TxDOT Administration Research: Tasks Completed in FY2009 (0-6581-TI-1)

This report describes the tasks completed in fiscal year 2009 in Project 0-6581, "TxDOT Administration Research," which encompasses multiple tasks that explore and support administrative aspects of transportation research. In Task 1, researchers explored questions regarding long-term sustainability of the fuel tax as the primary mechanism for funding transportation development in Texas and developed a model for estimating the revenue-generating potential of a fee based on miles driven ("mileage fee"). Task 2 identified trade flows between Mexico and the United States through the Rio Grande Valley land ports of entry. Task 3 was a collaborative effort of the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials and the Texas Transportation Institute, and produced a draft concept ("strawman") paper that outlined proposed basic principles and detailed key choices for a congestion performance measure. Task 4 continued the work from Task 1 on mileage-based user fees to outline the information needs required to make revisions to the initial federal-project grant proposal for a mileage-based user fee pilot prior to re-submittal. In Task 5, researchers assisted TxDOT in disseminating information related to its project tracker website, as well as gathering and relaying related information. Task 6 used the tools developed for the Texas Metropolitan Mobility Plan and the 2030 Transportation Needs Study as a basis for developing tools to evaluate the lag between funding and necessary estimated transportation needs; the task updates analyses regarding the state's 8 metro areas and 17 urban areas. In response to Rider 56 of TxDOT's appropriations bill, Task 7 is identifying the 100 most congested roadway segments in the state; work will continue in fiscal year 2010.