REP. PATTERSON HELPS SECURE THREE QUARTERS OF A BILLION DOLLARS IN FEDERAL FUNDING FOR TXDOT RAIL GRADE SEPARATION PROJECTS

Last session, I sponsored SB 1555, establishing a statewide dedicated grant program for railroad gradeseparation projects. The law gives TxDOT and local communities a new tool to address dangerous crossings,reduce congestion, and improve emergency response times. The success of this legislation led to the federal government also awarding an incredible $755 million to further this effort – collectively the highest amount of any state or local recipient receiving funds.

TXDOT leveraged $77.6 million in funding from the state’s grade separation program to help local governments meet federal matching requirements and maximize participation in the grant program. This approach enabled more communities across Texas to compete successfully for federal funding and advance long-planned transportation improvements. In total, the projects represent a combined local-state-federal investment of more than $953 million in communities across the state. This is a tremendous investment in the safety and mobility of Texans, and I’m proud to have helped make it possible.