Nationwide Study Shows Texas is #1 in Infrastructure and Transportation

AUSTIN – CNBC’s 2012 Top States for Business study results are out and Texas is on top. In addition to its overall No. 1 ranking, Texas maintained the top spot in the infrastructure and transportation category for the second year in a row and the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) couldn’t be more proud.

“Texas stands alone as the leader in economic development and job creation and providing the infrastructure for that activity is a daily undertaking for our team,” said Texas Transportation Commission Chairman Ted Houghton. “We are moving forward with multiple mega projects across the state, including the I-35 corridor expansion and I-69 from south Texas to east Texas. Activities like these undoubtedly helped us surge to the top of the ranks.”

“This recognition is a good testament that TxDOT has become more innovative in constructing our state infrastructure while continuing to address congestion, connectivity and safety needs,” said Senator Tommy Williams, Chairman of the Senate Transportation and Homeland Security Committee. “As chairman, my goal is to look for methods to maintain and fund ongoing and future projects, especially as the state population continues to grow, and I am proud of what we’ve accomplished in Texas.”

According to CNBC, Texas racked up an impressive 1,604 points out of a possible 2,500, with top-10 finishes in six of the 10 categories of competitiveness. Of the 325 total possible points for the Infrastructure and Transportation category, Texas scored 248.

“Texas is making the proper investment in infrastructure and being recognized as a national leader proves we are on the right track,” said TxDOT Executive Director Phil Wilson. “Achieving this great honor, however, would not be possible without the hard work and commitment of all TxDOT employees statewide.”

Access to all modes of transportation is key to get ting products to market and people on the move. CNBC measured the vitality of each state’s transportation system by the value of goods shipped by air, land and water. They also looked at the availability of air travel in each state, and the quality of the roads.

“Good transportation infrastructure is vital to achieving economic development in our state. It’s nice to see our efforts are paying off here in Texas,” said Representative Larry Phillips, Chair of the House Transportation Committee. “We will continue to work hard in the upcoming session to ensure good policy and funding is available to help TxDOT succeed.”

“We continuously work with all of our partners to address transportation needs throughout the state—from highways to ports to rail to aviation,” Wilson said. “Through the collaboration with local communities, we are able to deliver needed improvements now and provide the foundation for the future.”

To read the full report or see the overall rankings of all states in each of the 10 categories, visit http://www.cnbc.com/id/46413845/.

Texas Department of Transportation: The Texas Department of Transportation is responsible for maintaining 80,000 miles of road and for supporting aviation, rail, and public transportation across the state. TxDOT and its 11,000 employees are committed to working with others to provide safe and reliable transportation solutions for Texas by maintaining a safe system, addressing congestion, connecting Texas communities, and being a Best in Class state agency. Find out more at www.txdot.gov. Fan us on Facebook www.facebook.com/txdot. Follow us on Twitter www.twitter.com/txdot.