August 27, 2014 4:21 PM

Local control as unfunded mandate? TxDOT considers returning 6900 miles of roads to locals

Negotiated letter of understanding defuses situation

The Texas Department of Transportation managed to avert one publicity crisis during the interim while a recent legal opinion has led to more work for lawmakers next session as to how to fund new roads.

Chair Rep. Larry Phillips, R-Sherman, reviewed a number of the interim charges for his House Transportation Committee. First up was TxDOT’s so-called “turnback program”, which is intended to return TxDOT’s low-traffic roadways from the highway grid back to local control.

Cities, in particular, were vocally opposed to the proposal last year which was intended to take up to 6,900 miles of non-freeway lanes in urban areas off the state’s books. Letters sent out to local officials last August by then-TxDOT Executive Director Phil Wilson emphasized the program would be a “cooperative venture between TxDOT and local jurisdictions to increase local control.” The letter ended with an exhortation of “each of us doing our part” to maintain the state’s road system.

By Kimberly Reeves