RECA Survey Says Voters Back Bonds for Roads

AUSTIN-Travis County residents would pay more taxes if it resulted in better roads, according to a survey commissioned by the Real Estate Council of Austin. The council characterized the results as showing strong support for a bond package of as much as $400 million.

The survey reported 60.3% of the respondents said the Central Texas traffic situation is poor and 28% classified it as fair. About 65% said they spent more time in traffic than they did a year ago.

In response to a question gauging support for a $400-million bond package, 57% supported it and 26.6% opposed it. Given choices of potential packages, 36.5% supported the $400-million package; 37.4% supported a $200-million proposal; and 19.4% chose an $80-million plan.

Jerry Winetroub, president of the Real Estate Council, called on the Travis County Commissioners Court to put a bond package of at least $200 million before voters. “Yes, that’s a big package, but we have a big problem,” he says.

The poll was conducted June 14-21 and tested 433 registered Travis County voters. The margin of error is plus or minus 4.9%.