Heiligenstein appointed to Texas Transportation Institute Advisory Council

Heiligenstein appointed to Texas Transportation Institute Advisory Council

Tuesday, 17 March 2009

Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority Executive Director, Mike Heiligenstein, has been appointed to the Texas Transportation Institute Advisory Council. TTI is the largest university-affiliated transportation research agency in the United States. The Texas Transportation Institute Advisory Council provides advice to TTI on transportation issues and trends.

"By advising us on transportation issues and trends and supporting our research programs and initiatives, the Advisory Council provides a tremendous contribution to TTI," said Dennis L. Christiansen, agency director of TTI. "As the dynamic leader of an innovative and highly successful start-up toll agency, Mike Heiligenstein's knowledge, experience and vision will be a wonderful addition to TTI and the State of Texas."

Heiligenstein joined the Mobility Authority just months after its creation and oversaw the successful financing and construction of the agency's first toll road, Toll 183A, which opened in March 2007. Along the way, he recruited a highly skilled professional staff including several toll industry veterans. A highly respected community leader, Heiligenstein has worked tirelessly to gain community acceptance of a regional transportation plan that included six toll road projects and has advocated innovative funding mechanisms to overcome a $2 billion regional transportation funding shortfall.

"As we continue to face the harsh realities of aging infrastructure and never-ending congestion, TTI is putting Texas at the fore-front of practical, applied research and discovering new ways of addressing our transportation crisis," said Heiligenstein. "As communities struggle with these issues, I want TTI 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 Executive Committee 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 a master's degree in business administration.

Mobility Authority The Central Texas Regional

Mobility Authority is a local, independent government agency created to improve the regional transportation system. Its mission is to implement innovative solutions that reduce congestion and create transportation choices that enhance quality of life and economic vitality. The Mobility Authority is the state's first Regional Mobility Authority, created in January 2003 to serve Travis and Williamson counties. The Mobility Authority currently operates Toll 183A in Williamson County and is currently working on five additional projects with a nearly $2 billion value.