Here’s how to weigh in on Texas’ $104B transportation plan
29 Jul 2024
By: Hannah Norton - Community Impact
The Texas Department of Transportation is seeking public input on its $104.2 billion plan to fund transportation projects across the state for the next 10 years.
The plan, called the Unified Transportation Program, is updated annually. TxDOT works with elected officials, local planning organizations and residents to select the state’s highest priority projects in a variety of categories, plan documents show.
The overview
The program aims to preserve Texas roadways, improve safety and tackle congestion and connectivity, according to a news release. Program funding is used for highway, public transportation, maritime, aviation, rail, freight, international trade and bicycle and pedestrian projects.
The Texas Transportation Commission is expected to approve the 2025 UTP during its Aug. 22 meeting. The draft plan would provide a record amount of funding for transportation projects across the state, after the 2024 UTP made $100 billion available.
“[The 2025 UTP] is a critical tool in guiding transportation project development for all [of] Texas and considers the diverse needs of our rural and urban areas,” said Texas Transportation Commission chair J. Bruce Bugg Jr. in the draft plan. “Recognizing that funding levels can change, the UTP does not guarantee that all proposed projects will be built. But this forward-looking program ensures that TxDOT is ready to meet future demand and optimize the hard-earned taxpayer dollars dedicated to transportation.”
Get involved
Texans can testify about this year’s plan during a virtual public hearing at 2 p.m. July 31. The hearing will be livestreamed, and those testifying can call 800-717-1738 with the conference ID of “Texas DOT Public Hearing.”
TxDOT will accept public input on the 2025 UTP through 4 p.m. Aug. 5. Comments can be shared by filling out an online form, emailing UTP-PublicComments@txdot.gov, calling 800-433-4842 or by mail. A form can be downloaded here and mailed to the following address: Texas Department of Transportation, Unified Transportation Program Update, 125 E. 11th St., Austin, TX 78701.