2045 Regional Transportation Plan

Do Houston's mega freeways contribute to regional flooding problems? Would more diversified transportation options allow the region to accommodate growth with fewer negative environmental impacts and create a more livable community?

The Houston Galveston Area Council (HGAC) has announced the beginning of their next Regional Transportation Plan process.  As described at the Plan website, the purpose of the plan is to set investment priorities for future transportation infrastructure in the region, including both short and long term strategies. This plan largely determines how future transportation funds will be spent, which projects will be built, and how those projects will impact our region's environment and ecosystems. Below are links to the Plan's website and comment page.
(Note: this plan process is separate and in addition to the METRO transit plan process that is currently underway).  

Link for the 2045 Transportation Plan web site:
http://2045rtp.com/     

Direct link to the comment form for the plan:
http://2045rtp.com/contact-us.aspx     

Some suggested comments that one could make:

The region needs to significantly improve transit, both bus and rail, as well as bike and pedestrian infrastructure to give people real options to auto travel.

The region needs to address carbon emissions in planning future infrastructure, and develop carbon dioxide reduction strategies.

Mega freeways, and highway infrastructure in general, create extensive paved surfaces that greatly exacerbate rainfall run off and subsequent flooding.  Transit, both bus and rail, can move more people with a much smaller footprint.

Expanded use of transit, bike, and pedestrian infrastructure means planning for people, which leads to more human scaled communities, and improved health benefits.  

For comments or questions, contact Frank Blake at frankblake@juno.com