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The Alamo RMA exists to provide solutions to efficiently move traffic using innovative financing and to accelerate needed projects so that we can relieve congestion today, instead of waiting decades, as we would using more traditional methods. It brings local leadership to local transportation issues.

Regional Mobility Authorities were established in Texas to provide new ways to construct mobility improvements by using local money to leverage revenue bonds. RMA's can build, operate and maintain a wide variety of transportation projects including light rail, and toll roads. The Alamo RMA can undertake any project that moves people, goods or services, as long as there is a way to pay for the project. We don't have the power to levy a property or sales tax so our funding sources are limited but our ability to help is bound only by imagination.

The Alamo RMA was established in 2003 to help solve the traffic congestion issues in Bexar County – most urgently those on the 281 North Corridor. That put the Alamo RMA at the forefront of the local toll road debate and many people have since characterized it as solely a "pro-toll" organization. Today, however, our state and community have seen an influx in new, unexpected federal stimulus dollars that will enable the Alamo RMA to move ahead with several non-toll projects. These projects include the 281 Super Street, four connectors on the 281/1604 interchange and Wurzbach Parkway. In fact, it was the Alamo RMA who advocated that the Wurzbach Parkway project be completed as a non-toll project.

The fundamental issue for all transportation projects is funding. There's no question that San Antonio and Texas are facing serious transportation funding shortfalls that severely limit the transportation improvements that can be made. To put it in perspective, the estimated cost of expanding 281 North, from 1604 to the county line so that it mirrors the expansion done south of 1604, is an estimated $472 million. That includes design, construction, right of way and utility relocation, but does not include maintenance costs. That money simply isn't available through gas tax funds, which is why toll lanes were proposed in the first place.

Regardless of what funding method is used, the reality for the 281 North Corridor is that nothing can be done to add additional capacity until an Economic Impact Statement (EIS) is complete, which will take at least three years and is a requirement of the Federal Highway Administration. Hypothetically, even if federal monies were available today, nothing can be done without an EIS. If you want to see for yourself what the Federal Highway Administration has said, check out the Hot Topics section on our homepage.

For now, the Alamo RMA will focus on providing short-term relief, through the non-tolled Super Street and interchange projects. The Alamo RMA remains committed to listening to every concern, every idea and every voice as the EIS process move forward.