TxDOT Seeking Planning Partner for I-69/TTC

Project means safer, faster, more reliable transportation/improved evacuation

AUSTIN, Texas, Dec. 4 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Continuing its high priority effort to develop a 650-mile interstate quality highway from south Texas to northeast Texas, state transportation officials are taking a step further in the search for a private sector partner who can best devise a plan to build this critical facility.

Today, a formal request for proposals will be issued by the Texas Department of Transportation to two private developer teams for detailed plans on how to finance, design, construct, operate and maintain I-69/TTC.

"This corridor is a top priority not only for TxDOT but for Governor Perry as well. We've met with leaders along the corridor in recent weeks explaining the work we have underway to accelerate this long overdue project," said Ned Holmes, a member of the Texas Transportation Commission. "The I-69 corridor has been a work in progress for the past 16 years and it is high time we pour some concrete. In fact we are ready to proceed to the next step."

I-69/TTC was first designated a high priority corridor 16 years ago but lacked the billions of dollars in funding needed to construct it. Legislation enacted in 2003 allowed the department to pursue the project more vigorously. While recent legislation imposes a broad moratorium on certain financing tools needed for a project of this scale, the bill made exceptions allowing the development to continue.

Support for developing I-69/TTC also came from Gov. Perry. In December 2005, he announced an ambitious plan to partner with the private sector to develop an interstate-quality highway corridor from Northeast Texas, the Gulf Coast and the Rio Grande Valley. His vision included added rail freight capacity, connections to ports, and links to industrial hubs South Texas and the Midwest.

The two private-sector teams competing for I-69/TTC will be asked to submit detailed proposals on developing and financing the project. The teams, which submitted initial proposals last year, are ZAI ACS TTC-69 and Bluebonnet Infrastructure.

ZAI ACS TTC-69 is led by Zachry American Infrastructure Inc. and ACS Infrastructure Development Inc., while Bluebonnet Infrastructure is led by Cintra.

The teams must submit detailed plans to TxDOT by March 5, 2008.

Following an extensive evaluation by TxDOT, a recommendation is expected next spring on which plan provides the best long-term value for the public.

The effort to identify a long-term strategic partner to finance and develop

I-69/TTC is separate from a process to consider environmental issues of the project and determine where transportation improvements are located and what they will include. In 2002, the environmental review was accelerated when Gov. Perry proposed requested a streamlined review process for the critically needed project.

Last month, TxDOT -- in coordination with the Federal Highway Administration -- released the Draft Environmental Impact Statement for I-69/TTC.

The report provides existing highways be considered first as state transportation officials continue work to identify an alignment for I-69/TTC. The effort will include unprecedented public involvement opportunities during the next several months. Ten town hall meetings and 46 public hearings will be held early next year along the corridor study area.

TxDOT officials stress selection of the final alignment for TTC-69 will be driven by public comments, local officials and the environmental process. The role for private developers will be to expedite delivery of this critical public asset by making it more financially feasible.

The project is needed to make transportation safer, faster, more reliable and provide for better hurricane evacuation, according to TxDOT.

For more Information call TxDOT's Government & Public Affairs Division at (512) 463-8588.

The Texas Department of Transportation is responsible for maintaining nearly 80,000 miles of road and for supporting aviation, rail and public transportation across the state. TxDOT and its 15,000 employees strive to empower local leaders to solve local transportation problems, and to use new financial tools, including tolling and public-private partnerships, to reduce congestion and pave the way for future economic growth while enhancing safety, improving air quality and increasing the value of the state's transportation assets. Find out more at http://www.txdot.gov.