RMA says design funding reaches 51.3% as it prepares BUILD grant for I‑35 overpass
Loading...
Summary
RMA reported it has secured roughly 51.3% of the estimated design costs (including $900,000 from the MPO, $950,000 from the RMA and $500,000 pledged by TxDOT) and expects to submit a BUILD grant application next week for an I‑35 overpass; officials hope for a decision by June.
Jack Brown, representing the Regional Mobility Authority, told the MPO Policy Committee Feb. 18 that RMA has eight active projects and is preparing a BUILD grant application for a proposed overpass (referred to in the packet as the Viceo overpass).
"With the $900,000 from the MPO, the $950,000 from the RMA, and a half million dollars pledged by TxDOT, we've been able to come up with, 51.3% of the funds required for the anticipated design," Brown said, adding the application is scheduled to be submitted next week and the RMA hopes for encouraging news by June.
Brown also reported a recent appointment to the Texas Transportation Commission (Pat Gordon of El Paso) and said having two commission members from border communities could be significant for future regional projects. Committee members raised congestion concerns at the 13‑mile marker/Unitek Drive; Brown said the RMA will coordinate with the city and consider options but must return proposals to the full RMA board.
MPO staff later told the committee they will provide a letter of support to help strengthen the RMA's BUILD application. The committee did not take a separate formal vote on the grant application at this meeting.
