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The expected objections from MPO & TxDOT bureaucrats have ensued since the grassroots have renewed their call to restore funding to fix 281 (using Prop 12 money) and keep it a freeway, rather than toll our existing road. Just as the MPO changed Wurzbach Pkwy from a toll project back to a free road project (when some stimulus money became available) and cobbled together several pots of money to get it done, the MPO can do the same on 281. To say otherwise is disingenuous. US 281 had gas tax funding to put in overpasses and expand the highway until the MPO decided (July 2004) to turn it into a toll project to make some money to build other area roads (particularly 1604) in a targeted tax. Watch the news coverage here. For more info on the history of the project cost escalation when 281 became a toll road, go to www.281overpassesnow.com.
SA, MPO Get Road Construction Windfall
MPO Set To Receive $54 Million.
David Sears, KSAT 12 News Reporter
POSTED: Thursday, July 21, 2011
SAN ANTONIO -- The San Antonio Metropolitan Planning Organization is receiving $54 million from the state for roadway and bridge construction, part of $3 billion the legislature authorized of the remaining $5 billion from a referendum passed by voters in 2007.The local Texas Department of Transportation has been allocated $90 million. With the new influx of funds, advocates for Highway 281 are ready to finally finish off the project and keep it toll-free.
"The opportunity is here. ... It's way past due to get 281 fixed," said Terri Hall, the founder of anti-toll group Texans Uniting for Reform and Freedom.
"I think we are morally obligated to address the great raging need in this county and it is 281, north of 1604, "said Tommy Adkisson, county commissioner and chairman of the MPO board.
Board Director Sid Martinez said the money sent to San Antonio would not be enough to cover the cost.
"Unfortunately, the cost is in the $400 million range. This funding is not enough for the project at this time.
"Hall disagrees with the cost estimate."I think the cost estimates have been monkeyed around with, just like our gas tax money," Hall said. She said it was closer to the $200 million to $250 million range and like other road projects, more money could be found."Like rehabilitation and safety money and other areas where they can pull together a lot more money," said Hall.
Adkisson said it would at least be a start.The money has to be spent by 2013; most of it by 2012. The 281 project is currently in the middle of a five-year environmental study but Hall said that it could be completed in the next year.If the MPO board decides to use the $54 million for other projects, one on the top of the list could be Interstate 35.
"Adding auxiliary lanes (which) ease traffic in and out of 35 through exit ramps," Martinez said.