In September, the Texas Transportation Commission (TTC) moved to shape the state’s roads and skies, approving more than $590 million in highway contracts, awarding $64 million in airport grants and installing new leadership in key roles. The decision is part of a broader push to deliver infrastructure where Texans need it.
The five-member TTC governs the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), alongside an executive director chosen by commissioners. Members are appointed by the governor for six-year terms. The commission meets monthly to select major transportation projects, approve contracts and lead various transportation initiatives.
In its most recent meeting, the TTC awarded $64 million in state and federal grants for capital improvement projects at six Texas airports. These awards flow directly from the framework of TxDOT’s Aviation Capital Improvement Program (ACIP), a three-year schedule of airport development projects that allows TxDOT, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and local airport sponsors to align planning, funding and execution.
The six airports selected in September represent projects that had advanced sufficiently to merit funding. These include:
- Reese Airpark (Lubbock) – Reimbursement for airport improvements ($44.4 million total, largely state-funded)
- Kelly Field (San Antonio) – Reimbursement for taxiway improvements ($7.1 million total)
- A.L. Mangham Jr. Regional Airport (Nacogdoches) – Pavement improvements ($6 million total)
- Fort Worth Spinks Airport – Taxiway improvements ($3.6 million total)
- Victoria Regional Airport – Reimbursement for engineering/design ($2.8 million total)
- Hereford Municipal Airport – Airport layout plan preparation ($400,000)
The commission awarded $590 million in low-bid contracts to support 75 highway improvement initiatives, plus $41 million for 24 maintenance efforts and $2.7 million tied to a building construction and rehab project in Jefferson County.
The commissioners have officially designated an 8-mile portion of U.S. Highway 59 in Liberty County as part of I-69. This stretch runs concurrently with U.S. 59 from just north of the Montgomery-Liberty County line to the northern terminus of the Cleveland Relief Route.
This designation has received approval from both the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).
Additionally, the TTC updated the Texas Administrative Code to create the Off-System Rail Grade Separation State Fund Program, which was authorized during the 89th Legislature’s regular session.
Commissioners made several appointments and leadership moves during their meeting. The TTC appointed Jeff Davis, who previously led the TxDOT Rail division, to direct the Grand Parkway Transportation Corporation, Texas Private Activity Bond Surface Transportation Corporation and Texas Transportation Finance Corporation.
The TTC reappointed two members of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee and welcomed two new members. They also introduced TxDOT’s newest senior leaders: Donald Franks, who will direct the Rail Division, and George Villarreal, P.E., the new director of the Traffic Safety Division.
At the meeting, commissioners honored former U.S. Secretary of Commerce Don Evans for his leadership as chairman of the Permian Strategic Partnership since 2018. Evans now holds the title of Chairman Emeritus. Under his guidance, the organization has collaborated closely with TxDOT to enhance road safety and infrastructure to accommodate the Permian Basin’s growing population.
The commission’s acting chairman took time to share the latest statistics on deadly crashes in Texas. While fatal crashes have declined from an average of 10.9 deaths per day in 2023 to 9.8 deaths per day in 2025, Chairman Alvin New pointed out more work is needed to reach TxDOT’s goal of zero traffic deaths. New said new technology, improved infrastructure design and law enforcement assistance will all be needed to make Texas roads as safe as possible.
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