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Court approves MOU on southern Outer Loop despite objections; vote 4–1
Summary
The commissioners approved, 4–1, a memorandum of understanding with the Regional Transportation Council on the southern Outer Loop that would obligate the county to an environmental study but give the county preferential consideration for routing. One commissioner objected, citing funding concerns and process.
The commissioners voted 4–1 to approve a memorandum of understanding with the Regional Transportation Council that commits the county to continued collaboration on the southern portion of the Outer Loop, including an environmental study the county estimates could cost $7.5–8 million.
Commissioner Lichty said the MOU "assures us the right to to be involved and ensures us the right to have input on this," emphasizing that the agreement preserves county input on potential routes and mitigation objectives. Supporters said the MOU gives the county stronger standing in negotiations and potential mitigation leverage; opponents warned the engineering study cost would be a heavy burden and questioned whether the county should commit to the expense now.
The court amended a recital paragraph to explicitly reference the route through the southern portion before approving the final version, and the motion passed 4–1. Staff noted that the MOU does not guarantee the county can determine the final alignment but affords significant input and potential preferential consideration in the RTC process. Commissioners instructed staff to continue coordination with TxDOT, the RTC and local partners as the study advances.
