AUSTIN - The state is fulfilling its commitment to build new roads and other infrastructure to support expanding military operations throughout Texas. The Texas Transportation Commission today authorized a $13 million construction project that will improve roads around the Red River Army Depot in Bowie County.

"This action by the Texas Transportation Commission completes Texas' pledge to make needed improvements to roads in and around the Red River Army Depot," said Governor Rick Perry. "Once completed, these projects will relieve congestion and take the strain off existing local roadways and improve the Depot's access to I-30 so that employees can respond more effectively to repair and maintenance demands in support of expanded missions it has received to support the Global War on Terrorism."

The Transportation Commission also authorized TxDOT to seek from private companies competing proposals to design and build the Inner Loop in El Paso County from U.S. 54 to Loop 375 under a pass-through financing agreement.

Last December, TxDOT received a proposal submitted by J.D. Abrams, L.P. proposing to expedite construction of the Inner Loop highway. The project calls for construction of a 7-mile roadway connection between Biggs Field and the El Paso International Airport.

In other action, the commission approved granting up to $12.25 million in toll equity to the Northeast Texas Regional Mobility Authority. The money would fund the design, engineering, traffic and revenue, legal and financial services to develop the Loop 49 project in Smith County. Financing the project in such a manner could expedite its construction by more than 20 years.

During the meeting, the commission and TxDOT staff held a discussion to begin outlining the department's state and federal legislative priorities for the near future.

TxDOT is working to accomplish five goals: reduce congestion, eliminate unsafe conditions, expand economic opportunity, improve air quality, and increase the value of transportation assets.