Texas proposes state-wide $100 billion transportation plan

Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), along with Gov. Greg Abbott proposed an unprecedented $100 billion 10-year transportation plan meant to increase the number of projects to maintain roads, improve traffic congestion, and increase road safety throughout the state, according to Abbott.

“Last year our 10-year plan was 87 billion so this is a big jump,” said Rebecca L Wells, Atlanta district engineer.

Wells said the jump in funds should help with Unified Transportation Program (UTP) plans throughout state construction and that $100 billion is the largest ever proposed by UTP for transportation projects.

The amount proposed is based on the record projected revenue for the state, according to reports, and is gleaned mostly from growth in Proposition 1 (2015 legislative session) revenues that came through oil and gas severance fees dedicated toward highway improvements.

Information obtained from txdot.gov/ reads that in November 2014, 80 percent of Texans voted to approve Proposition 1, which authorized a constitutional amendment for transporting funding. Under this amendment, a portion of existing oil and natural gas production taxes–or severance taxes–would be divided evenly between the Economic Stabilization Fund and the State Highway Fund.

“Pursuant to Section 49-g(c), Article III, Texas Constitution, the funds may only be used for constructing, maintaining, and acquiring rights-of-way for public roadways other than toll roads,” TxDOT’s Website maintained. According to the ballot proposition language used, “The constitutional amendment providing for the use and dedication of certain money transferred to the state highway fund to assist in the completion of transportation construction, maintenance, and rehabilitation projects, not to include toll roads.”

Abbott said the unprecedented investment in the 2024 UT would also increase funding in vital areas, including safety, the energy sector, rural and urban connectivity, border infrastructure, maintenance, and preservation.

Abbott said he’s proud to announce the record plan to strengthen and improve the Texas transportation infrastructure.

“Under TxDOT’s 2024 Unified Transportation Program, we will dedicate critical funds to bolster our major roadway infrastructure to address the unique needs of Texans in rural, urban, and metropolitan communities,” Abbott said. “This 10-year plan will further jumpstart our economy and keep Texas the economic juggernaut of the nation. Together, we are working to ensure that Texas remains the premier destination for people and businesses.”

TxDOT Commission Chairman J. Bruce Bugg agreed, stating that as Texas continues to see exponential population and economic growth, funding will help meet the needs of all Texans.

“As cities grow every year, it’s important we continue to address congestion in our busiest parts of the state through our Texas Clear Lanes initiative, which is also set to get a significant boost,” Bugg said.

Marc Williams, TxDOT Executive Director said safety is a top priority for them and that these funding levels reflect that.

“This historic UTP allows the department to deliver on a record number of projects that are not only innovative but will help improve safety for all Texans,” Williams said. “These efforts can and do have real impacts on our ability to drastically reduce fatalities on our roadways.”

According to TxDOT reports, the total proposed direct and indirect investment in safety in the 2024 UTP plan is approximately $17 billion–a nearly $3 billion increase over 2023’s UTP.

Congestion relief projects through Texas Clear Lanes will see an increase of $1 billion over the next 10-years, while urban and rural connectivity will increase by $3.4 billion. A two-year border projects program will increase from $60 million to $120 million. A full breakdown is available online at ftp.txdot.gov under a presentation titled “2024 Unified Transportation Program Development TEXAS TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION.”

TxDOT reports more than $33 billion in transportation projects currently under construction throughout the state, with more than 7,000 transportation projects underway or scheduled to break ground in 2023. Both TxDOT and the Texas Transportation Commission report they will be evaluating projects for inclusion in the 2024 UTP through May.

“The public will have an opportunity to weigh in on the proposed changes to the UTP before the Texas Transportation Commission approves the plan in August 2023,” TxDOT reported.

To find out more about how to voice your opinion, visit txdot.gov.

The Texas Department of Transportation is responsible for maintaining 80,000 miles of road and for supporting aviation, maritime, rail and public transportation across Texas.