ST9904-CS 950515DEI~I'ON OOUNTY COM.~I_I~IOI~T~I~$ coLrl~T
May 15, 1995
Mr. Ken Griffin
P. O. Box 478
Coppell, Texas 75019
Dear Mr. Griffin:
At the May 12, 1995, SH 121 Ta..s.k Force Meeting we were notified by John Blain, TxDOT,
that funding for both Section 9 (IM.[.~:5 to Denton Tap Road) and Section 12 (FM 544 to IH 35)
of the SH 121 By-Pass could once again be in jeopardy.
The Texas Department of Transportation-Austin (TxDOT-Austin) headquarters is in the
process of reviewing the funding formula for allocation of transportation dollars to the districts.
Should the project be reallocated to the National Highway System funding category, the By-
Pass would no~t be eligible for construction until after the year 2000, and even this is not
assured. Therefore, the SH 121 By-Pass, as planned today, would be for all practical
purposes terminated.
TxDOT-Austin must make a determination related to funding between now and May 31,
1995, in order to begin the Transportation Improvement Plan (T.I.P.) process. It is very
important that your organization or agency immediatelv communicate its strong desire to see
this project remain on schedule for a February 1996 letting date.
Attached is a copy of a draft letter regarding this critical project and the need to ensure
funding during the 1996 fiscal year. Your correspondence should be transmitted to Mr.
William G. Burnett, P.E., Executive Director of the Texas Department of Transportation, via
facsimile at (512) 305-9567 and copies to each of the Texas Transportation Commission
members. The names and fax numbers for each Commission member is attached.
It is important for your representative to attend the next SH 121 Task Force meeting on
Friday, June 9th, 10 a.m. at the Frito Lay Headquarters to plan our strategy. For those task
force members from local governments, I ask you to encourage your elected officials to also
attend.
Additionally, please send a copy of all correspondence related to this matter to my office.
Sincerely,
Sandy Jacobs
SH-121Task Fome Membem
May15,1995
Page 2
TEXAS TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION MEMBERS
Mr. David M. Laney, Chairman
Texas Transportation Commission
Fax No. (512) 475-3072
Mr. David E. Bernsen, Commissioner
Texas Transportation Commission
Fax No. (512) 475-3072
Ms. Anne S. Wynne, Commissioner
Texas Transportation Commission
Fax No. (512) 475-3072
TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Mr. William G. Burnett, P.E.
Texas Department of Transportation-Austin
Fax No. (512) 305~9567
DRAFT
May 15, 1995
Mr. William G. Burnett, Executive Director
Texas Department of Transportation
Dewitt C. Greet State Highway Building
125 E. 11th Street
Austin, Texas 78701-2483
VIA FAX (512) 305-9567
Dear Mr. Burnett,
The purpose of this letter is to inform you that feels it is
important the SH 121 By-Pass project remain on the schedule for funding during the 1996
fiscal year. SH 121's related By-Pass, and linkage to Interstate Highway 35E, is part of the
North Central Texas Council of Governments Regional Mobility Plan, providing a vital
east/Nvest corridor for the North Dallas region. Local and county governments, along with
private corporations, have linked arms to provide not only time and resources, but also right-of-
way and infrastructure improvements valued at over $30 million to ensure the timely
implementation of this critical project.
Section 9 (CSJ3547-03-002 & 3547-02-003) and Section 12 (CSJ3547-01-004) have
received an apportionment totaling $66,278,000.00 for the 1996 fiscal year. However, it is my
understanding the possibility exists that this project may not make the final Texas Department
of Transportation 1996 Transportation improvement Plan (T.I.P.). Should this occur, the
likeljhnc, d .ef..the.Bv:.P. ass. ev.~n..~einct.c, onstructed.i%.unlikel.v... T~ date. the_Task Force has
assisted TxDOT in acquiring approximately 200 acres of donated right-of-way valued at over
$30,000.000.00. Many of these properties have reversionary clauses in their deed transfers
that call for the return of the property to the original owner if construction is not initiated by a
future specific date. The local gover_nments have directly contribyted significant fun. ding to
assist in design work, environmental olearanee and right-of-way acquisition.
Therefore, as you begin the development of the 1996 T. I.P. [your city or corporation name]
encourages TxDOT to take the necessary steps to ensure the timely funding and construction
of the SH 121 By-Pass durincl the 1996 fiscal year.
Your assistance in this matter is appreciated.
Sincerely,
Mr. William G. Burnett
May 15, 1995
Page 2
cc: Mr. David M. Laney, Chairman
Texas Transportation Commission
(512) 475-3072
Mr. David E. Bernsen, Commissioner
Texas Transportation Commission
(512) 475-3072
Ms. Anne S. Wynne
Texas Transportation Commission
(512) 475-3072