U.S. Rep. Michael Burgess (R-TX), M.D., today urged local, state, and federal leaders to continue working together to find innovative ways to tackle the many transportation challenges facing Texas. Burgess made these comments as part of the 5^th Annual Texas’ 26^th Congressional District Transportation Summit, which was held in conjunction with the Texas Department of Transportation.

“When our transportation system is healthy, our lives are easier and our economy is more prosperous. When it’s strained, our families are stressed and our businesses suffer. That’s why it’s so important for government at all levels to work together to strengthen and improve it,” said Rep. Burgess.

This year’s summit included presentations from Tarrant, Denton and Cooke county transportation leaders which focused on highways, transit and aviation issues in the region. In addition, Rep. John Mica (R-FL), the Republican leader of the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure gave the luncheon keynote address.

“Congressman Burgess understands how important transportation is to the economy and quality of life in North Texas, and I appreciate his continued hard work in calling attention to the transportation needs of this region,” said Rep. John Mica (R-FL).

Officials at the summit stressed the need for infrastructure like roads, bridges, and rail lines to keep pace with the growing demand. While the summit focused on identifying problems like traffic congestion and funding shortages, leaders also took the opportunity to talk about ways to solve these issues.

“At a time when traffic congestion threatens our mobility, safety and quality of life, we are running out of money to pay for new construction," said Maribel Chavez, TxDOT's Fort Worth district engineer. "Now more than ever, we must all work together to prioritize needs and identify innovative funding options to build transportation projects. The transportation summit provides a great opportunity to discuss the issues and meet the needs of our growing region.”

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