January 8, 2020 - RivardReport.com -

Shifting transportation priorities in Texas will phase out expansive road development in the near future, Gov. Greg Abbott predicted Wednesday in a speech to the Rotary Club of San Antonio.

“The bottom line is this: The way people get around, the way people live is going to change,” Abbott said. “As a result, this generation of roads that [Texas Transportation Commission Chairman] Bruce Bugg is in charge of building is probably the last major buildout of roads we’ll have in the state of Texas, even considering the fact that Texas is the fastest-growing state in America.”

Though the governor limited his speculation on potential changes to the transportation landscape to more people walking and the introduction of flying cars, his forecast diverged from the way the Texas Department of Transportation has always operated: with the primary purpose of building roads and highways. Asked after his speech about the state’s role in improving public transit, Abbott said that is the purview of local governments.

Read more: https://therivardreport.com/gov-greg-abbott-emphasis-on-building-out-texas-roads-is-going-to-change/

Also, see commentary: https://www.dmagazine.com/frontburner/2020/01/governor-says-texas-is-finished-building-highways/