TxDOT asks for feedback on 10-year plan
A year after a new state law ended mandatory water breaks in Texas, a proposed federal rule would protect millions of workers from the risks caused by extreme heat, The Texas Tribune reported.
The rule would require employers to create plans to prevent heat injuries and illnesses and ensure workers get access to drinking water, rest breaks and control of indoor heat. It would apply to all employers whose businesses are under the jurisdiction of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
Last year, Texas legislators passed House Bill 2127, which barred cities and counties from passing ordinances that go farther than state law in a number of areas, including labor regulations. That measure eliminated ordinances in Austin and Dallas that mandated water breaks for construction workers, The Tribune reported.
The proposed rule still has to go through the regulatory approval process. It likely will face opposition from industry groups.
The Texas Department of Transportation is seeking input on a proposed 10-year plan that proposes spending a record $104.2 billion for transportation to improve safety, address congestion and improve roadways.
The plan also addresses public transportation, maritime, aviation, rail, freight and international trade, and bicycle and pedestrian connectivity, according to TxDOT.
The Unified Transportation Program is updated annually and serves as the agency’s 10-year blueprint for statewide projects.
“Collaborating with our transportation partners and communities ensures that we continue connecting you with Texas while prioritizing safety, delivery, innovation and stewardship,” said Marc Williams, TxDOT executive director.
The comment period is underway and ends on August 5. To learn about different ways to comment, go to: https://www. txdot.gov/projects/planning/utp/ utp-public-involvement.html.
Shark attack injures four on the Fourth at South Padre
Four people were injured after a shark attack on South Padre Island, the Austin American-Statesman reported. A news release from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department said two people were bitten and two slightly injured when encountering the shark.
Authorities believe a single shark was behind all four incidents, occurring over two hours. Such attacks are rare, with 36 reported last year in the United States, according to the University of Florida’s Shark Attack File.
Gary Borders is a veteran award-winning Texas journalist. He published a number of community newspapers in Texas during a 30-year span, including in Longview, Fort Stockton, Nacogdoches, Lufkin and Cedar Park. Email: gborders@texaspress.com.