According to Tarrant County, the objective of the bond program is to improve traveling conditions for people and goods as the county’s population grows. Projects proposed by the city include adding turn lanes and roundabouts and providing connectivity for pedestrian walkways as well as asphalt and drainage system upgrades.
“Six of those 13 projects partner with neighboring cities in one way, shape or form,” Assistant City Manager Adrienne Lothery said during a March 23 presentation to City Council. “And so we think that that's something that will be attractive to the county.”
If approved by Tarrant County, Colleyville will partner with Bedford, Hurst, Euless and the county on some projects, including expanding a bridge and walkways on Heritage Avenue. That project is estimated to cost $750,000, split among the cities and county. Colleyville’s $125,000 contribution would come from the city’s capital projects fund.
Other projects, such as adding a roundabout at the intersection of Cheek-Sparger and Bedford roads, would use funds from the city’s tax increment financing zone, and projects that deal with drainage or other utility systems will partially draw from the city’s utility capital projects fund.
“Colleyville would only be responsible for a much smaller portion of total project costs by partnering with those other entities, at an ultimate savings to our citizens and taxpayers,” Lothery said.
If the bond program is approved by voters in November, up to $400 million will be made available to reimburse cities for up to 50% of the cost of projects selected by the Tarrant County Transportation Services Department and Commissioners Court. Projects that will be able to begin construction within five years will be given priority.
Cosmetic enhancements, such as putting in benches or trees, are not eligible. Utility infrastructure improvements or relocations will only be eligible for reimbursement if they are vital to roadway projects.
Projects will be approved by Tarrant County Commissioners Court during the summer, and the bond program will go before voters in November.
A similar, $200 million transportation bond program was approved by voters in 2006, and the majority of the 120 projects covered by that program have been completed. For more information on the bond program, see the Tarrant County website.
