Blighted areas outside the El Paso metro area as well as across Texas may see the building of more infrastructure and transportation projects, depending upon the fate of a statewide proposition to be voted upon next Tuesday.
Proposition 2, otherwise known as the Authorize Counties to Issue Infrastructure Bonds in Blighted Areas Amendment, was put on the ballot as a result of a vote earlier this year in both houses of the Texas State Legislature.
If passed, the proposition will give counties in the Lone Star State a new means of funding needed transportation improvements via tax increment financing.
Supporters of the proposition say it will not only open the way for infrastructure construction and upgrades in parts of the state where such work is most needed but will also serve as a catalyst for economic development in those areas.
The group Texas Rail Advocate says that, if passed, the proposition will “give counties the same ability to build much needed infrastructure and transportation projects that cities and town already have.”
An anti-tax organization called Texas United for Reform has come out in opposition to the proposition saying it will ultimately increase local and county debt.
If history provides guidance, Proposition 2’s chances for success appear promising. In the last 25 years more than 90% of all amendments appearing on a Texas statewide ballot have won voter approval.
By Garry Boulard
