ST9904-CS 990107 P,O. Box 190369 > Dallas, TX 75219
214-522-6200 > Fax 214-528-4826
NORTH TEXAS TOLLWAY AUTHORITY
January 7, 1999
Commissioner Sandy Jacobs
110 West Hickory Street
Denton, Texas 76201
RE: SH 121
Dear Commissioner Jacobs:
In recent weeks several communities have considered resolutions requesting that the
North Texas Tollway Authority evaluate the feasibility o.f constructing SH 121 as a tolled
facility. While we have not yet been formally presented with these resolutions, we
recognize that these actions represent a regional desire to expedite the planning for
and improvement of this important transportation facility.
The mission of the North Texas Tollway Authority is to "'improve the quality of life, mobility
and the regional economy of North Texas by providing fiscally sound toll facilities". We
purposefully worded our mission statement to reflect that our purpose was to work to
make the region stronger, not to build an "empire" of toll roads.
As a relatively new participant in solving mobility problems, N'FI'A is working to be more
active and visible in the planning of solutions for the North Texas region. To that end,
you can help carry our message that NTTA's participation in a process does not mean
a tollroad is the preferred solution, but rather that evaluation of a project as a tolled
facility is often a very viable strategy for expediting construction or a means to bridge
the financial "gap" that may exist in the traditional funding of projects.
To take a more active role in corridor planning the NTTA Board of Directors appointed
several subcommittees to assist county, city and Texas Department of Transportation
officials with examining potential tollroad projects, particularly those identified in the
Mobility 2020 Plan. Directors Don Dillard, Leahray Wroten and Kirk Wilson were
appointed to the NTTA SH 121 Subcommittee. No action relative to SH 121 has been
taken by the NTTA beyond the appointment of the subcommittee.
Most often we see the NTTA becoming actively involved in a corridor well after groups
such as the SH121 Task Force have laid the ground work for improvements in that
corridor. These subcommittees will assist NTTA's staff in working with governing bodies
and organizations that are focusing on how best to solve transportation problems in a
particular area. The subcommittee will, as appropriate, recommend to the full NTTA
Board of Directors actions that are consistent with the wishes of these partners.
The NTTA recognizes and supports the work that the SH121 Task Force has accomplished
over the past decade. The SH 1 21 Subcommittee of the NTTA will work with the SH 1 21
Task. Force as they work to complete planning and secure funding for the project.
Jere W. Thompson, Jr., Chairman > Donna R. Parker, Vice Chairman ~ David D. Blair, Jr. t Donald D. Dillard ~ Kay Walls ~ Kirk Wilson ~ Leahray S. Wroten
Jerry Hiebert, Executive Director ~ Katharine D. Nees, Deputy Executive Director ~ Susan A. Buse, Treasurer
Commissioner Jacobs
NTTA SH 121 Sub-committee Page 2
We understand that the SH121 Task Force is considering appearing before the Texas
Transportation Commission in early 1999 in an attempt to move the priority of the SH1 21
bypass section to a higher funding status, thereby potentially reducing the need for
NTTA involvement in that segment of the project. The NTTA SH1 21 Subcommittee fully
supports that presentation. We intend to brief the entire Board of Directors about this
process and will seek a resolution of support from the NTTA at our February meeting.
The work of the SH1 21 Task Force and your leadership of that group is a model for other
planning groups in the region. As plans progress for SH1 21, we stand ready to assist in
any way we can.
Sincerely, ,
Don Dillard Kirk Wilson Leahray Wroten
Director Director Director
Cc: NTTA Board of Directors
Jerry Hiebert, Executive Director
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