An effective multimodal transportation system, encompassing air, rail and roads, is the foundation for the efficient delivery of goods, services and people, as well as job creation and overall economic growth and vitality.

However, as investments in transportation maintenance decline, roads and bridges will fail and plans for new roads and transit to expand capacity will have to be abandoned, which will have significant repercussions on our region’s economic growth. Expanding or relocating companies will look outside the state where there is less congestion and a higher level of dependability for the delivery of goods, services and people. We cannot afford to lose companies, or talented employees, to congestion. At AllianceTexas, this will jeopardize the $33.8 billion economic impact generated by the more than 200 companies and 28,000 employees that move in and out of our region.

How can these challenges be addressed?

These challenges cannot be addressed by maintaining the status quo. We must be smarter in facing the transportation crisis. We need greater coordination at the state and local levels to develop a transportation plan, along with next-generation transportation funding, that will address all of our state, regional and local needs. Without a plan and new sources of revenue, the transportation problem will not be solved. We need to evaluate funding levels in all areas of government and find existing revenue to invest in transportation, which generates multiple returns to the state and local governments.

There are only two options left: 1. maintain our current funding level and accept declining business enterprise investment, or (2) identify new and increasing funding to meet our needs. Transportation investments are not a “one-time-and-done” proposition; investments must be aligned with growing needs, just as with any business.

Regional planners are working with the public to determine what North Texas will look like in 25 years.

Mobility 2035 will outline transportation options necessary to ensure the region maintains its edge economically and continues to offer residents a desirable quality of life.

The plan will continue the region’s commitment to finding multimodal solutions to the mobility challenges faced every day. NCTCOG must also balance the desires of residents for improvements with the reality that funding will be limited.

Mobility 2035 is required to be financially constrained, which means the projects and programs it includes can be afforded based on current revenue projections. Roadway and rail expansions will figure prominently in the plan. But environmental awareness and other air quality concerns will also thrust sustainable development into the limelight. With the help of the public, transportation planners will continue working toward recommendations for Mobility 2035 through the end of the year.

Public comments will be accepted throughout the process, ensuring the region’s next long-range transportation plan accurately reflects the wishes of people using the system the most. The Regional Transportation Council is expected to take action in 2011.

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