Press Release: Annise Parker

PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: June 11, 2009
Contact: Jeri Brooks
832-287-5627 cell | jeri@anniseparker.com

Annise Parker for Mayor Releases Plan to Modernize Houston’s Infrastructure

Parker:
“Maintaining and upgrading our aging infrastructure is more than just a problem to solve – it’s an opportunity to create good, local jobs that will power our local economy while responding to pressing needs.”

HOUSTON, TX - Today Annise Parker released her plan to modernize Houston’s infrastructure. Parker offered the plan, entitled
“Engineering a Stronger Houston and a Healthier Economy,”
as part of her campaign for Mayor of Houston.

Download the plan here.

“A failing infrastructure cannot support a healthy economy,”
Parker said, quoting Wayne Klotz, president of the American Society of Civil Engineers, and a supporter.

“In today’s economic crisis,” continued Parker, “we are seeing that maintaining and upgrading our aging infrastructure is more than just a problem to solve — it’s an opportunity to create good, local jobs that will power our local economy while responding to pressing needs.”

Parker cited a Congressional Budget Office estimate that every dollar of infrastructure spending can boost the economy by up to $2.50.

Parker’s plan calls for a dedicated funding stream to pay for upgrades and maintenance. “In this tough economy, our first goal is to work within existing levels of revenue,” said Parker.

The plan relies on federal stimulus dollars in the very near term to supplement existing funds. Over the long term, Parker wants to use tax dollars now going to tax increment refinancing zones, also known as TIRZs, once the zones complete their project plans. Those tax dollars would otherwise be returned to the city’s general fund.

Acknowledging that the numbers in the near term are modest, Parker said, “As the economy improves, we will have the financial bandwidth to consider new ideas. But today, it is important to make a downpayment on our future.”

Parker’s plan also calls for an infrastructure audit – a comprehensive needs assessment – and the creation of a long-term infrastructure plan with a five-, ten- and twenty-year horizon.

“The short-term interests of politicians who can serve only six years may not coincide with the long-term planning necessary to maintain and upgrade our infrastructure,” Parker said.

As Houston’s elected City Controller, Annise Parker directs Houston’s financial investments and manages billions of tax dollars. Her record of independent audits has cut waste and saved the city money to use for priorities like public safety, after-school programs, and economic development. A businesswoman and neighborhood leader, Parker also served on Houston’s City Council. She spent 20 years in the oil and gas industry before entering public service.

Parker is a candidate for mayor of Houston in the November 3, 2009 election. Learn more on her website at: www.anniseparker.com.