The bond program is expected to total roughly $400 million in county funds for projects across multiple municipalities, including Keller and Fort Worth. Tarrant County voters last approved a transportation bond in 2006 for a total of $200 million.
"However, since 2006, population increases and strong economic development within Tarrant County have once again highlighted the need for further improvements to our transportation system," according to the county's 2021 transportation bond policy. "These improvements, including, but not limited to, congestion mitigation, safety enhancements and system connectivity, will be critical to ensuring a safe and reliable roadway network."
While the county is currently accepting projects for consideration from local municipalities and public agencies through April 16, the city of Fort Worth has already identified dozens of projects for consideration.
In order to receive approval from the county, Fort Worth and other cities will have to provide at least 50% of funds for the total cost of a project. According to a city of Fort Worth news release, the city will provide the bulk of its funds through a 2022 bond program.
Fort Worth officials have identified at least 39 projects for consideration at a cost of more than $400 million. Projects include 12 arterial roadways, 12 intersections, and 15 traffic signals and grade-separated railroad crossings. According to the release, an estimated $204.5 million in funding for the proposed projects will come from the city's May 2022 bond program.
The city of Fort Worth will hold public meetings March 23 and March 27 in order to provide residents more information on the county bond program as well as identify city projects that will be included.
“City staff is constantly looking at projects that are candidates for a bond election and have been working on the proposed 2022 bond program since the summer of 2019,” Fort Worth City Manager David Cooke said in the release. “The selected projects are an excellent opportunity to partner with Tarrant County to make some roadway improvements throughout the city."
Fort Worth City Council is expected to vote on a resolution supporting the county transportation bond at an April 6 meeting. Tarrant County Commissioners Court approval of the November 2021 transportation bond is expected this summer.
