HomeMy WebLinkAboutIR 7002 INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 7002
N17141ra February 26 1985
�b�coer To the Mayor and Members of the City Council
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loll, �rexPy. Subject. REPRESENTATION OF THE CITY OF FORT WORTH AT MEETINGS OF
THE STATE HIGHWAY COMMISSION
The Texas Department of Highways and Public Transportation (TDHPT) is an
important state agency from the perspective of municipalities. Through
the Highway Commission, TDHPT authorizes and distributes millions of
dollars for public transportation projects throughout the state. The
Commission recently approved a new ten-year building program outlining
Projects totaling $7.7 billion. Already, in excess of 3 billion of
these funds has been committed to the Houston-Harris County area. Fort
Worth and Tarrant County's Southwest Freeway Project has not yet been
included in the Highway Commission's ten-year program, although applica-
tion for siich inclusion was made early in 1984.
Three members comprise the Highway Commission: Robert C. Lanier of
Houston, who has been Chairman since May, 1983; John R. Butler, also of
Houston, a member since 1981; and Robert H. Dedman, whose term expired
February 15, 1985. News reports indicate that the Governor will appoint
a representative from the West Texas area.
During the last decade funding levels have not sufficiently financed
highway projects throughout the state. Even with the tax increases to
the Highway Department from the Special Legislative Session in 1984,
► competition for funding local projects has been much more intense as a
result of: 1) relative scarcity of funds; and, 2) the growth of Texas!
Population and economy. Under Chairman Lanier's leadership, the Commis-
sion has made new policy initiatives and instituted new criteria which
cities must meet if their projects are to be considered for state
funding.
A number of Texas cities have now begun to monitor the monthly meetings
of the Highway Commission in an effort to establish a continuous rapport
with the agencv. It is important that the Commission see the City of
Fort Worth's visible commitment to both the Commission's overall state
plan, as well as to Fort Worth's own projects. Fort Worth representa-
tion at the monthly meetines could demonstrate such interest.
It is recommended that the City Council give approval for one elected
City official, one staff technical offical, and the legislative affairs
coordinator to monitor each monthly meeting of the Highway Commission in
Austin, Texas, in order to establish and maintain an on-going, continu-
oi1s Fort Worth presence at such meetings.
Shnxld additional information be desired, it will be furnished anon
rentiest.
Vernell Sturns
Acting. City Manager
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ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS