August TxDOT Highway Letting Dates

The Texas Department of Transportation has scheduled its next highway letting for August 10 and 11. One hundred and forty-one projects are approved to be let with an estimated total of $594,343,203.

A TxDOT report in May said projects may be added, advanced or delayed as deemed necessary.

GState Approves $9 Billion Plan to Maintain Transportation System

The Texas Transportation Commission recently approved a four-year, $9 billion plan to preserve the existing Texas transportation system.

The 2005 Statewide Preservation Program will distribute $7.5 billion to maintain highways and right of way, $1 billion for bridge replacement and rehabilitation, $377 million for grade separations at highway/rail intersections and $5.5 million for rail.

Overall spending to maintain and preserve the state's transportation system will go up 3 percent from the 2004 program.

"Taxpayers expect us to protect their investment in our existing highways, bridges and rail," said Mike Behrens, TxDOT executive director. "This action allows us to keep maintenance a top priority."

The commission also approved the purchase of the Camino Columbia toll road in Webb County. The $20 million purchase will be free and clear of any debt incurred by the previous owners.

The commission also authorized the creation of a left-lane restriction for trucks on Interstate 35 in the Central Texas counties of Hays, Travis and Williamson, prohibiting commercial trucks from traveling in that lane.

Former FRA Administrator Takes Texas Transportation Position

Allan Rutter, former Administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration, recently became the deputy executive director of the North Texas Tollway Authority.
"It was a difficult decision, but ultimately it is what is best for my family," said Rutter. "The opportunity to serve President Bush as FRA Administrator has been an honor and a privilege and one of the great experiences of my life."
Rutter was nominated by President Bush in May 2001 and confirmed by the United States Senate in July 2001. He previously served then-Governor Bush as Transportation Policy Director in Texas.

Tracts near Hutto, Manor and Taylor have been dropped from consideration as possible locations for the Central Texas General Aviation Airport, but efforts will continue to find a site, according to the Texas Department of Transportation.

"After holding public meetings, it became obvious that most of the local residents are not in favor of a new airport in their area," said David Fulton, TxDOT aviation division director. "We still believe a new airport is important to Central Texas, and we will continue work to develop the facility."

Passed in 2001 by the Texas Legislature, House Bill 2522 instructed TxDOT to develop a new general aviation airport for Central Texas. That measure, an amendment to the state Transportation Code, stipulates that the new airport be approved by the local governmental entity before it can be developed.

The first phase of the site-selection study, completed in summer 2003, showed strong demand for a new general aviation airport in the seven-county Central Texas area. The study found that during the next 20 years at least 580 new aircraft will be located in Central Texas, with an additional 270,000 general aviation flights being conducted.

Gov. Rick Perry recently announced that 433 Texas jurisdictions will receive more than $20.7 million in federal funds for programs to improve local homeland-security efforts through increased intelligence, warning communication and facility security.

The 2004 Law Enforcement Terrorism Prevention Program Funding grants will help communities pay for planning activities, intelligence-distribution networks, equipment and training exercises.

Funds are distributed by the state to local governments based on critical infrastructure, population density and population. Area risks and vulnerabilities assessments help determine city and county funding.

The governor also recently announced $58.3 million in First Responder Equipment Grants for purchase of equipment, security planning and training.