MEDIA ADVISORY: February 27, 2001

Capital Metro’s Board Commits $91 Million

to Solve Traffic Problems

Total regional commitment reaches $121 million

Capital Metro Board members Monday committed $91 million to help relieve traffic problems for Central Texas drivers. The money will pay for transportation projects that help mobility throughout the Capital Metro service area.

The $91 million will be added to the Board’s earlier commitment of approximately $30 million. Last December, Capital Metro Board members voted to return a quarter (1/4^th) of the one-cent sales tax this fiscal year to the communities where it was collected. The money must be spent on transportation and mobility projects.

The Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization’s 25 Year Plan will be used as a guide for prioritizing spending of Capital Metro’s $91 million commitment.

Here’s how the money adds up.

· $20 million accelerated payment from the Build Greater Austin (BGA) Fund.

· $42 million to speed up current transportation projects like the North MoPac (Loop 1) Right-of-Way. This City of Austin/Travis County project includes design and right-of-way needed for HOV lanes.

· $5 million over ten years for incident, or wreck, management. The money would help pay for a “war room” central communication center to clear accidents from roadways more quickly. This center would coordinate communications between Capital Metro, Austin Police, TxDOT, and Williamson and Travis Counties.

· $24 million (the balance of the $91 million) for regional transportation projects. The projects must meet criteria established by the Board and will be guided by the CAMPO Plan.

Capital Metro’s board is committed to making money available as soon as possible to bring quick relief for Central Texas drivers.