| Contact: | Chris Lippincott |
| Phone: | (512) 463-9957 |
|
February 26, 2009 |
|
AUSTIN – Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) officials recommended that roadway, transit, and aviation projects be funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), commonly known as the economic stimulus package. Stimulus fund spending was approved by the Texas Transportation Commission today.
The commission approved stimulus funds for 266 roadway and bridge maintenance and rehabilitation projects valued at $505,675,806 including:
“The projects approved today will serve to preserve the state’s investment in our current transportation system,” said Deirdre Delisi, Texas Transportation Commission Chair.
Funding levels for roadway projects were based on population, lane miles, vehicle traffic, and pavement conditions. TxDOT identified the needed projects based on engineering needs and in coordination with local officials.
The commission also approved TxDOT’s support for 10 aviation projects valued at $49.7 million. The stimulus-funded aviation projects will be submitted to the Federal Aviation Administration for final approval based on a priority list developed for annual program funding for general aviation airports.
The commission voted for stimulus spending on 39 public transportation projects valued at $32.8 million for rural program operators to fund vehicle fleets, facilities, and information technology equipment. Funds will be distributed to each of the state’s rural transit providers and will be used to purchase more than 300 buses and to construct facilities across the state.
On Wednesday, February 25, TxDOT staff released a list of projects that could be developed using an additional $1.2 billion in available ARRA funds. The Texas Transportation Commission is expected to vote on the staff-recommended list during a special meeting on March 5. The staff recommendation was created by applying criteria developed by the state’s local transportation leaders to an extensive list of projects that met the initial requirements for readiness established in the stimulus bill.
Project lists and more information are available on the TxDOT website, www.txdot.gov (keyword “stimulus”). Citizens can comment on TxDOT’s proposal to implement the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act through the website, by fax (512-463-9896), by email (askTxDOT@dot.state.tx.us) or by writing to the department (125 East 11th Street, Austin, Texas 78701).
The Texas Department of Transportation
The Texas Department of Transportation is responsible for maintaining nearly
80,000 miles of road and for supporting aviation, rail and public
transportation across the state. TxDOT and its 15,000 employees strive to
empower local leaders to solve local transportation problems, and to use new
financial tools, including tolling and public-private partnerships, to
reduce congestion and pave the way for future economic growth while
enhancing safety, improving air quality and preserving the value of the
state's transportation assets. Find out more at www.txdot.gov.
125 East 11th Street . Austin, Texas 78701 
Copyright 2009. Texas Department of Transportation. All Rights Reserved.
