The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) concluded its latest board meeting on May 21, covering major leadership changes, its five-year Strategic Plan and preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The commission recognized two retiring members with nearly 30 years of TxDOT service each: Kenneth Wood and James Stevenson. Wood served for more than 28 years and closed out his service as director of procurement. Stevenson served for more than 27 years, retiring as director of maintenance.
TxDOT already identified Wood’s successor during its April 30 meeting. William Walsh has been named as the department’s next director of procurement, bringing 25 years of government experience to the role. He officially joined TxDOT on April 15.
Throughout his years with state government, Walsh has served in several key leadership roles for large-scale public procurement and contracting operations. These include working at the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services as deputy director of the Contract Division and division director. Walsh holds a master’s degree in counseling psychology from the University of North Dakota and a bachelor’s degree in psychology and sociology from the University of Texas at Austin.
At the meeting, TxDOT officials officially approved the department’s 2027-2031 Strategic Plan. The document details TxDOT’s long-term goals, prioritizing efforts to exemplify safety, delivery, innovation and stewardship over the next five years. The commission also discussed the early development of its upcoming legislative appropriations request to ensure capital projects and workforce planning efforts receive funding.
TxDOT also received an update on the state’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, outlining infrastructure improvement priorities in advance of the games in Arlington and Houston. These initiatives include:
- Improving roadside infrastructure and signage.
- Expanding traffic monitoring and incident response systems.
- Deploying dynamic message signs and targeted safety alerts.
- Enhancing coordination with regional and national partners.
Additional capital improvement efforts were advanced with the approval of millions of dollars for highway infrastructure and maintenance work. The commission awarded $704 million for 71 highway improvement projects and $35 million for 20 routine maintenance contracts.
On top of these awards, the board approved funding for various transportation funding programs. These awards draw from both state and federal funding. Allocations include:
- $13.1 million for aviation grants across 12 capital improvement projects.
- $3.5 million for rural and urban transit systems.
- $410,000 for intercity bus connections.
Photo by Mike van Schoonderwalt from Pexels
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