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Transportation Enhancement Projects Approved
03/26/2009
The Texas Transportation Commission approved spending $74
million on 22 transportation-related
enhancement projects today. Most of the funds were made available under
the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), commonly referred to as
the federal economic stimulus bill.
The ARRA provided for an infusion of more than $2.2 billion to Texas for transportation-related infrastructure improvements. The stimulus bill requires states to set aside a portion of those funds for transportation enhancements. For Texas, that amount is $67 million.
Today’s Commission approval gives the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) authority to move forward with funding for the Transportation Enhancement Program. The program provides funding for transportation-related projects that contribute to the livelihood of communities, promote the quality of our environment, and enhance the aesthetics of our roadways.
These projects provide opportunities to enhance and contribute to the transportation system by supporting hike & bike trails, visitor centers, beautification and restoration efforts, and others. The focus of these actions is to improve the transportation experience in and through local communities.
TxDOT previously put about $128 million in Transportation Enhancement Program projects, but they were slowed because of funding issues. As a remedy, TxDOT staff recommended to the Commission that the funds be used to advance many of the projects that are currently on the books.
The projects were selected in past program calls, but because of recent cash flow limitations, were unable to move forward. With this action, the first round of projects will now be able to move to construction within a year.
“Our district offices consulted local sponsors to determine these projects can be ready by March 2010, the deadline specified in the ARRA legislation,” said John Barton, TxDOT’s Assistant Executive Director for Engineering Operations.
“The result -- 22 projects. A remaining 43 projects (estimated at $55 million) will require a longer lead time and renewed TxDOT work with local sponsors to prepare them for construction,” said Barton. "In an effort to restore complete funding to the transportation enhancement program, TxDOT will issue a future program call for more enhancement projects amounting to another $67 million funded in 2010 and 2011."
The Transportation Enhancement Program is a statewide competitive program and is administered in accordance with applicable federal and state rules and regulations. Projects undertaken with enhancement funds are eligible for reimbursement of up to 80 percent of allowable costs.
