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MPO sets funding philosophy: assigns Category 2 to Loop 88, prioritizes local off-system use of Category 7 while protecting constrained projects
Summary
The Lubbock MPO policy committee on Oct. 21 adopted a funding-philosophy resolution assigning Category 2 funding priority to Loop 88, prioritizing Category 7 for locally owned off-system projects, and adding language to protect currently constrained Cat 7 projects such as Loop 88 Phase 3d and Woodrow Road.
The Lubbock Metropolitan Planning Organization Transportation Policy Committee adopted a funding-philosophy resolution Oct. 21 that directs how the MPO will prioritize federal formula categories in upcoming TIP programming. The policy sets Category 2 funding priority for Loop 88 and directs a future emphasis on Category 7 (Metropolitan Mobility and Rehabilitation) toward local off-system capacity projects, while protecting projects already constrained in the TIP such as Loop 88 Phase 3d and Woodrow Road.
Martin Lucero explained that the recommendation before the committee reflects Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) deliberations and restates category priorities from TxDOT’s UTP document. John Turpin, a TAC representative, told the committee the TAC voted to continue exclusive support of Loop 88 with Category 2 funds and that the TAC’s intent was not to affect currently constrained projects.
Committee members extensively discussed how Category 7 funds might be used, concerns that removing funding from constrained projects could jeopardize larger commitments (one speaker noted a $100,000,000 commission contribution leveraged on a Loop 88 phase tied to prior funding), and the need for shelf-ready local projects to avoid lapsing federal funds. Several members asked TxDOT representatives and staff to clarify that accepting this funding philosophy does not reprogram existing TIP years ('27–'28) and that project-level decisions would be made through the normal TIP ranking and readiness process.
Mr. Atkinson (TxDOT), Mr. Warren and other members noted that TxDOT can offer on-system projects as short-term alternatives to avoid lapses, but the committee emphasized preference for off-system local projects for Category 7 going forward. Commissioner Atkinson moved and Commissioner Dolby seconded a motion (moved by Mr. Atkinson; second by Commissioner Dolby) to adopt the resolution with explicit language protecting currently constrained Cat 7 projects (Loop 88 Phase 3d and Woodrow Road). The motion passed unanimously (recorded 6–0 with Mayor Pro Tem absent). The committee directed staff to return with TIP project-level programming in subsequent meetings and to ensure protected projects remain funded.
