This program will include the modernization of the US 80/FM 548 interchange including the reconstruction of US 80 grade separation, the widening of FM 741 and the widening of FM 740. For this program of projects, the voters approved approximately $40 million of revenue bonds secured by a Pass-Through Toll Agreement with the State of Texas.
Because less money is available from the state and the Texas Department of Transportation, communities are now more responsible for the funding of their local infrastructure. For this program of projects, the voters approximately $40 million revenue bond issue secured by a Pass-Through Toll Agreement with the State of Texas.
Historically, transportation projects in the state of Texas have been funded through a combination of local and state funds. Local governments have contributed their money to cover a percentage of the right-of-way or design costs, while the State provided the remaining funds. Because of reluctance through the last decade to raise the gas tax, the historical source of transportation dollars in Texas, state funding for transportation projects has not kept pace with demand.
Historically, transportation projects in the state of Texas have been funded through a combination of local and state funds. Local governments have contributed their money to cover a percentage of the right-of-way or design costs, while the State provided the remaining funds. Because of reluctance through the last decade to raise the gas tax, the historical source of transportation dollars in Texas, state funding for transportation projects has not kept pace with demand.
Today, the Texas Department of Transportation estimates that there is only enough funding to cover the maintenance of the state’s existing roadway network.
In an attempt to provide a remedy to this funding crisis, the Texas Legislature authorized a new way to fund and accelerate the development of critically needed roadway projects. The State now has the ability to partner with local governments to fund locally prioritized projects through the use of Pass-Through Financing. This finance mechanism allows a local government to fund and construct a project today, such as the Hidalgo Loop, and be repaid by the State over time as motorists travel the new or improved roadway. While the local government provides the initial financing, ultimately a portion of the project cost is “passed through” to the State. Once the project is constructed and operational, the State repays the local government on the basis of a per vehicle fee determined by the actual traffic using the road.
In 2008, the City of Forney executed a Pass-Through Toll Agreement with the state to provide funding for US 80/FM 548, FM 741 and FM 740 projects.
Had the City of Forney waited until there was sufficient state funding to build these three project, they would have waited approximately 15 years. The City is experiencing tremendous growth and city leaders felt it was critical to address the growing congestion before it negative impacted the economic development it had worked so hard to attract. The City made the tough decision to invest in its future to protect the quality of life its citizens have come to expect.
Transportation projects are complex and involve a number of technical, financial and legal steps. Funding must be secured, public input must be collected, environmental clearance must be granted by the Federal Highways Administration (FHWA), right-of-way must be acquired, and design must be finalized. All of this has to be completed before construction can commence. These critical steps ensure that the roadway is designed to the state’s rigid specifications, built to the highest standard and there is sufficient funding to complete the project. The City has sold bonds to pay for the projects and Forney Roadbuilders is working with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and the design consultants to complete the design. Utilities are being relocated to resolve any conflicts that might delay construction. Soon the construction contract will be advertised, the contract awarded and construction will start.
A separate contract will be awarded for each of the three projects in the City of Forney Pass-Through Program. The current schedules calls for the following:
| Letting | Duration | Completion Date | |
| US 80/FM 548 | December 2009 | 17 Months | July 2011 |
| FM 741 | May 2010 | 15 Months | August 2011 |
| FM 740 | July 2010 | 12 Months | August 2011 |
This is truly a partnership effort requiring the coordination and cooperation of all to make these projects a reality. Working together to that end are:
Forney Roadbuilders is a wholly owned subsidiary of Pate Transportation Partners, a leader in the development of pass-through project. Formed in 2004, Pate Transportation Partners successfully negotiated the first pass-through program in the State of Texas. Currently it is developing pass-through projects for Montgomery County, Grayson County, Titus County, Val Verde County, Hidalgo County Regional Mobility Authority and the City of Forney.
As the City takes on full responsibility of project development under a Pass-Through Agreement, it was necessary to retain a firm with experience in developing projects of this type to meet the design and construction requirements and specifications of the State. Forney Roadbuilders was retained in 2004 and negotiated the Pass-Through Agreement on behalf of the City of Forney and will oversee the projects through construction.