Promoting Local Participation on Transportation Improvement Projects

Project Description

Researchers project that over the next 25 years Texas will increase its population by 64 percent and its road use by 214 percent. A statewide analysis of transportation needs and a projection of expected funding show that current projected funding will fall significantly short of what Texas needs. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) must adopt new or modified ways to meet state highway system needs and local requests for improvements.

This project created guidelines to help TxDOT, other public agencies, and private sector entities to develop and promote partnerships. The project also identified many types of benefits derived from partnering. A framework was also developed to quantify economic and other benefits that derive from major transportation improvements.

Researchers determined factors that prompt local governmental agencies and private entities to participate financially in state transportation projects. They also developed tools to help TxDOT attract increased local funding into its projects. Partnering with local governments and private organizations is most successful when the partnership will build a locally desired project. The researchers also found that economic benefits are an important ingredient to local entities.

This project demonstrated that there are many economic and other benefits that can result from transportation projects. This project provided TxDOT staff with tools that will enable them to demonstrate to local agencies and private organizations that partnering on projects can help deliver those benefits. Partnering will help TxDOT leverage its available funds over more projects, stretching them further to meet the needs of the state's burgeoning population and road use.

Project Publications

Promoting Local Participation on Transportation Improvement Projects 0-5025-S

Promoting Local Participation on Transportation Improvement Projects: Research Report 0-5025-1

For More Information