Regional Mobility Authority
byH. Vanoy Barton
The proposed RMA (regional mobility authority. What is it and how does it affect you? Why should you care? Do we need it? Why the controversy? Is it a good thing?
El Paso needs more roads. Our city is growing and traffic congestion will continue to worsen. It is apparent that sate and federal monies alone are not enough to ameliorate the situation and provide us with an adequate transportation infrastructure.
If El Paso is to become the world class city that it can be, our transportation and traffic issues must be addressed. For far too long previous administrations have ignored the problem. The duty to address transportation infrastructure has fallen to our current city council. I salute this administration for having the courage to confront this issue rather than turn a blind eye. The duty has also fallen to us, the citizens of El Paso.
A regional mobility authority could be the magic bullet which will cure our current traffic congestion, our it could be the mother of all boondoggles. El Pasoans holding the state legislature and congress accountable for providing adequate infrastructure could be a magic bullet as well.
We, the people of El Paso, must do our part. We must get involved for the sake of the future, for the sake of the El Pasoan next door, for the sake of our humanity. Apathy is what led us to the traffic problems we experience today. Complaining and name-calling has been the way for much too long - it has produced nothing other than ill will amongst ourselves and a perpetual state of malaise. We now have city leadership that is facing this issue head on. It is up to us to give constructive input and offer solutions and compromises that will benefit the entire community.
Yes, this proposed RMA will have the power of eminent domain. Yes, despite protestations to the contrary, it will have the ability to issue debt (which means, by default, it will also have the ability to levy taxes). But it will also have the ability to alleviate traffic congestion and provide a modern transportation infrastructure. Yes, there are many questions that are unanswered at this point in the process. No, current roadways will not be subject to toll. Yes, toll roads could be built without the establishment of a regional mobility authority. Yes, we will have the ability to input or concerns.
Please stay informed and participate in this process. But also, please offer constructive input. If you are opposed, offer a viable alternative.
The solution to financing El Paso's transportation infrastructure needs resides within us. Perhaps the best answer to this problem has not been brought forward. We the people are capable of greatness, our leaders are capable of greatness. Contact them, let your thoughts be known. El Paso needs you.