Heiligenstein elected to Board of International Toll Association

Heiligenstein elected to Board of International Toll Association

Written by Tiffany Young Tuesday, 08 July 2008

Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority Executive Director, Mike Heiligenstein, has been elected to the Board of Directors of the International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association. IBTTA is the worldwide association for the owners and operators of toll facilities and the businesses that support them.

Heiligenstein joined the Mobility Authority just months after its creation and oversaw the financing and construction of the agency's first toll road, Toll 183A, which opened in March 2007. Heiligenstein has worked to gain community acceptance of a regional transportation plan that included six toll road projects and has advocated innovative funding mechanisms to overcome a $1.5 billion regional transportation funding shortfall.

"As more and more communities face the harsh reality of funding shortfalls, tolling is going to play a greater role in financing transportation," said Heiligenstein. "As communities struggle with the problem, I want IBTTA to be a resource they can turn to for assistance and advice."

Prior to joining the Mobility Authority, Heiligenstein spent more than 23 years in public service, first as a Round Rock City Councilman and later as a Williamson County Commissioner. During his tenure, Heiligenstein was a staunch supporter of vital transportation initiatives. He fought for creation of the Brushy Creek Regional Trail System and, in 2000, spearheaded a $350 million transportation bond initiative.

Heiligenstein has also been a lifelong supporter of environmental and quality of life initiatives. He served as chair of the Clean Air Force and was a member of the Air and Water Quality Subcommittee of the National Association of Counties. In addition, Heiligenstein was a founding board member and two-time vice chair of the Austin-San Antonio Corridor Council and a founding member and board member of Envision Central Texas, a regional growth management initiative. Heiligenstein is a graduate of the University of Texas where he earned a bachelor's degree in government, a master's degree in government and master's degree in business administration.

Heiligenstein's term on the IBTTA Board will extend through 2012.

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