(AUSTIN) — Senator Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo, has been named to a new panel charged with overseeing Texas transportation infrastructure improvements, Lt. Governor David Dewhurst announced recently.

Chaired by the Senator Tommy Williams, R-The Woodlands, who also is Chair of the Senate Finance Committee, and Vice-Chaired by Senator Robert Nichols, R-Jacksonville, who also is Chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, the new Senate Select Committee on Transportation Funding will address comprehensively the state's infrastructure funding needs. Lt. Governor Dewhurst charged the committee with considering at its first meeting the Texas Department of Transportation's plan to convert certain paved roads to gravel.

"I am delighted to serve on this important committee and look forward to working collaboratively and constructively with my colleagues to address Texas' transportation challenges," Senator Zaffirini said. "Maintaining high-quality transportation infrastructure throughout our state is critical to our continued economic prosperity."

Senator Zaffirini, a member of the Senate Finance Committee and of the Legislative Budget Board, has been vocal in opposing TxDOT's plan to convert paved highways to gravel and has worked actively with the agency, constituents and energy industry stakeholders to identify alternatives.

Other members of the new select committee include Senator Donna Campbell, R-New Braunfels; Senator Kevin Eltife, R-Tyler; Senator Kelly Hancock, R-North Richland Hills; Senator Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa, D-McAllen; Senator Kel Seliger, R-Amarillo; and Senator Carlos Uresti, D-San Antonio.

"I carefully chose the members of the committee to ensure the interests of all Texans are adequately represented," Lt. Governor Dewhurst said.

SENATOR JUDITH ZAFFIRINI, D-Laredo, serves on the new Senate Select Committee on Transportation Funding. The committee will address Texas' comprehensive transportation infrastructure needs as well as the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT)'s plan to convert certain paved roads to gravel.

A LARGE TRUCK carrying heavy equipment takes up both lanes and delays traffic on FM 469 in La Salle County on Tuesday. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has proposed converting FM 469 and other paved highways to gravel.

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