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New survey shows fatalities on the rise as growing statewide population puts more drivers, workers on the road
AUSTIN
As traffic increases along Texas roadways because of our booming population, fatal crashes are on the rise. In an effort to curb the trend, the Texas Department of Transportation was joined by state leaders, the city of Austin and members of the transportation industry to ask the public to Be Safe. Drive Smart (video and photos available). In recognition of National Work Zone Awareness Week, April 15-19, TxDOT’s Be Safe. Drive Smart. campaign reminds drivers to slow down, stay alert and observe traffic signs when approaching work zones. “Crashes and fatalities in work zones are preventable,” TxDOT Deputy Executive Director John Barton said. “We can build safe highways and increase law enforcement efforts, but ultimately work zone safety is in the hands of all of us who drive. For safety’s sake, we ask that drivers put down their cell phones, slow down, plan for alternate routes and be patient.” At any one time there can be as many as 1,000 active work zones in Texas, Barton said. TxDOT currently has 20 active work zones along I-35 encompassing 109.6 miles from north to south Texas. This is the most work zones the agency has ever had on the state’s main corridor as it tackles one of the largest construction programs in department history. In 2012, there were 16,687 crashes in roadway construction and maintenance zones in Texas, resulting in 134 fatalities. “Any time your job site is just a few feet away from fast-moving traffic, danger is never far away,” said Rep. Armando “Mando” Martinez, vice chairman of the House Transportation Committee. “When you see construction signs and orange barrels, take your foot off the gas, put the phone down and keep your eyes on the road.” Work zone crashes have become such a concern, the Associated General Contractors of America recently conducted a survey, which found a staggering 45 percent of Texas’ highway contractors had motor vehicles crash into their construction work zones during the past year. Those work zone crashes injured drivers and passengers 62 percent of the time, and construction workers 19 percent of the time. This issue is not exclusive to urban areas. In fact, 46 percent of fatal work zone crashes occurred in rural areas last year. “Texans love our wide-open spaces,” Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples said. “Unfortunately, there is a higher percentage of fatal crashes on our state’s rural roads compared to urban areas. Wherever you live, it’s vital we all take precautions in work zones. Prioritizing safety above arriving a few minutes early could spare your life and the life of another hard-working Texan.” During National Work Zone Awareness Week, TxDOT’s permanent dynamic message signs along state highways and roadways will remind drivers to use caution, be safe and drive smart in work zones. The messaging comes at a critical time as Texas welcomes more than 1,000 newcomers per day, many of whom are not familiar with the state’s traffic laws.
(Uvalde, TX)
Uvalde-Kinney-Maverick-Real Counties Farm Service Agency (FSA) Executive Director, Nancy Condit announced her support for Earth Day. Climate change can seem like a remote problem, but in fact it impacts real people, animals, and their environments. These “Faces of Climate Change” are multiplying every day. Fortunately, we can do something about it. Every year on April 22, more than one billion people take part in Earth Day. Across the globe, individuals, communities, organizations, and governments acknowledge the amazing planet we call home and take action to protect it. The Farm Service Agency supports the effort to preserve our life sustaining climate. Texas Farm Service Agency encourages everyone do his or her part to reverse the problems of polution. The entrepreneurs who see opportunity in creating the new green economy, the designers of clean technology for the future, and the ordinary people who commit to living sustainably; are all helping preserve our environment. Together we can find solutions and demonstrate the collective power of individuals taking action across the world. In doing so, we strive to inspire others with our efforts to fight climate change and preserve our fagile ecosystems. For more information about the Earth Day initiative, visit: www.earthday.org.
Gives keynote address at Texas Lyceum Public Conference
AUSTIN
Gov. Rick Perry emphasized his commitment to finding long-term solutions to Texas’ growing infrastructure needs, specifically strengthening the state’s transportation infrastructure to meet the demands of our rapidly growing economy and population. The governor delivered the keynote address at the Texas Lyceum Association’s 47th Public Conference. “We have arrived at a moment of great possibility in our state’s history – our booming economy has grown demand on our infrastructure, but has also left us with a solid financial foundation upon which to build sound infrastructure for the next half-century,” Gov. Perry said. “Now is the time to do the fiscally responsible thing and make our state more accessible and productive for generations to come. Strengthening our infrastructure will improve the flow of goods throughout our state, reduce wear and tear on vehicles, and improve our quality of life in a way that can’t be measured in dollars and cents.” In his State of the State address, Gov. Perry outlined several proposals for funding future infrastructure projects, including using the Rainy Day Fund for a one-time capitalization of water and transportation projects around the state. The governor also called for ending diversions from the State Highway Fund, which would make billions more available for road maintenance and construction. Gov. Perry noted that Texas’ principled fiscal discipline has kept spending in check and our debt low, allowing the state to take advantage of historically low interest rates to capitalize a revolving infrastructure fund using long-term bonds. These bonds would enable the state to lock in today’s low interest rates to begin infrastructure projects now, keeping the cost of construction low when rates inevitably increase in the future. Additionally, Gov. Perry has proposed dedicating future growth in the motor vehicle sales tax, which the state already collects on every vehicle bought in Texas, to transportation infrastructure.
By Deb Hastings, Texas Oil & Gas Association and Omar Garcia, South Texas Energy & Economic Roundtable
From Cuero to Carrizo Springs, advances in technology have led to an unprecedented leap in oil and natural gas production in South Texas. Oil and gas activity in the Eagle Ford has generated more than $61 billion in revenue and 116,000 full-time jobs, according to research from the University of Texas at San Antonio. In Karnes County, employment in mining sector (which is mostly oil and gas) jumped 260 percent and industry wages increased 320 percent. In Dimmitt County, local sales tax revenues recently doubled, apparently thanks to increased oil and gas activity; this is a quadruple-digit increase over two years before. Without a doubt, increased oil and gas production is turning once sleepy towns into bustling centers for commerce of all kinds. With this increase in commerce, comes an increase in road traffic. While the legislature is wisely considering ways to fund improvements and repairs for roads in South Texas and beyond, oil and gas companies across the board have taken meaningful and pro-active steps to encourage safety behind the wheel. Just as the oil and gas industry takes seriously its responsibility to maintain safe operations and job sites, the industry is committed to promoting safe driving. Focus on driving safety isn’t a one-time occurrence. Oil and gas companies provide comprehensive and ongoing training for fleet drivers that incorporate both classroom instruction and practical hands-on training. Instructional programs are often followed by exams to certify that employees and contractors have met necessary standards. Some companies also conduct refresher driver training courses throughout the year and hold weekly safety meetings where they may discuss considerations for driving at night or in hazardous weather. Still others have instituted formal company-wide policies that prohibit cell phone use or texting while driving. In addition to these courses and company policies, many Texas oil and gas operators utilize the cutting-edge technology to collect and process driver safety data from vehicles including speeding, swerving and hard brake incidents. And, as an added precaution, many also equip fleets with backup cameras, stability controls, anti-lock braking systems, trailer sway control and hands-free devices. Beyond training and equipment, some companies have developed innovative incentive-based programs to help encourage safe driving practices that may include bonuses, raises, or prizes. The point of all of these programs is to establish, maintain and reinforce a focus on road safety for all oil and gas drivers. Recognizing that keeping the roads safe must be a collaborative effort, the oil and natural gas industry worked closely with the Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT) to help develop and spread the word about TXDOT’s Be Safe. Drive Smart. campaign. The public education initiative presents common-sense but critical reminders to drivers to always drive at safe speeds; wear seatbelts; pass other vehicles carefully; always stop at red lights and stop signs; and, avoid distractions such as texting or cell phone use while driving. The Texas Oil & Gas Association is also a proud partner in Safe Hand Texas, a public safety initiative from Texas Mutual Insurance, which provides educational resources and safety reminders for commercial drivers. Both programs are helping raise awareness about ways we can increase safety on our roads by pulling together public and private entities in a positive and collaborative manner. When it comes to road safety, every driver on Texas highways and byways has a role to play. As oil and gas opportunities draw people into communities across South Texas, there is no doubt the additional activity will mean an increase in cars and trucks on the road. But we must remember that with this increased economic good fortune, comes increased responsibility – something we all share. The Texas oil and gas industry is committed to powering the state forward, working with statewide and community partners, and keeping safety as our collective priority number one.
AUSTIN
The Senate Transportation Committee approved a bill by Sen. Carlos Uresti designed to help counties repair and maintain roads that have been damaged by oil boom activity. The committee voted 7-0 to send SB 1747, which would create County Energy Transportation Reinvestment Zones, to the Senate floor. So far six senators have signed on as co-sponsors of the bill, both Democrats and Republicans. "County roads were not designed for oil patch trucks carrying fracking sand, water, and heavy equipment, and they've suffered tremendous damage over the last few years because of the surge in energy production," Uresti said. "These roads must be kept in good shape, both for public safety and for continuing production activities." Under current law, counties are primarily responsible for the repair and maintenance of county roads. Uresti said energy-producing counties deserve financial help for their roads because the entire state is benefiting from the upsurge in oil and gas production in the Eagle Ford Shale region and the Permian Basin. "If we allow these roads to continue to deteriorate, we could kill the goose that lays the golden egg," Uresti said. "They must be made safe and durable for the driving public, whether you're driving a small car or an oil patch truck." The Texas Department of Transportation estimates that a county road used for drilling one oil and gas well will endure the equivalent of 8 million passenger vehicles. In the Eagle Ford Shale region alone, 5,400 wells have been permitted by the Texas Railroad Commission. And according to a recent study by the University of Texas at San Antonio, a total of 24,000 wells can be expected in the region by 2022. "The need is clear," Uresti said. "Counties need immediate help and a long-term solution for these roads." SB 1747 would allow counties to create Energy Transportation Reinvestment Zones — designated areas where county roads have been damaged by oil and gas production activity. A county could apply for road repair funds based on its number of well completions, the number of weight tolerance permits, and the amount of severance taxes collected. A county would also have to provide its county roads report for the past two years and contribute a match of up to 10 percent for each repair or maintenance project. Uresti envisions that the program would be funded by the state's rainy day fund, which is comprised primarily of oil and gas severance tax revenues. That will require the passage of additional legislation. A wide number of stakeholders have signed off on Uresti's bill, including county officials and energy industry representatives. The Texas Independent Producers and Royalty Owners Association and Texas Oil and Gas Association praised the approach at Wednesday's hearing, calling it the most fiscally responsible they had seen. Sen. Uresti represents Senate District 19, which covers more than 35,000 square miles and contains all or part of 17 counties, two international ports of entry, ten state parks, 51 school districts, almost 9,000 miles of highways and county roads, and more than 29,000 producing oil and gas wells. The district is larger than 11 states and 124 Nations, and contains almost 400 miles of the Texas-Mexico border.
AUSTIN
Gov. Rick Perry has appointed Erleigh Norville Wiley of Forney as Kaufman County district attorney for a term to expire at the next general election. Wiley is judge of the Kaufman County Court at Law, an adjunct professor at the University of North Texas, and a former supervising attorney for the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office. She is a member of the State Bar of Texas and Kaufman County Bar Association, a past member of the Dallas County Bar Association, and a graduate of the Texas College of Judicial Studies, National Drug Court Institute, and National College for DUI Defense. She is also president of the Kaufman County Juvenile Board and Kaufman Indigent Defense Board, a board member of Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Kaufman and the Amanda F. Norville Children’s Shelter, and a member of the North Texas Chapter of Jack and Jill Clubs of America. Wiley received a bachelor’s degree from Texas Tech University and a law degree from The University of Texas School of Law. This appointment is subject to Senate confirmation.
Talk. Text. Crash. campaign launches statewide
AUSTIN
It happens every day. You get a text or a phone call and you feel the need to respond immediately, even when you’re driving. But what you may not know is a simple text or call can cost you your life or someone else’s. “Distracted driving is unacceptable, and it’s something that is preventable,” said John Barton, TxDOT’s deputy executive director. “If you reply to or send a text while driving, you are putting your life or someone else’s life at risk.” It’s a fact – distracted drivers are making Texas roads more dangerous. According to crash data collected by the Texas Department of Transportation, to date, there were 90,378 crashes in Texas in 2012 that involved distracted driving (distraction, driver inattention or cellphone use). That’s an 8-percent increase from 2011. Of these crashes, 18,468 resulted in serious injuries and 453 resulted in deaths. From 2011 to 2012, there was a 9-percent increase in traffic fatalities caused by distracted driving on Texas roadways. According to the Texas A&M Transportation Institute, almost half of all Texas drivers in 2012 admit to regularly or sometimes talking on the cell phone while driving. However, 84.9 percent of Texas drivers think driving while talking on a cell phone is a very serious or somewhat serious threat to their personal safety. In another just-completed study, TTI researchers found that 10 percent of Texas drivers are using their cell phone at any point in time during the day. The finding represents the first time that actual cell phone use by Texas drivers has been measured (rather than self-reported use), and was based on observations of drivers at 190 intersections in 22 counties across the state. Talk. Text. Crash. Campaign Launch Today, TxDOT is launching its Talk. Text. Crash. campaign to coincide with National Distracted Driving Awareness Month. Throughout this month, TxDOT will reach out to Texans through community events, TV public service announcements, and online and outdoor advertising. TxDOT is also partnering with AT&T on this year’s distracted driving effort. “In today’s tech-connected age, people are relying on text messages and smartphones to stay in touch, but texting while driving is something that carries profound, very real risks. In the United States, someone is killed or injured once every five minutes on average in a crash that happens while a driver is texting and driving. It’s time we worked together to change behaviors, attitudes, hearts and minds,” said Dave Nichols, President, AT&T Texas. “We can each commit not to text and drive. We can lead by example. That’s why we’re pleased to join the Texas Department of Transportation in its Text.Talk.Crash. effort and why we continue to raise awareness through our AT&T's own It Can Wait campaign.” As part of the campaign, TxDOT is asking Texans to do their part by making a simple commitment to focus on driving when they get behind the wheel. Barton notes, “Use of cell phones while driving isn’t the only action that can lead to serious injury or death. Other actions, such as reading the newspaper, eating or smoking while driving, are also distractions. Keeping drivers safe is our priority.” Although all the age groups are represented in the total number of traffic crashes caused by distracted driving, of the 90,378 traffic crashes in 2012 in Texas, the top two age groups are: o 28,443 ages 16-24. o 23,784 over the age of 45. This year’s campaign PSAs will demonstrate to Texans how hard it is to complete any simple task – like walking when distracted. The goal is to show that if people cannot text and walk without having an accident, they surely should not text and drive. Texans can watch campaign videos on YouTube. Learn more about the Talk. Text. Crash. campaign by liking the TxDOT Facebook page: www.facebook.com/txdot.
WASHINGTON
U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) released the following statement after introducing the Border Security Results Act with U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul (R-TX), a bill to improve border security including a proposal aimed at achieving a 50 percent reduction in border port of entry wait times. “By requiring the Department of Homeland Security to use all available tools, including new technologies and results-based metrics, I’m confident we can achieve significantly lower wait times at ports of entry, facilitate enhanced, legitimate trade and travel with our third largest trade partner, and greatly boost security for those living along the border and Americans across the country. “By cutting wait times in half, my legislation will ensure that our Texas border communities are safer and their local economies more prosperous.” Earlier this year, Sen. Cornyn introduced the Cross Border Trade Enhancement Act of 2013, to encourage public-private partnerships to boost staffing and make infrastructure improvements at U.S. ports of entry. Sen. Cornyn has also introduced legislation that funds emergency resources for ports of entry along the Southwest border.
Background on the Bill
The Border Security Results Act of 2013 requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to develop a comprehensive outcome-based strategy for securing our borders that: ·Incorporates advanced technology to get a complete picture of the security of the entire border for full situational awareness · Employs this data to properly allocate manpower and other resources—both at, and between, the land ports of entry · Creates new metrics to define progress based off the number of apprehensions relative to the total number of illegal crossings · Requires DHS to achieve a 50 percent reduction in border port of entry wait times for commercial and passenger vehicles.
Support For the Bill
“Sen. John Cornyn’s Border Security Results Act wisely shines a spotlight on security efforts at the ports of entry, which smugglers every day attempt to breach in order to enter contraband into the United States. By directing DHS to report to Congress on the Department’s efforts not only to increase security but to analyze its staffing needs at the ports and to assess resources necessary to markedly reduce wait times at the ports for legitimate trade and travelers, this legislation stands to be a catalyst for real reform on the borders. The Border Trade Alliance endorses this important legislation which has a goal of reducing border wait times by 50 percent.” -Jesse J. Hereford, Chairman, Border Trade Alliance .
“As Superintendent of Bridges for the City of Mcallen and in charge of the Administration of City owned bridge operations I applaud Senator John Cornyn for his efforts to help expedite legitimate trade and travel. Providing resources necessary to achieve a 50 percent reduction in the average wait times of commercial and passenger vehicles at our international ports of entry will greatly enhance our competitive edge and increase economic activity in our border region.” -Rigoberto Villarreal, Superintendent of the McAllen International Toll Bridge “[South Texans’ Property Rights Association] STPRA whole heartedly supports Senator John Cornyn’s Border Security Results Act of 2013. “Securing the border should be based on ‘operational control’ by developing a comprehensive strategy to obtain control of every sector of the border. “It is time to support a common sense approach to securing the border that actually works and it’s time to regain control of our nation’s security!” -Susan Durham, Executive Director, South Texans’ Property Rights Association “The Texas Border Coalition appreciates the work that Sen. Cornyn and Rep. McCall are doing to establish markers on what it will cost to achieve operational control of the U.S.-Mexico border. “The federal government has spent more than $90 billion over the past decade to secure the border. The results are mixed: apprehension rates are up for illegal crossings in the frontier between our official border crossings. Yet, powerful drug cartels from Mexico continue to enjoy commercial success along the border, smuggling more drugs than ever into the country through these border crossings. It's an unfortunate fact that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has not developed a cohesive strategy to correct this imbalance. “We have long said that the U.S. needs well-built, equipped and staffed border crossings that can interdict lawbreakers and facilitate legitimate trade and travel. That includes $6 billion to meet the border's infrastructure requirements and 6,000 new front line Customs inspectors. “Meanwhile, our immigration system is broken and until the U.S. has a well-run system that expands avenues for legal workers and cracks down on unlawful hiring, illegal border crossings will continue. TBC will keep working with our senators and representatives in Congress and with the White House to enact comprehensive immigration reform.” -Monica Weisberg-Stewart, Texas Border Coalition, Immigration and Border Security Chair Senator Cornyn serves on the Finance and Judiciary Committees. He serves as the top Republican on the Judiciary Committee’s Immigration, Refugees and Border Security subcommittee. He served previously as Texas Attorney General, Texas Supreme Court Justice, and Bexar County District Judge.
Department of Justice
United States Attorney Robert Pitman
Western District of Texas
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: DARYL FIELDS
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10, 2013 (210) 384-7440
SAN ANTONIO-BASED TEXAS MEXICAN MAFIA MEMBERS SENTENCED
United States Attorney Robert Pitman, FBI Special Agent in Charge Armando Fernandez and Texas
Department of Public Safety Director Steve McCraw announced that two San Antonio-based members and
associates of the Texas Mexican Mafia (TMM), including an individual whom authorities believe held the
organizational rank of “Free World General,” have been sentenced to lengthy federal prison terms for their roles
in a drug distribution conspiracy.
Appearing before United States District Judge Xavier Rodriguez this afternoon, 45-year-old former TMM
General Robert Carreno (aka “Lil Bit”) was sentenced to 300 months in prison for his role in a conspiracy to
distribute approximately 48 kilograms of heroin. Guadalupe Ramos (aka “Lupio”), age 48, was sentenced to
210 months in prison.
From December 1, 2009, to July 20, 2011, the defendants were responsible for distributing at least 48
kilograms of heroin, which the TMM sold for $750,000.00. Also, Carreno oversaw the transportation of the
heroin from Laredo to San Antonio, for further distribution by TMM members.
Other sentences handed down to co-defendants include: Gabriel Quiroz (aka “Biker”), age 46, sentenced to 168
months; Julio Villanueva (aka “Shorty Hawk”), age 56, sentenced to 262 months; Teresa Alonzo (aka “Tia”),
age 63, sentenced to 58 months ; Manuel Gonzales (aka “Speedy”), age 36, sentenced to 188 months; Joseph
Sanchez (aka “Cowboy”), age 41, sentenced to 121 months; and Santos Trevino (aka “Dedos,” and “Beatles”),
age 20, was sentenced to 120 months.
Co-defendant Alexander Garza (aka “Animal”), age 35, is pending sentencing in May; and 39-year-old Tony
Berlanga (aka “Tony”) is pending trial in May.
This investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Safe Streets Task Force, the
Texas Department of Public Safety--Criminal Investigations Division, Homeland Security Investigations
(HSI), San Antonio Police Department, Bexar County District Attorney’s Office, New Braunfels Police
Department and the 81st Judicial District Attorney’s Office.
Austin, TX
The Texas House of Representatives passed Senate Bill 1 late Thursday night, April 4. SB 1 is the general appropriations bill for the next two years which provides for additional funding while maintaining fiscal responsibility. This budget also provides an additional $2.7 billion for public schools, which is a step in the right direction for Texas, but Representative Poncho Nevárez knows that more can be done. "I supported the budget, but it still does not address the cuts that were made last session to public education," Nevárez states. "Our children deserve a fully funded education system and we are only half way there." Two years ago in the 82nd legislature, the public education budget was slashed by $4 billion increasing classroom sizes and terminating facility throughout the state. While this biennium budget proposal includes additional funds for schools, Nevárez argues that the rainy-day fund, which is generated mostly from oil and gas production taxes and includes $11.8 billion by the end of the 2014-2015 budget cycle, should have been tapped to be used for schools. There is HB 11 that uses money from the rainy-day fund to contribute to the state's water infrastructures and Representative Nevárez understands that this needs to be done for education as well. "We plan on allocating and creating a loan fund from the rainy-day funds for important water infrastructures," says Nevárez. "Using the same logic, we should be discussing and finding ways to get us back to where we were before the education cuts of the last biennium".
Representative Poncho Nevárez is currently serving his first term in the Texas House of Representatives. He represents District 74. He also serves on the House Culture Recreation and Tourism, International Trade & Intergovernmental Affairs and Rules and Resolutions Committees.
