Thursday’s announcement that the Texas Transportation Commission is increasing the funding distribution to the Texas Energy Sector by over $1 billion is welcome news to the Permian Basin.
State Rep. Brooks Landgaf (R-Odessa) addressed the commission Wednesday. He said the investment in the Permian Basin and the safety of roads is monumental for the area and that he is hopeful the draft plan becomes a reality in August.
“Today the Texas Transportation Commission announced that its draft plan for the next 10 years includes an incredible $1 billion for energy sector road funding. This is an awesome blessing to our region, which desperately needs the state to continue its recent investment in our transportation infrastructure as part of Governor Greg Abbott and Commissioner Bruce Bugg’s ‘Permian Promise.’”
Landgraf said he has not been shy about fighting for infrastructure funds for his district. He said he was elected, the region only received about $50 million dollars per year from TxDOT. “Since I was appointed to the House Transportation Committee in 2019, that number has jumped to $360 million per year. After working with the commissioners over the last several years, I took the opportunity to speak to the Texas Transportation Commission today to thank them for making the Permian Basin a priority and continue to advocate for the resources that our region desperately needs. I’m hopeful that the draft plan will become a reality, and will work hard in the coming months to see that it is adopted by the Transportation Commission in August.”
Permian Strategic Partnership Chairman Don Evans via news release welcomed the proposed investment in Permian Basin roads. Evans and the PSP have been instrumental in addressing the roadway woes of the Permian Basin in recent years.
“Permian Basin energy companies and other energy companies across the state paid $10.8 billion dollars in state severance taxes in FY 2022 alone, helping fund infrastructure across Texas. With today’s announcement, we are pleased to see additional funds returning to the Basin, helping build and repair infrastructure that will help fuel our local, state, national and global economy for years to come.”
Evans praised Governor Greg Abbott, Chairman Bruce Bugg, Commissioner Alvin New, and Commissioner Robert Vaughn” for their leadership and continued investment in the Permian Basin’s future. At the PSP, we believe that strong transportation infrastructure is a key driver of economic development, and we are committed to working with partners across Texas to ensure that our roads, highways and bridges are up to the task of supporting our growing economy.”
Evans said with this increased investment in transportation infrastructure, “we are confident that Texas will continue to be a leader in
innovation, entrepreneurship, and opportunity for generations to come.”
The Permian Basin segment was just part of the plan announced Thursday that is a $10 billion statewide roadway construction plan.
Abbott announced a record 10-year, $100 billion statewide roadway construction plan with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) that will increase the number of transportation projects to improve congestion, maintain roadways, and increase safety across Texas.
The proposed 2024 Unified Transportation Program (UTP) is estimated to be $15 billion more than the 2023 UTP and is primarily based on the record projected revenue from state sources.
“I’m proud to announce a record $100 billion plan to strengthen and improve our transportation infrastructure,” Abbott said via news release. “Under TxDOT’s 2024 Unified Transportation Program, we will dedicate critical funds to bolster our major roadway infrastructure to address the unique needs of Texans in rural, urban, and metropolitan communities. This 10-year plan will further boost our economy and keep Texas the economic juggernaut of the nation. Together, we are working to ensure that Texas remains the premier destination for people and businesses.”
“As the state of Texas continues to see exponential population and economic growth, this funding will help meet the needs of all Texans,” said Texas Transportation Commission Chairman J. Bruce Bugg, Jr. “As cities grow every year, it’s important we continue to address congestion in our busiest parts of the state through our Texas Clear Lanes initiative, which is also set to get a significant boost.”
“Safety is a top priority for TxDOT, and these funding levels reflect that,” said TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams. “This historic Unified Transportation Plan allows the department to deliver on a record number of projects that are not only innovative but will help improve safety for all Texans. These efforts can, and do, have real impacts on our ability to drastically reduce fatalities on our roadways.”
In August 2022, Governor Abbott announced the adoption of TxDOT’s 2023 Unified Transportation Program (UTP) that advances a $85 billion, 10-year statewide roadway construction plan.
The UTP is a planning document that guides the development of transportation projects across the state. Additionally, the UTP identifies public transportation, maritime, aviation, and rail investments. Projects are selected by TxDOT and local transportation leaders based on effectiveness in addressing criteria such as safety, pavement condition, capacity, and rural connectivity, with opportunities for public input at both the state and local levels.
