Today Legislators from both sides of the aisle, including an outspoken Capital Metro critic, stood behind the agency. Lawmakers endorsed recent board actions that will pump $121 million into transportation projects bringing relief to Central Texas Drivers.

State Representative Mike Krusee (R- Williamson County) announced the agreement during a press conference Thursday, flanked by State Senator Gonzalo Barrientos (D-Austin), Board Chairman Lee Walker, and Representative Terry Keel (R-Austin).

“I believe the Capital Metro Board is acting in a responsible and admirable manner to address the transportation crises facing Central Texas,” said Rep. Krusee. “They are using the light rail savings to bring relief to Central Texas drivers. These extra funds have come at a critical time and will help us with transportation projects that would otherwise have to wait.”

As a result of the agreement, Rep. Keel has said he will not pursue four bills he previously filed involving Capital Metro, including one which would have forced a vote to cut the agency’s tax rate in half.

Sen. Barrientos kicked off the news conference by praising the progress Capital Metro has made under the leadership of a new board and new management. Barrientos said, “This Board has turned the agency around. They’ve restored public trust. A recent federal audit could find no problems at the agency.”

Earlier this year, Capital Metro’s Board committed $91 million to regional transportation projects. The Board also voted to return a quarter of the one-cent sales tax this year ($30.4 million) to communities in the service area for local transportation projects.

“I want to thank Rep. Krusee, Sen. Barrientos, Rep. Keel, and our entire legislative delegation for their bi-partisan support of Capital Metro,” said Chairman Walker. “I speak for our entire board when I tell you Capital Metro is committed to continuing to find ways to take the lead in helping solve our traffic problems. $91 million is a start. This board accepted the challenge from the Chamber of Commerce to find another $109 million over the next decade. “

As part of the agreement, Krusee filed HB 2440, which requires any future election on light rail beheld in November in an even-numbered year. Krusee says this ensures higher voter turnout for any light rail election by Capital Metro.

The bill will be joint-authored by Rep. Keel, Rep. Glen Maxey (D-Austin), and sponsored by Sen. Barrientos in the Senate.

“I personally support the Krusee-Barrientos bill allowing for a light rail election only in even-numbered Novembers,” said Walker. “ While the entire Board has not voted on this, I have talked to several of my colleagues and they’ve indicated they support the proposed legislation. I pledge to take this to our Board for action at the March meeting. “