In 2007, Texas voters approved Proposition 12, which authorized the issuance of $5 billion in voter-approved bonds for transportation projects. Earlier this year, the Texas Legislature authorized the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to contract $315 million of these bonds. On Thursday, November 19, TxDOT will meet in Austin and consider allocating these bonds for the design and construction of the IH-610/US-290 interchange in west Houston.
The IH-610/US-290 interchange is one of the busiest interchanges in the state, and reconstructing the interchange is the first step in the 290 expansion project. The interchange has not been updated since it was built in the 1970s, and it is a major chokepoint for the movement of goods and passengers from the airport and the Port of Houston. Northwest Houston is the fastest growing part of Harris County, and 290 is the only freeway serving the area.
This funding would mark the largest single allotment of Proposition 12 funds in the state, and my colleagues Reps. Michael McCaul, Shelia Jackson Lee and I are working to ensure that money comes to Houston for the 290 expansion to improve the quality of life for people who live and work along the corridor.
