Jon Lindsay, a strong political leader and advocate for transportation for over 30 years, was inducted into the Texas Transportation Hall of Honor at a luncheon ceremony in Houston on Tuesday, October 18. The luncheon was co-sponsored by the North Houston Association and the Texas Transportation Institute (TTI).
“Jon was a key member of the so called ‘super group’ that gave unprecedented priority and leadership to transportation in this region,” said Dennis Christiansen, TTI agency director. “He provided leadership as Harris County Judge for 20 years and in the Texas Senate for 10 years. He made the Harris County toll road system a reality.”
As County Judge, Lindsay initiated many innovative infrastructure projects. With him as the primary advocate, the Harris County Toll Authority was approved in 1983. Twenty-seven years later, the toll network is an essential part of daily life in Harris County, with about 550 miles of toll lanes in operation. This toll authority became the model for other parts of Texas.
“Jon Lindsay is a true transportation visionary who had the confidence in his convictions to change the landscape of transportation in Harris County,” said Bob Jones, president and CEO of Jones and Carter, Inc., who introduced Lindsay at the event. “His true calling is policy making and project delivery.”
As a State Senator, Lindsay led the initiative to create freight rail districts with eminent domain authority and the ability to issue bonds. Today he is president of the North Houston Association.
“I had a great team of supporters throughout my career in public service,” said Lindsay. “Thank you for all of the support and for this special honor.”
Other speakers at the luncheon were Texas Senator Tommy Williams, who provided a legislative update on transportation, and Mark Froehlich, chairman of the board for the North Houston Association.
A veteran of the United States Air Force, Lindsay began his career by forming his own construction firm in Houston in the early 1960s. He grew up in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and is a graduate of New Mexico State University.
Lindsay becomes the 35th member of the Hall of Honor, which was established in 2000 by TTI as a way to recognize select individuals who played pivotal roles in the advancement of transportation in Texas and the nation. Each individual inducted is recognized by a plaque on permanent display in the hall, which is located at TTI on the campus of Texas A&M University.