For the last several years, TxDOT has been undergoing a process of modernization. The Texas Sunset process, independent performance audits conducted in advance of the sunset process, and the Grant Thornton Management Review continue to help the Department evolve into a more transparent and deliberative agency that is responsive to the public and the legislature.

There are numerous planning documents that guide the department and local officials over the multiyear timeframe that projects are conceived, planned, and constructed. The 2012-13 Legislative Appropriations Request (LAR) is one of the key elements of the department’s financial map and offers greater clarity into the transportation needs of the state in the next biennium and beyond.

TxDOT's baseline request for 2012 is $8.3 billion and $7.2 billion for 2013. This is about $1.3 billion less than the current biennium. The drop in funds is mostly attributed to diminishing bond proceeds, lower federal stimulus expenditures, and lower federal reimbursements.

It is widely acknowledged that the unfunded transportation needs of the state are measured in the tens of billions of dollars over the next 25 years. In order to provide legislators with a clearer picture of how we may be able to increase the number of new projects that can begin in 2012 and 2013, TxDOT has requested exceptional items for general revenue, fewer diversions, and additional proceeds from Prop 12 General Obligation Bonds.

Additionally, because most of the money that is appropriated to TxDOT is dedicated by the constitution to public roads, the department included exceptional item requests for general revenue to support rail-related activities. This funding would be used to possibly draw down federal dollars and to complete preliminary engineering for a number of rail projects throughout the state.

Previous LARs

TxDOT Library