Development of MOUs will aid in developing a partnering atmosphere between the Districts and their counterparts in the utility industry. Partnering will promote and encourage empowerment at the District level by building confidence among participants so that the goals of the and this

ROW Utilities Manual

are being met locally.

The Utility Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is a non-binding, voluntary instrument that documents the relationship between a utility and TxDOT. The purpose of the MOU is to educate both parties concerning their roles and responsibilities necessary to achieve effective coordination of highway utility activities.

The utility accommodation and adjustment process will be enhanced by:

The development and maintenance of effective working relationships between TxDOT and the utility industry.
Mutual commitment by both parties to cooperation during highway utility activities.
Improved understanding of the parameters that control each party’s activities.
Advance agreement on procedures and responsible participants for performance of highway-utility activities.
Establishment of a Utility Coordination Steering Committee to provide executive level commitment and strategic direction.

There is no expiration date or duration associated with the MOU; however, as conditions or participants change, or with a significant passage of time, an updated MOU may be used to renew commitments or to reeducate the participants.

The success of the MOU is evidenced by cooperative and productive relationships between TxDOT and the utility industry.

The for the Utility Memorandum of Understanding provides direction for the development and appropriate use of the MOU.

Form contains the basic information necessary for a foundation document and may be modified as required to address local conditions. The District Director of Transportation Planning and Development (TP&D) is responsible for preparation and implementation of the MOU. Involvement with as many utilities as possible is encouraged, especially all major local utility providers.

Form is for execution between TxDOT and utility trade associations. The trade association MOU will be executed on behalf of TxDOT by the ROW Division Director and by the Executive Directors of the trade associations as noted in the Instructional Guide. The following is a representative list of utility trade associations.

Texas Cable TV Association
Texas Electric Cooperatives, Inc.
Texas Gas Association
Texas Public Power Association
Texas Rural Water Association
Texas Telephone Association
Texas Water Utilities Association
Association of Electric Companies of Texas
Association of Texas Intrastate Natural Gas Pipelines
and others