AUSTIN, TX -- Today, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick appointed Senator Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa as a member of the Senate Select Committee on Transportation Planning, created by HB 20. The committee will oversee the state's approach to infrastructure planning, and the operations and expenditures by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and planning organizations.

Senator Hinojosa offered the following statement regarding his appointment:

"I thank Lt. Governor Patrick for entrusting me with the important task of planning for our state's future transportation needs and appointing me to this committee.

Transportation is the lifeblood of our economy. For decades, our state highway system was efficient, expeditious, and the envy of other states. Our highways made Texas the economic powerhouse it is today. But with demand for road space now far outpacing supply, the lack of planning and investment in our transportation infrastructure could bring our economy to a halt.

We must work towards expanding our roads and highways, advancing our transportation infrastructure goals, and improving the safety of our families. I look forward to working with the committee to find ways to provide the transportation planning and infrastructure that our state needs and Texans deserve."

Other members of the Committee include Chairman Robert Nichols, Senators Bob Hall, Joan Huffman, and Charles Perry.

The Senate Select Committee on Transportation Planning is tasked with evaluating numerous matters including: (1) TxDOT projections regarding revenue needed to maintain current maintenance, congestion, and connectivity conditions; (2) TxDOT's rules/policies regarding project prioritization; (3) TxDOT's collaboration with state elected officials, local governments, MPOs, RMAs and other entities when adopting rules or policies; (4) Performance metrics used by TxDOT to evaluate the performance of a project or program; (5) Other matters the committee considers appropriate.

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