NTTA Board Approves TxDOT/NTTA Regional Protocol

The protocol addresses several actions to be taken by the NTTA and TxDOT to ensure the effectiveness of the terms set in the accord. Under the new agreement, the NTTA rescinds its Board vote on June 21 that directed NTTA staff to make proposals on SH 121 and SH 161. The NTTA will instead be designated as the provider for all toll collection services for toll road projects in North Texas, including all Comprehensive Development Agreements (CDAs) present and future for a period of five years per project.

The agreement affirms three projects as NTTA projects, namely, the Eastern Extension of the President George Bush Turnpike, the Lewisville Lake Toll Bridge and the Tarrant County portion of the Southwest Parkway. The NTTA, TxDOT and RTC will work together to develop financial plans, regional revenue sharing and project delivery methods for other transportation projects within the region, which will be recommended to the TTC for approval.

Because several projects identified in the North Texas region have yet to undergo environmental and financial analyses, the protocol does not contain a list of projects and agency assignments. However, it does outline a multi-step development process to assign projects and responsibilities as they progress. The steps involve TxDOT and the NTTA working cooperatively to study toll projects, perform environmental evaluations and studies, and expand project development through stages. Project development will not be exclusively assigned to either agency, but rather will be a joint effort meant to utilize the recognized expertise and resources of both TxDOT and the NTTA.

NTTA believes this agreement will help further the mobility needs of the region through its continued partnership with TxDOT, and will likewise guarantee the delivery of future NTTA projects while ensuring the NTTA’s financial viability to support, operate and maintain its existing roadway system.