PlanTech approves using existing TIP funds for UTA TechLink environmental work

Members of PlanTech approved a modification to the regional Transportation Improvement Program to allow funds already programmed for UTA project PIN 22087 (the TechLink/Orange/Red Line corridor) to be used for environmental documentation as well as concept design. The action was taken during a PlanTech meeting (date not specified). Ben Worthridge, speaking for staff, described the change as a scope modification and explained that it aligns the $2,000,000 in programmed funds with other funding sources identified for the project. "The request is also to bring these funds forward so that they align with the other funds that are available," Worthridge said. At one point Worthridge corrected the record: "it's to allow the funds to be used as any environmental document and to bring them forward. No additional monies." The committee took a formal motion to approve the modification (moved by Chad Anderson; seconded by Matthew Castle) and members voted in favor. This was an amendment to the 2025–2030 TIP documents as discussed at the meeting. Discussion: staff described that the UTA TechLink request originally sought funding for concept and design work and that additional funds had since been identified; the modification changes the scope so the $2,000,000 may be applied to environmental work as well as the concept design. Decision: the committee approved the requested scope change and moving the funds forward; no new funding was authorized. Next steps: staff said the TIP modification will be carried forward as part of the regional TIP/STIP process and integrated with other program funds. The transcript does not specify a public hearing connected to this particular modification.