Below is a spotlight over the agency update provided covering what the Texas Transportation Commission discussed and approved at its September meeting.
Rail – The commission approved $85.4 million in state funds through Senate Bill 1555 for rail grade separation projects. This funding is a part of a major award for federal funding used to leverage more than $756 million from the Federal Railroad Administration. Combined with funding approved in March 2026, TxDOT will deliver a total of 17 rail grade separation projects totaling $1.3 billion.
Contracts – The commissioners awarded low-bid value amounts of $218 million for 48 highway improvement projects, $25 million for 13 routine maintenance contracts and $4.7 million for the construction and rehabilitation of three buildings.
Project Highlights – The commissioners praised recent project milestones, including the groundbreaking of the Sergio Ivan Rodriguez Memorial Pedestrian Bridge in Houston, the completion of the I-635 East corridor in Dallas, and the launch of Project Nexus, the air taxi pilot program, in Fort Worth.
Public Transportation – Up to $26.7 million in state and Federal Transit Administration program funds were awarded to El Paso Area Transportation Services (EPATS). The funds were previously awarded to El Paso County, which has since formally transferred its responsibilities as a rural transit district to EPATS.
State Infrastructure Bank – Commissioners granted a State Infrastructure Bank loan of up to $1.2 million to the City of Magnolia for utility relocation as part of the FM 1488 widening in Montgomery County. The SIB program assists communities with low-interest financing to meet their infrastructure needs.
Senior Leadership Roles Named–
- Katelyn Dwyer, Chief of Staff. Dwyer previously worked as policy analyst for the late Commission Chairman Bruce Bugg and was head of the commission support office.
- Cathy Kratz, San Angelo District Engineer. Kratz previously worked as Deputy Director of the Traffic Safety Division.
- Stephen Kasberg, Brownwood District Engineer. Kasberg previously was the director of maintenance for the Waco District.
- Ryan Jackson, Bryan District Engineer. Jackson was previously deputy district engineer at the Bryan District.
