U.S. 183 project's funding is pulled

The Texas Transportation Commission yanked funding for a U.S. 183 project Thursday just before it was set to receive approval, blindsiding Central Texas transportation officials. The Texas Department of Transportation had recommended $10.5 million for U.S. 183 improvements from Loyola Lane to just north of FM 969 in East Austin, which would help create a continuous freeway to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. The three commissioners, who voted unanimously, typically either accept those staff recommendations or add additional money -- but rarely take away dollars. "I can't recall any time in the past where that has happened," said John Hurt, Austin spokesman for the Department of Transportation. "But that doesn't mean it doesn't happen."

The commission approved the rest of the Department of Transportation's recommendations, the last step in a $27.5 billion, 10-year spending plan. Thursday's vote included $5 million for frontage roads on U.S. 290 West from Texas 71 to RM 1826, also somewhat of a disappointment for the region's leaders, who had sought $75 million for that project. But the lesser amount for U.S. 290 West had been expected since August. Losing the U.S. 183 money was a surprise from Commissioner Robert Nichols, who had sponsored the idea. Nichols said he felt the U.S. 183 project needed to be studied further but didn't say why. "There's nothing specific, and it doesn't mean that we can't do it next month or the month after," he said.

Austin Mayor Kirk Watson, who had not heard that the money was in jeopardy until he was told Thursday afternoon, said he did not know why the money was pulled. "It's a disappointment, particularly since they have funded other parts" of U.S. 183, Watson said. "We will look into it."

There is no limit on how many times a region can request money for a single project, so Central Texas transportation leaders can bring the U.S. 183 segment back when they request state money again next year. The decision is still a blow to Central Texas leaders who have tried to revamp their approach to ensure commission support. Constant bickering about priorities kept the region from receiving any state money in 1996. With the state able to pay for just 36 percent of its transportation needs, the commission traditionally does not favor projects that do not have unanimous support.

Since 1996, Central Texas leaders began crafting a united package of projects, requesting money for roads across Travis and William- son counties and Austin that would help traffic from Hays County. With that approach, the region had improved its reputation and was receiving steady bits of everything it requested. This year, regional leaders agreed to use $52.8 million in local money for the requested projects. It was the most matching money the region had ever offered. The U.S. 183 project has been among the region's transportation priorities for the past three years. The money would have been available for use in late 2005 and in 2006 had the staff's recommendation been followed. "CAMPO and the City of Austin have been trying really hard to make 183 a freeway . . . to make it easier for people to get to the airport on 183," said Mike Aulick, executive director for the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization.