AUSTIN – Yesterday, MobilityATX, a special interest group sponsored in part by Austin-area governments, released its findings on near-term traffic solutions for the Capitol City. Its chief recommendation is to fully fund Austin’s Bicycle Master Plan at a cost of $151 million to be financed through additional debt. Texas Public Policy Foundation’s Director of the Center for Local Governance James Quintero issued the following statement:
"MobilityATX’s new report urges city leaders to issue more than $150 million in bonds to finance hundreds of miles of new bike lanes as a way to alleviate traffic congestion. This proposal is not only poor transportation policy, but also bad fiscal policy—especially considering that the city of Austin is already deep in debt. Austin city government already owes more than $8.7 billion in total debt or roughly $9,500 per resident. Adding to that already significant fiscal burden will only mean higher taxes and an even less affordable community for struggling residents.
“To keep Austin moving in the right direction, city leaders need to consider other more serious and cost effective solutions.”
To schedule an interview with Mr. Quintero, please contact Caroline Espinosa at[email protected] or 512-472-2700.
James Quintero is director of the Center for Local Governance at the Texas Public Policy Foundation.
The Texas Public Policy Foundation is a non-profit, free-market research institute based in Austin, Texas.