Two-minute impact
Commissioners unanimously approved a revised list of projects to be constructed by TxDOT with pass-through toll funds. The funding is collected from toll roads in Montgomery County and can be used to construct and maintain other state roads within the area.
The new list also addressed confusion from TxDOT regarding the priority level of projects in Montgomery County, which according to county officials was a point of concern from TxDOT.
The new project list prioritizes the following projects:
- I-45 braided ramps connecting to Hardy Toll Road: $12 million
- I-45 frontage road improvements at Research Forest: $1.67 million
- FM 1097 realignment from Bentwater Drive to FM 149: $5 million
- FM 2090 expansion from Daw Collins to FM 3083: $7 million
How we got here
According to Precinct 2 Commissioner Charlie Riley, $58.7 million is needed for the list of projects. County Auditor Rakesh Pandey said during the Dec. 5 meeting the pass-through fund balance was currently short $5.7 million needed to address the projects.
Quote of note
“We somehow need to put a bow on this so we can actually hopefully start utilizing this to enhance mobility and improve it instead of causing a little bit of controversy,” Precinct 3 Commissioner James Noack said.
Also on the agenda
The court also approved a resolution to move forward on an advanced funding agreement for the Magnolia Bypass road construction. The new resolution will allow TxDOT to pull the project into available funding and move forward as soon as possible.
