The Trans Texas Corridor incorporates toll and non-toll roads, high-speed freight and commuter rail, water lines, oil and gas pipelines, electric transmission lines, broadband and other telecommunications infrastructure in the same corridors.
Perry said the plan is a fiscally responsible and innovative transportation blueprint that will improve our state's transportation needs, move the transport of hazardous materials out of urban population centers, reduce air pollution and significantly improve opportunities for economic development and job creation in Texas.
"We need a transportation system that meets the needs of tomorrow, not one that struggles to keep up with the needs of yesterday," Perry said, adding state and federal funds can be combined with public and private entities to design, build, operate and manage the innovative system without the need of a tax increase.
With population projections showing that Texas could grow from 21 million residents today to 50 million over the next few decades, Perry stated that planning for tomorrow's transportation needs is essential.
The Corridor will link with existing interstate systems, three existing regional transportation systems and major ports of entry in Laredo, El Paso, Brownsville, Corpus Christi and Houston. Perry asked Texas Transportation Commissioners to finalize a plan by this summer.
