border trade advisory committee report cary karnstadt, txdot 2012 border to border transportation...
TRANSCRIPT
Border Trade Advisory Committee ReportCary Karnstadt, TxDOT
2012 Border to Border Transportation ConferenceSouth Padre Island, TX
November 14, 2012
OverviewOriginally established in 2001 by Transportation Code,
Sec. 201.114
Appointed by Texas Transportation Commission
Committee charge:Texas Transportation Code:
“The committee shall define and develop a strategy and make recommendations to the commission and governor for addressing the highest priority border trade transportation challenges.”
BTAC MembershipNumerous agencies along and near the border
Metropolitan planning organizations (6)Ports of entry (9)University research centers (2)Regional mobility authority (1)Cities (2)County (1)Other (4)
GoalsBTAC has identified four goals:
1. Promoting the development of ample and expendable trade transportation corridors.
2. Developing coordination mechanisms to foster trade between Mexico and Texas.
Goals3. Leveraging safety and security measures to enhance
trade efficiencies.
4. Demonstrating the economic benefits of international trade at the national, state, and local levels.
Implementation StrategiesTrade Transportation Corridors
• Support major trade corridors • Develop policies to facilitate trade
at both state and federal levels
Implementation StrategiesCoordination with Mexico• Coordinate with Mexico to ensure proper planning of trade corridors
• Promote more efficient international border crossings
• Promote cooperation with and understanding of U.S. policies
Implementation StrategiesSafety and Security Measures
• Promote efficiencies at international border crossings
• Develop international border crossings that take advantage of the latest technologies
• Review the Presidential Permit policy to facilitate international bridge construction
• Provide a balance between required inspections and efficient trade flow
Implementation StrategiesEconomic Benefits of International Trade
• Identify national, statewide, and international benefits of trade
How the Strategies are ImplementedRoad project development, planning, and
construction
International bridge expansions and new locations
Bi-national programs, policies, and coordination
Coordination of federal, state, regional, and local government activities and policies
How the Strategies are Implemented
Master plans and studies
Intelligent transportation system technologies
Border crossing efficiencies through new technology
Innovative financing
Example Challenges1. Current economic challenges along the
international border
2. Loss of momentum after national elections in either country
3. Many of the BTAC strategies and actions depend on actions and collaboration from federal agencies, such as DHS, USDOT, USCBP.
Example Successes1. Hidalgo County MPO has established a great working
relationship with the City of Reynosa, Mexico.
2. Multiple highway projects of the La Entrada al Pacifico trade corridor have been constructed in Mexico and Texas. (Midland-Odessa MPO/Midland-Odessa Transportation Alliance)
Example Successes3. The State of Coahuila
officially joined the Ports to Plains Alliance (TxDOT-LBB)
4. Eagle Pass/Piedras Negras is becoming the largest rail port on the southern border.
QuestionsContact Information
Cary Karnstadt TxDOT – TPP(S) 512-486-5056 [email protected]
Bill Frawley TTI 817-462-0533 [email protected]