Saturday, September 25, 2004

Transportation Forum Expands

Transportation forum expands
Coalition to discuss local issues and funding problems.


September 25, 2004

Patrick Driscoll, Staff Writer
SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS
Copyright 2004


The San Antonio Mobility Coalition broadened the focus of its annual transportation forum this year, which will look at regional issues as well as a success story that emphasizes transit and walkable communities.

Also, lack of funding - a problem discussed in the first two forums - will be addressed again at the San Antonio Transportation Leadership Forum, scheduled to be held 7: 30 a.m. to 1: 30 p.m. Wednesday.

Speakers include Utah state Sen. Greg Bell, Texas Transportation Commission members Ric Williamson and Hope Andrade, Mayor Ed Garza and County Judge Nelson Wolff.

Bell, co-founder of Envision Utah, will talk about efforts to bring together elected leaders, businesses and residents to develop a growth plan for the Salt Lake City area.

Key strategies involve transit, pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods, preservation of green spaces and water conservation, according to the group's Web site.

Envision's approach is often referred to as smart growth, which is designed to curb suburban sprawl.

San Antonio included such principles in its 2000 development code, but many provisions are optional and most new retail areas and subdivisions still promote dependence on cars.

"Our goal is to hear another approach, draw some lessons there and learn from that," said Wade McGinnis, a member of the Mobility Coalition.

Other forum topics include toll roads; a proposed sales tax for roads and transit; the Trans Texas Corridor ;Texas 130; commuter rail from San Antonio to Austin; computer technologies to move traffic; and the Port of Corpus Christi.

About 500 people are expected, almost double the number from last year, said Victor Boyer, director of the Mobility Coalition.

The event will be at the Convention Center, 200 E. Market.

The cost is $55, which includes lunch, but representatives of neighborhood associations can get in for $15.

For information, call 229-2125.

pdriscoll@express-news.net
San Antonio Express-News: www.mysanantonio.com

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