AUSTIN February 24 2010 -- For the second month in a row State Representative Rob Orr (R-Burleson) addressed the Texas Transportation Commission (TTC) today in support of a funding proposal designed to backstop SH 121 Southwest Parkway/Chisholm Trail Parkway and deliver both the SH 161 and SH 121 projects in Johnson and Tarrant counties.
In a special called meeting the Commission unanimously approved a request for financing from the North Texas Tollway Authority (NTTA) to pay for eligible costs associated with the development design construction operation and maintenance of the SH 161 toll project and authorize the executive director to enter into a financial assistance agreement for the SH 161 toll project in support of both proposals.
In other action related to these roadways the Commission
• approved preliminary approval for financing from the NTTA to pay for eligible costs associated with the development design construction operation and maintenance of the SH 121 toll project from Fort Worths Central Business District to US 67 in Cleburne.
• authorized the NTTA to make improvements to the state highway system in connection with the SH 121 toll project (Southwest Parkway/Chisholm Trail Parkway).
In approving these three minute orders it was noted that the Commission has taken historic action.
The funding option presented to the Commission is the result of many many hours of meetings between the partner agencies -- Texas Department of Transportation Regional Transportation Council and the NTTA Rep. Orr noted. I have worked with Johnson County Judge Roger Harmon and County Commissioner John Matthews in their capacities with the RTC and the Executive Committee of the North Central Texas Council of Governments respectively as this project has moved forward.
In addressing the Commission Rep. Orr noted that he believes that numerous safeguards have been included in the financing agreement that will protect the State of Texas. This is a model for projects that can be used all over the state. By combining the two projects into one it reduces the risk to the state. He continued by stating that he works for the State of Texas just like the Commission does and wants to make sure the state is protected from any undue risk.
Joining Rep. Orr in addressing the Commission was Johnson County Judge Roger Harmon who also noted the uniqueness of the partnership.
This is yet another positive step in the right direction that will lead to the development and completion of the SH 121 Southwest Parkway/Chisholm Trail Parkway Rep. Orr said. I am proud to work with the state agency and other partner organizations to bring this much needed road to our county. I will continue to work diligently to bring all components of this project to completion.
Following todays actions the proposals will be considered by NTTA on Feb. 26 as the next step in moving the projects forward.
Rep. Rob Orr is serving his third term in the Texas House of Representatives where he serves on the Business and Industry Land and Resource Management and Local and Consent Calendars Committees. He is also serving his second term on the House Research Organization. Rep. Orr is a member of the Republican Caucus Policy Committee Community College Caucus and the Texas Conservative Coalition.
AUSTIN February 24 2010 -- For the second month in a row State Representative Rob Orr (R-Burleson) addressed the Texas Transportation Commission (TTC) today in support of a funding proposal designed to backstop SH 121 Southwest Parkway/Chisholm Trail Parkway and deliver both the SH 161 and SH 121 projects in Johnson and Tarrant counties.
In a special called meeting the Commission unanimously approved a request for financing from the North Texas Tollway Authority (NTTA) to pay for eligible costs associated with the development design construction operation and maintenance of the SH 161 toll project and authorize the executive director to enter into a financial assistance agreement for the SH 161 toll project in support of both proposals.
In other action related to these roadways the Commission
• approved preliminary approval for financing from the NTTA to pay for eligible costs associated with the development design construction operation and maintenance of the SH 121 toll project from Fort Worths Central Business District to US 67 in Cleburne.
• authorized the NTTA to make improvements to the state highway system in connection with the SH 121 toll project (Southwest Parkway/Chisholm Trail Parkway).
In approving these three minute orders it was noted that the Commission has taken historic action.
The funding option presented to the Commission is the result of many many hours of meetings between the partner agencies -- Texas Department of Transportation Regional Transportation Council and the NTTA Rep. Orr noted. I have worked with Johnson County Judge Roger Harmon and County Commissioner John Matthews in their capacities with the RTC and the Executive Committee of the North Central Texas Council of Governments respectively as this project has moved forward.
In addressing the Commission Rep. Orr noted that he believes that numerous safeguards have been included in the financing agreement that will protect the State of Texas. This is a model for projects that can be used all over the state. By combining the two projects into one it reduces the risk to the state. He continued by stating that he works for the State of Texas just like the Commission does and wants to make sure the state is protected from any undue risk.
Joining Rep. Orr in addressing the Commission was Johnson County Judge Roger Harmon who also noted the uniqueness of the partnership.
This is yet another positive step in the right direction that will lead to the development and completion of the SH 121 Southwest Parkway/Chisholm Trail Parkway Rep. Orr said. I am proud to work with the state agency and other partner organizations to bring this much needed road to our county. I will continue to work diligently to bring all components of this project to completion.
Following todays actions the proposals will be considered by NTTA on Feb. 26 as the next step in moving the projects forward.
Rep. Rob Orr is serving his third term in the Texas House of Representatives where he serves on the Business and Industry Land and Resource Management and Local and Consent Calendars Committees. He is also serving his second term on the House Research Organization. Rep. Orr is a member of the Republican Caucus Policy Committee Community College Caucus and the Texas Conservative Coalition.
