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State UTP faces billions in cuts; Lubbock officials urged to chase grants
Summary
Staff told the committee the draft Unified Transportation Plan shows a $4.8 billion federal aid drop between 2026–2027 and a $7.1 billion total deficit across categories, prompting staff to recommend aggressive grant-seeking to protect local projects.
Kristin Lucero briefed the committee on the draft Unified Transportation Plan and a projected multi‑billion dollar funding gap. She said the forecast shows a roughly $4.8 billion reduction in federal aid between 2026 and 2027 and a $7.1 billion total change when other deficits are included; Lucero said the federal adjustment alone is about $4.4 billion. She described TxDOT’s approach as "front‑loading" cuts into the near term and said districts and MPOs will need to tighten budgets and pursue alternative funding sources.
Lucero emphasized the local consequences: Lubbock is growing and competes with larger urban counties for dollars, and staff is assessing grants — including BUILD, DCIP and other federal programs — to keep critical projects on the pipeline. She asked committee members to prioritize readiness and noted staff has been discussing opportunities with the TAC and regional partners.
Committee discussion focused on what the MPO can do to remain competitive for discretionary grants and on coordinating letters of support from regional military partners and Texas Tech, where appropriate. Lucero said staff will continue to identify grant opportunities and coordinate with TxDOT and regional partners.
