Senator Calls for Consideration of Improved Transportation Network

OKLAHOMA CITY A plan proposed by Texas Governor Rick Perry to build a gigantic new transportation system across the Lone Star state has caught the attention of Oklahoma State Senator Dave Herbert (D-Midwest City).

Governor Perry recently announced his plan for the Trans Texas Corridor, which would consist of a 4,000 mile system for border-to-border transportation, complete with toll roads, railroads and underground utility tunnels.

Texas has the right idea about investing in transportation for the future, says Senator Herbert. Our highways are congested and some are in less-than-ideal condition. The truck traffic is stifling and downright dangerous sometimes on our interstate system, and it's only getting worse. The proactive approach to this problem is to lay the foundation for a solution before it is too late, and Texas is setting the pace for the rest of the region."

Herbert says the estimated $175-billion Trans Texas Corridor plan should be a wake-up call for Oklahoma.

The future of Oklahoma's only passenger rail service, Amtraks Heartland Flyer, is hanging precariously in the balance, while states like Texas are taking a practical approach to ensure they are up to speed all over their state to build on the demands of a new transportation age, said Herbert. "With a plan like Governor Perry is proposing, Texas will be equipped to handle increased population, as well as the expected influx of truck traffic to and from Mexico associated with the North American Free Trade Agreement. It only makes sense that Oklahoma consider a similar plan since much of that traffic will continue north through Texas on into Oklahoma."