Texas Legislators recently heard testimony from four TTI researchers who responded to committee questions regarding potential funding mechanisms for transportation in the state. The testimony was requested by the House Select Committee on Transportation Funding, Expenditures, and Finance.
Ginger Goodin, director of the Transportation Policy Research Center (PRC), addressed the topic of a Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) fee as a potential transportation funding source. Goodin was joined in her testimony by Assistant Research Scientist Trey Baker, who has researched the policy implications and implementation studies of VMT fees in other states.
Also testifying was David Ellis, leader of the PRC’s finance area and manager of TTI’s Infrastructure Investment Analysis Program. Ellis addressed the potential impact of a 5 cent-per-gallon increase in the state motor fuels tax and the potential effect of assigning the state sales tax to motor fuels in lieu of the current motor fuels tax. Ellis was assisted in presentation of the testimony by Brianne Glover, an assistant research scientist for TTI. | Goodin’s testimony | Ellis’ testimony