Inside scoop: Texas Transportation Commission Feb. 2024

Feb. 26, 2024

By Laura Butterbrodt

AUSTIN—Here’s a look at what the Texas Transportation Commission has been up to lately.

Mission to space

Texas Transportation Commissioner Robert “Robie” Vaughn presented pictures and told a story of how he flew to space in early 2024 through the Virgin Galactic flight. He described how it was unbelievable seeing the colors of the Earth from space and how he hopes his story will inspire the people at TxDOT.

“Do not ever give up on your dreams, no matter your age or circumstances,” Vaughn said.

Service acknowledgement

The commissioners thanked Fleet Operations Division Director Dalton Pratt for 17 years of service to the organization as he retires. Pratt has been in his role for a decade and has overseen a fleet of 12,500 assets at TxDOT valued at $639 million.

Before becoming the director of fleet operations, Pratt served as a regional fleet manager, special projects coordinator and internal auditor in the TxDOT Dallas district office. He also served 29 years in the United States Air Force.

Contracts

The commissioners awarded the following funds for contracts:

• $772 million for 79 highway improvement projects
• $96 million for 65 routine maintenance projects
• $1.8 million for seven building construction and rehabilitation projects

In addition, the commissioners approved $12 million in grant funding for 11 airport improvement projects. Aviation Division Director Dan Harmon explained they’ve received historic levels of state funding from the 88th Texas Legislature which has allowed them incredible flexibility to expand both the number of projects and their scope as well.