About the Author
Mark Richardson is a multimedia journalist, editor and writer who has worked in digital, print and broadcast media for three decades. He is a nationally recognized editor and reporter who has covered government, politics and the environment. A journalism graduate from the University of Texas at Austin, he was recently awarded a Foundation for Investigative Journalism grant and has three Associated Press Managing Editors awards for excellence in reporting.
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Casar seeks backing for diverting trucks
Tuesday, March 24, 2015 by Mark Richardson
City Council Member Greg Casar is sponsoring an item on the March 26 Council agenda to formalize the city’s support for HB 594 and SB 270. The bills, filed by state Rep. Celia Israel (D-Austin) and state Sen. Kirk Watson (D-Austin), would direct the Texas Department of Transportation to provide reduced tolls for large trucks along the state-owned portions of State Highway 130 in an effort to divert traffic from I-35 through Austin. Casar said TxDOT studies have shown that previous toll discounts have increased truck traffic on SH 130 by as much as 45 percent. In 2014, I-35 in Travis County was ranked as the second-most congested roadway in the state and the most congested roadway for truck traffic in Texas. Casar’s resolution is co-sponsored by Mayor Steve Adler and Council Members Leslie Pool, Ann Kitchen and Sabino “Pio” Renteria.
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