The Texas Transportation Commission convened in January to review recent developments and approve funding for transportation projects across the state.
During the meeting, commissioners and Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Executive Director Marc Williams recognized the efforts of TxDOT employees in responding to a winter storm that affected much of Texas during the weekend of January 24. Crews worked extended hours, operating around the clock to pretreat roads with brine and granular materials before and during the storm. Over 13 million gallons of brine and more than 50,000 cubic feet of granular material were used to clear ice and snow from roadways. Some regions remained under 24/7 operations a week after the storm. Acting Commission Chairman Alvin New praised TxDOT teams for their collaboration across districts.
At the height of the storm, more than 5,000 road segments were impacted by winter weather. TxDOT coordinated with other state agencies and contractors to maintain road access as safely and quickly as possible. The department encouraged drivers to stay home when possible and provided real-time updates on DriveTexas.org, which received over 1.6 million visits during the event. There were also 11,000 calls made to TxDOT Travel Information Centers.
Williams commended staff for their commitment: “Williams praised the robust response across the state and the long days and nights crews spent working on clearing roads.”
The commission also discussed development plans for TxDOT’s 2027 Unified Transportation Program (UTP). Humberto “Tito” Gonzalez Jr., Director of Transportation Planning and Programming at TxDOT, outlined financial projections for this ten-year plan that will guide statewide transportation projects. The UTP is expected to allocate $94.5 billion over ten years, with total investments—including project development and maintenance—estimated at $138.9 billion. A draft plan will be presented later this year with anticipated adoption in August.
Acting Chair New reported preliminary data indicating a continued decline in average daily traffic fatalities—from 11.3 per day in 2024 to 10.2 per day in early reports from 2025—a trend observed since 2020. He stated: “He noted that while this is positive news, there is still work to be done by both TxDOT and the traveling public.” New emphasized ongoing investments in engineering improvements, innovation, education campaigns, and partnerships with law enforcement but called on all individuals to make safe decisions behind the wheel.
TxDOT hosted the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Assignment Peer Exchange at its Austin headquarters following the winter storm, bringing together transportation leaders from various state and federal organizations.
Leadership changes were announced for the Texas Freight Advisory Committee; Judge Edward Emmett retired as chair after thirteen years, succeeded by Gerry Schwebel who has served on the committee since 2016.
New also highlighted $1.4 billion in federal funding allocated for Texas’ Rural Health Transformation Program—$281 million annually over five years—to support health care transformation in rural areas through improved connectivity via highway expansion projects.
The commission approved several contracts: $484 million was awarded for sixty-two highway improvement projects; $32 million went toward twenty-two routine maintenance projects; Bandera County received $15.7 million for building construction and rehabilitation.
In aviation matters, six airports received a combined $29 million in state and federal grants for capital improvements.
For public transportation needs—including electric vehicle fleet expansion—the commission approved $2.4 million from state funds matched by Federal Transit Administration project funds.
Three State Infrastructure Bank loans were granted:
– City of El Paso: up to $14.8 million for five Metropolitan Planning Organization projects
– City of Granbury: up to $16.8 million for utility relocation on US 377
– RCH Water Supply Corporation: up to $17.4 million for utility relocation on SH 205
With these awards, State Infrastructure Bank loans have surpassed $1 billion since their start in 1997—supporting more than $9.6 billion worth of infrastructure projects across 135 communities statewide through low-interest financing options.
Nationally, additional U.S Department of Transportation programs are providing support beyond Texas:
– Nearly $19.6 million has been awarded through Small Shipyard Grants nationwide.
– On July 29th new guidance along with $7.3 billion was made available via formula funding from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law aimed at helping states prepare for extreme weather events.
– Secretary Pete Buttigieg recently announced that more than $2.2 billion from RAISE program funds will assist urban and rural communities nationwide with modernization efforts targeting roads, bridges, transit systems, ports, railways—and increased safety measures.
– The Department of Transportation’s FLOW initiative is expanding its Freight Logistics Optimization Works partnership network among supply chain stakeholders who now securely share data with USDOT; these collaborative efforts aim to address persistent challenges facing national supply chains (link).
– In recognition of ADA’s anniversary, winners were named in DOT’s Inclusive Design Challenge supporting mobility solutions enhancing accessibility.
– Rail industry practices continue evolving as innovation has led train crew sizes being reduced over decades—with current standards typically requiring two-person crews (link).
