Strategic Transportation Solutions Center

Economic impact of wait times at international points of entry (Aldrete Testimony)

Chris Sasser — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 14:17:11 +0000

On April 1, 2013, Rafael Aldrete, Director of the Texas A&M Transportation Institute’s Center for International Intelligent Transportation Research in El Paso, presented testimony on H.B. 1777, before the House International Trade and Intergovernmental Affairs Committee. Dr. Aldrete’s written remarks. Video of testimony (.ram file) presented by Dr. Aldrete (begins at 1 hour and 57 minutes into the recording of the meeting). It followed the comments of State Rep. Joe Moody when he laid out H.B. 1777 (beginning at 1 hour and 52 minutes into the recording). The bill relates to a study regarding the effects on international trade of wait times at points of entry between the United States and the United Mexican States.

Freight Shuttle System, a privately financed freight transportation option for automated and secure trade (Roop Testimony)

Chris Sasser — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 13:53:52 +0000

On March 22, 2013, Dr. Steve Roop provided testimony to the House International Trade and Intergovernmental Affairs Committee on the Freight Shuttle. The Committee convened the public hearing in the El Paso City Hall. No audio or video of the testimony is available. Dr. Roop’s presentation

The Current Status of Texas Transportation Infrastructure (Ellis Testimony)

Chris Sasser — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 16:51:00 +0000

On February 12, 2013, Dr. David Ellis, TTI Research Scientist and Manager of the TTI Infrastructure Investment Analysis Program, provided testimony to the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Articles VI, VII, and VIII. He responded to a request to address the current status of Texas transportation infrastructure, specifically as it relates to highways; projected Texas transportation needs; and potential future transportation funding solutions. Oral remarks were reflective of the written statement: Dr. Ellis’ Testimony. Video of testimony (.ram file) presented by Dr. Ellis (begins at 1 hour and 27 minutes into the recording of the afternoon session that began at 1:30 p.m.).

Panama Canal Stakeholder Working Group Findings (Turnbull remarks)

Chris Sasser — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 15:43:47 +0000

Dr. Katherine F. Turnbull reported on the findings of the Texas Department of Transportation’s Panama Canal Stakeholder Working Group and a TTI research project assessing opportunities associated with the Panama Canal expansion and examining potential impacts on Texas ports and landside infrastructure including roadways, railroads, and intermodal facilities. Her oral remarks were reflective of the written statement:Turnbull Report from the Panama Canal Stakeholder Working Group.

Additional Resources:

Video of Dr. Turnbull’s testimony (begins 10 minutes into the recording).

Final Report from the Panama Canal Stakeholder Working Group

Graduate Student Paper Competition–Addressing the Future of Texas Transportation

Chris Sasser — Wed, 28 Nov 2012 14:43:47 +0000

The Texas A&M Transportation Institute (TTI) Strategic Solutions Center is sponsoring a graduate-student research paper competition. Our goal: Encourage developing researchers to think about the future of Texas transportation.

All Texas A&M University graduate students, including those currently employed by TTI, are encouraged to enter the competition.

A $1,000 stipend will be awarded the winning entry. Papers must be submitted to the center by January 25, 2013.

For additional information, please download the flyer (PDF).

Significance of Freight Movement to Texas Manufacturing (Stockton Statement)

Chris Sasser — Mon, 26 Nov 2012 15:47:32 +0000

On November 14, 2012, Dr. Bill Stockton, TTI Executive Associate Director, provided testimony to the House Interim Committee, on the significance of transportation to the Texas manufacturing sector. The interim committee met in Houston, Texas, in the offices of the Greater Houston Partnership. No audio or video of the testimony is available. Summary written Stockton remarks.

Establishing Mobility Investment Priorities Under TxDOT Rider 42 (Lomax Statement)

Chris Sasser — Tue, 10 Jul 2012 21:12:35 +0000

Dr. Tim Lomax, TTI Senior Research Engineer and Regents Fellow, described for the two committees on July 9, 2012, the efforts underway responding to the Legislature’s mandate for relief in the State’s top 50 congested corridors and prioritization of $300 million set aside for that relief. Oral remarks were reflective of the written statement: Dr. Lomax’s Statement .

Video of Dr. Lomax’s testimony (begins at 1 hour and 16 minutes into the recording). Additional information on the status of the efforts for establishing mobility investment priorities under TxDOT Budget Rider 42 can be found in the article “TTI Has Major Role in State Congestion Relief Proposals.”

Establishing Mobility Investment Priorities Under TxDOT Rider 42 (Stockton Presentation)

Chris Sasser — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 16:19:33 +0000

Dr. Bill Stockton, TTI’s Executive Associate Director, described for the Committee on March 22, 2012, the efforts underway responding to the Legislature’s mandate for relief in the State’s top 50 congested corridors and prioritization of $300 million set aside for that relief. Additional information on the status of the efforts for establishing mobility investment priorities under TxDOT Budget Rider 42 can be found in the article “TTI Has Major Role in State Congestion Relief Proposals.” — Stockton PowerPoint presentation — Video of Stockton testimony (begins 1 hour and 31 minutes into the recording)

2030 Report Research Findings

Chris Sasser — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 16:17:25 +0000

Dr. David Ellis, TTI Research Scientist, provided an overview to the Committee on March 22, 2012, about the findings of the 2030 Committee appointed by the Transportation Commission Chair. He concentrated the remarks on efforts in 2010-2011 that culminated in ”2030 Committee: It’s About Time: Investing in Transportation to Keep Texas Economically Competitive” released in March 2011. That report, and the previous one identifying Texas Transportation Needs released in February 2009, can be found at: http://texas2030committee.tamu.edu. — Video of Ellis testimony (begins 1 hour and 5 minutes into the recording)

Summary of the 82nd Legislative Session

Chris Sasser — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 14:32:52 +0000

This document is a summary of official Texas A&M Transportation Institute (TTI) testimony, response to legislative requests, and transportation bills of interest passed.

Texas A&M Transportation Institute-Summary of the 82nd Legislative Session