AUSTIN, TEXAS — Communities will begin to see repair and rehabilitation take place on roadways used frequently by the energy industry after the Texas Transportation Commission gave approval for $40 million for maintenance and safety improvement projects relates to the industry's activities. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) will begin the work this summer, as contracts are signed and executed to repair and widen some roads, and make intersection improvements to others. The funding will support projects located in north and south Texas.

The energy industry has helped Texas remain an economic strength among states, but subsequent impacts on roadways and bridges, traffic, safety, and the environment have brought about a need for collaboration to lessen the impacts. TxDOT also recently formed an executive-level task force to study the issue and is partnering with representatives of the Department of Public Safety, the Department of Motor Vehicles, the Railroad Commission, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, counties, and the energy and trucking sectors to find ways to address the situation.

"This funding is a down payment to try and address part of the issue now," said Phil Wilson, TxDOT executive director. "Even as we begin this first phase of work, we will continue partnering with industry and government leaders to build a longer term sustainable strategy."