Eagle Pass MPO approves resolution to clear way for Loop 480 letting
Get AI-powered insights, summaries, and transcripts
Subscribe
Summary
The Eagle Pass-area MPO unanimously approved a resolution supporting TxDOT’s Loop 480 project so the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) will accept the documentation; TxDOT moved the letting from February to April to meet the requirement.
The Eagle Pass Metropolitan Planning Organization voted unanimously to approve a resolution supporting the Loop 480 project, a proposed connector between Highway 57 and U.S. 277 North (Del Rio Boulevard), clearing a documentation hurdle with the Federal Highway Administration.
The action came after Luis Villareal, advanced planning engineer with the TxDOT Laredo District, told the MPO that FHWA is now requiring an MPO resolution as part of the materials needed for FHWA to approve the project for letting. "It was scheduled to let in February, but now it's gonna be moved over to April just so that we're compliant with this requirement," Villareal said. He added that TxDOT sought a waiver from FHWA but "we were not successful."
The resolution under consideration was identified in the meeting as "MPO 20 26 01" and was described as the formal local endorsement FHWA requested now that the area is urbanized. Meeting participants viewed a proposed layout of the Loop 480 alignment showing where the new roadway would connect Highway 57 to Del Rio Boulevard (U.S. 277 North). TxDOT representatives present on the call included Vanessa Rosata Salera and Sarah Casa.
A motion to approve the resolution "as presented" was recorded in the transcript as made by Judge Canton and seconded by Commissioner Ramos; the chair announced the motion passed unanimously. The meeting chair later opened the floor for public comment but no public remarks were recorded in the transcript.
TxDOT officials said the project has been on local paperwork dating back to 2015 and 2016, when city and county letters supported the effort; Villareal said FHWA has shifted its documentation expectations and is now seeking an MPO resolution specifically. TxDOT’s transportation commission has identified the project as a high priority for the district.
Next steps, as discussed in the meeting, are for the MPO resolution to be submitted as part of the FHWA documentation package and for TxDOT to proceed with the rescheduled letting in April. The meeting adjourned after the MPO completed the vote.