The amount was approved as part of the mediation plan between Dallas Area Rapid Transit and the city of Dallas. The action caps a monthslong dispute between DART and Dallas regarding how much the city will receive in excess sales tax revenue.
The overview
Staff from the North Central Texas Council of Governments requested $5.3 million in federal funds as a final component of the mediation plan between DART and Dallas. The funds will be used to make enhancements along the Silver Line project in Dallas, according to a meeting agenda.
Michael Morris, transportation director for the council of governments, said staff had been tracking these enhancements that could be paid for by the transportation council. The list of enhancements includes costs for the installation of a traffic signal, a pump house in Hillcrest, the extension of a noise wall and more.
The approval of the funds honors staff commitments as a “final homework assignment” in the mediation plan, Morris said. In June, council previously approved $15.4 million in federal funds as part of the mediation agreement to be used for Dallas’ Five Mile Creek Hike and Bike Trail.
“I’m very proud at the tone in those last three months of conversations between DART and the city,” he said. “It has been extremely positive in getting caught up.”
As part of the same action, council also approved a policy statement on future communication regarding the Silver Line project and the Cotton Belt Bicycle-Pedestrian project. The council is requesting all local governments; transportation providers; and their associated elected officials, board members and staff work in a coordinated and cooperative fashion to advance the project, according to the agenda.
“Should future questions or issues arise, the [Regional Transportation Council] strongly encourages all parties to work collaboratively in a professional manner to expeditiously resolve,” the agenda states.
The backstory
The action comes after Dallas City Council approved a new agreement with DART to receive about $90 in excess sales tax revenue during its June 14 meeting.
Originally, DART had promised Dallas more than $111 million in excess funds but lowered the amount to about $32 million, saying the city was responsible for delays on the Silver Line project. The council of governments mediated a deal between DART and the city that bumped Dallas’ total allocation up to $90 million.
Quote of note
Before making a motion to approve, Dallas City Council Member Cara Mendelsohn thanked Morris for helping to mediate the dispute between DART and Dallas.
“You have been involved for a long time, and a lot of those items up there have taken a lot of your time and probably every bit of negotiation skills you have,” she said.
