We’re just two days away from this year’s Texas 101 Day! We have over 100 people signed up to join us for this important event. If you haven’t had a chance to RSVP, it’s not too late. Just give my district office a call at 817-459-2800 or click here. We hope to see you there.
As I have mentioned in previous emails, this year we’re doing things a bit different. We’re focusing our discussion on two main issues: healthy communities and transportation.
We’re excited to have experts from the Tarrant County Hospital District (JPS) and the Tarrant Transit Alliance on hand to present information about these critical issues and how they impact our community.
A few weeks ago, I emailed about health care; today’s focus is our other critical issue: transportation.
Transportation is particularly important in Arlington and Grand Prairie since both communities lack a comprehensive mass transportation system. In fact, Arlington is the largest city in the entire nation without public transit.
It’s been proven time and time again that economic growth and improved quality of life are two primary benefits of mass transit. Improving availability of transit services is especially significant to those in low-income households or for those with limited automobile access, such as students and the elderly.
Last year, to help get a better sense of the needs in our community, I added a measure to the state budget for the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) to study Grand Prairie and Arlington residents’ transit needs. The final report, which is due to be completed at the end of this year, will include the causes of need, existing options and suggested transit improvements. Additionally, and equally important, it will identify the economic benefits of transit; plus, identify the demographic, economic and geographic makeup of the population most impacted by a lack of transit options.
When that report is released, I will share it with you. In the meantime, I hope you’ll be a part of this important discussion at Saturday’s event.
We’ll also talk about the new Rosa Parks Memorial Parkway/360 Toll, high-speed rail and funding for existing roads. Needless to say, we’ll have plenty to talk about. It would be great to hear your thoughts.
I hope to see you Saturday!
