS 59 and Beltway 8, the construction of a flyover connecting Hwy 146 and Spur 330 in Baytown, the rebuilding of Clinton Drive to accommodate its heavy truck traffic and improve safety, and the extension of US 90 from Uvalde and Beltway 8 (Wallisville) to 610 near Hunting Bayou. These and other projects are all designed to improve mobility for residents and commerce and spur redevelopment.
Rail:
Mobility issues caused by the heavy concentration of railroads in the Houston area must be addressed. In response to community concerns, my office facilitated the formation of the East End Rail Task Force and has worked for the elimination of dangerous and time-consuming grade crossings near homes and schools.
Additionally, with the current expansions of the Panama Canal and Mexico’s Port Lazaro Cardenas del Rio, we expect a large increase in container traffic in the Gulf Coast region.
With the largest U.S. port in terms of foreign tonnage and an extensive rail network connecting to regional and national markets, Houston has the resources needed for the container handling to grow and the resulting economic growth this will bring our area. But the already congested Houston rail network must be prepared for that growth. We must continue to improve upon the Houston rail network for local communities and area businesses.
Aviation:
Houston's Bush Intercontinental Airport and Hobby Airport serve the 29th District and improving the facility's safety and efficiency for Houston travelers is among my priorities. I work closely with airport officials and federal agencies to improve security, reduce hassles, and upgrade infrastructure for the benefit of travelers and businesses that use the airport.
Maritime Transportation:
Major sections of the Port of Houston and the Houston Ship Channel are included in the 29th District, and I am working through Congress to improve the Port's position as an international hub for commerce and a major generator of jobs for Texans. From the deepening and widening of the Ship Channel to accommodate modern shipping, to supporting federal funds for port and ship channel security, I am actively involved in responding on a federal level to the needs of our Port and maritime industry.