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Members of the Texas House & Senate Urge Governor Abbott to Ignore Misinformation about Proposed Light Rail Project

By
Joshua Blackwell
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Various members of the Texas House of Representatives and the Texas Senate
sent a join-letter to Governor Greg Abbott urging him not to accept misinformation about a
proposed passenger rail project. State Representative James White joined other members of the
Texas Legislature in highlighting inaccurate talking points and promotion of ideas consistent
with the liberal Green New Deal.

Despite the misinformation, this proposed passenger rail project between Dallas and Houston
does not have any permits to begin construction. Moreover, the project does not have public
support or momentum. Alarmingly, many legislators, including State Rep. White, who have
signed the letter have received numerous calls from Texans afraid that eminent domain may be
used to strip them from their land and homes. Judges have already blocked the use of eminent
domain and county elected officials have publicly denounced the project.

After receiving this letter last week, The Governor announced that he is reviewing the accuracy
and legitimacy of this passenger rail project. “I urge the governor to listen to my fellow
legislators and hear our concerns about protecting Texan’s private property rights from foreign
governments and using their hard earned tax dollars to prop up failed projects. The people are
just sick and tired of this type of stuff,” stated Rep. White. “We don’t need Japan building our
infrastructure or taxpayer funded boondoggles such as the Green New Deal on Texas soil.”

Please do not hesitate to contact Saul Mendoza, Chief of Staff, with questions regarding this
release at 512-463-0490 or 409-283-3700.

SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT ON THE UNIT ROAD SYSTEM

By
Bob Flournoy
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Mountainview Rd in Precinct 1

1. The Unit Road System will ensure professional management of roads and bridges in Angelina County. It will (1) provide better road construction and maintenance; (2) save money; and (3) provide transparency for all of our tax dollars. This is not complicated nor unusual. Sixty-four counties in Texas have adopted it, and every city in Texas with a population above 10,000 has commissioners or councilmen, and all of them have a unit road department. All roads in the cities are under the management of a road or street manager that has professional training or experience in road building and maintenance. Why do they all do this? Because it is the most efficient and transparent way! With a Unit Road System, the Commissioners hire the Road Manager, set his salary, and set his budget. They set the policy and he has to carry it out or they fire him and get someone else. That is exactly what Angelina County does with the landfill. They hire a manager, set his salary and his budget, and fire him if he does not do a good job.

2. The additional cost for this road manager should not exceed $100,000, including an assistant. Nacogdoches pays under $70,000 for a great manager. Angelina County’s road and bridge budget is about $4.5 million for 2021. The cost for professional road and bridge management is only 2% of that total. He will be able to save much more than that with competitive bidding, elimination of duplications and proper management of personnel. Also, our roads will be fixed regardless of what precinct they are in.

3. There will be no need for any qualified employee to lose their job. As bad as the roads are in Angelina County, it will probably require additional personnel. The Commissioners will all be responsible to the citizens for the success of the road department. This will also allow them much more time to deal with other county issues that require their attention.

4. No business of any size can be run efficiently without proper management at all levels. We have the worst roads ever in Angelina County and that old adage is still true: “It is the height of stupidity to keep doing the same thing over and over and expect a different result.” Angelina County must make a change if we want better roads.

5. Mr. Robert Bass, the Unit Road expert, outlined the duties of a Road Engineer or Administrator as follows:

· Ensure that the policies of the Commissioners’ Court relating to county roads are faithfully executed.

· Supervise the administration of the county road department.

· Prepare detailed annual budget estimates for the construction and maintenance of the county roads and the operation of the county road department.

· Prepare estimates and specifications for the equipment, materials, supplies and labor necessary for the construction and maintenance of the county roads and the operation of the county road department.

· Serve as custodian of the equipment, materials and supplies belonging to the county road department.

· Prepare plans and specifications for county road construction and maintenance.

· Maintain cost-accounting records of county road department expenditures.

· Keep an inventory of county road department equipment, materials and supplies.

· Perform any other duties required by the Commissioners’ Court that are consistent with this subchapter.

6. The threat of a tax increase by those opposed to the Unit Road System is disturbing and misleading to the public. No taxes will be increased unless the Commissioners propose it. They just borrowed $6million on a tax note without asking the public. That alone may increase our taxes. They absolutely control the budget of every county department, including the Sheriffs Office, the Landfill, the Health Department, the Airport, and the Courthouse.

7. Transparency is critical in the use of public funds. Under the Unit Road System, the Road Supervisor is required to file a public report once a month of all the department’s activity and expenses. However, under the present system, the Commissioners file no report of their activity or expenses. There is, therefore, absolutely no transparency for the taxpayer to know where their money is going. We know they are spending it, but not where or how.

8. The opposition to the Unit Road System is coming from some of the current County Commissioners. The Commissioners feel they will lose control of their political power. Their employees are doing what their boss tells them. We understand all about that. The truth is that the employees are simply going to have another boss that knows road construction and maintenance because the Commissioners will be required to hire a professional manager of the Unit Road Department. All employees will work under his direct management anywhere in the county where they are needed.

5 Tips for Thanking Your Heroes this Holiday Season

By
Joshua Blackwell
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Those who go above and beyond to make a difference in the lives of others are rarely in it for recognition. However, in this especially challenging year, the holiday season is a perfect time to not just show these selfless people your appreciation, but also take inspiration from their kindness. Here are five simple ways to thank the everyday heroes in your life.

  1. Send a unique care package. Even if you can’t share your appreciation in person, you can still say thanks with a care package filled with goodies you know your recipient loves. Start with special holiday treats, then add personalized items. If your recipient enjoys cooking and baking, you might include a handwritten recipe card. For those who love doodling or writing to-do lists, a lovely journal and a set of long-lasting G2 gel ink pens from Pilot are a great pair. Available in more than 25 ink colors, your recipient will be able to color-code tasks or sketch lively bullet journal spreads with ease. Snag a pack for yourself and write a thoughtful note to accompany the gift.
  2. Make a donation in their honor. Consider thanking those often unsung heroes doing the hard work of keeping our communities strong by making a donation to a charity close to their heart. In these uncertain times, many such organizations are in particular need of financial support. Whether it’s an animal shelter in a region affected by natural disaster, a food bank, or a nonprofit that offers support to essential workers, take a cue from the giving folks around you.
  3. Give thanks to someone who always gives back. We all know someone who goes beyond their day-to-day responsibilities to help make the world a better place. Let them know just how much their work is valued by nominating them for the G2 Overachievers Grant. For the fifth year, the grant is recognizing individuals making measurable differences in the lives of others. One exceptional overachiever will be awarded $100,000 to help continue their charitable works and broaden their positive impact. Visit G2Overachievers.com before November 15 to learn more and submit your handwritten nomination. It’s a meaningful way to celebrate someone’s passion for giving and show the impact of their hard work.
  4. Give the gift of relaxation. Give those always in the service of others an excuse to practice some self-care. Whether it’s an at-home spa kit, a new book to curl up with, or a nice bottle of wine, some of the most welcome gifts are those that give someone a chance to unwind.
  5. Write a thank you note. There is something so personal about putting pen to paper. In this digital age of emails and texts, a heartfelt, handwritten letter or card can become a true keepsake. With the right tools, it’s easy to let your feelings flow and craft a meaningful message. So, pick up some nice stationery and a smooth, vibrant G2 gel ink pen to let your loved ones know just how much you appreciate them.

For those who kept our communities strong during this difficult year, let the holiday season be your opportunity to give thanks and give back.

COVID-19 and Face Coverings: The Different Types and Why it Matters

By
Statepoint
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Your neighbor is selling fashion masks. Your uncle – expert at everything – wears a sophisticated respirator with a valve. Your dental hygienist wears a medical mask. Your kid is running off to sports practice in a team-supplied neck gaiter. Is there a difference between these face coverings?

In the U.S., over 7 million people have been infected by COVID-19 and over 200,000 have died. According to health authorities, the virus that causes COVID-19 predominantly spreads when people talk, cough and sneeze. In addition to measures such as maintaining physical distancing and frequent handwashing, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) currently recommends everyone wear a cloth mask when out in public, especially in areas where physical distancing is a challenge, to help slow the spread of COVID-19. Since respirators are in critical supply and the global personal protective equipment (PPE) industry can’t make enough to meet this current demand, respirators and medical masks should be reserved for healthcare workers and other medical first responders.

Wearing a face covering is important: a cloth face covering, such as a reusable mask may help protect others from the wearer. A respirator (when worn properly) helps protect the wearer from airborne hazards around them.

With the COVID-19 pandemic still affecting our daily lives, it’s important to know how choosing a face covering can help those on the frontlines to get what they need to continue the fight. One of the world’s biggest manufacturers of N95 respirators, 3M, created a chart, available at news.3m.com, to help explain the differences between cloth masks/face coverings, surgical masks, and N95 respirators. Ultimately, how you live and work should inform the type of mask you wear.

Face coverings and masks: general public and workers. At public spaces and certain workplaces where protection from occupational hazards is not needed, non-medical disposable and cloth masks that cover your nose and mouth completely may help reduce the spread of COVID-19 (along with other measures such as physical distancing and frequent handwashing) by protecting others from exposure to particles generated by the wearer. Designs with unfiltered valves, such as those with drinking straw holes, or any visible gaps, are not sufficient face coverings under some government guidance. General use masks should not be overly tight and should feel comfortable to wear. A face mask is not the same as a medical mask or respirator.

Medical masks: health care workers. Medical masks are designed to be used by health care workers to help provide a barrier to high-velocity streams of liquid, as well as a barrier to particles that might be expelled by the wearer. This second reason is why health care workers wear medical masks – to help protect patients. Patients may also wear them to help protect others around them. Medical masks meet specific standards and are FDA-cleared for hospital use in the U.S. They fit loosely on the face, so do not provide respiratory protection.

N95 Respirators: health care and critical frontline and certain other essential workers. When used correctly, N95 respirators are designed to create a tight seal to the face and provide respiratory protection. Because the entire surface of the respirator is a filter, it is efficient at capturing at least 95% of non-oily airborne particles that the wearer might breathe in, including liquid droplets that may contain viruses and germs. Respirators with valves are not recommended by the CDC for use in certain settings, such as health care environments that require a sterile field.

For more information on different face coverings, visit www.3m.com.

To stay up to date, consult the CDC and other health authorities for the latest guidelines, updates and recommended precautions around COVID-19.

5 Ways to Make Your Home a Healthier Place to Be

By
Statepoint
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0

Our homes are our sanctuaries. It’s more important than ever to ensure your home is a safe and healthy environment for you and your family. Indoor air quality can have a negative effect on your health, and the air inside your home is oftentimes more polluted than the air outside. Explore five effective wellness design principles that can lead to better indoor air quality and on overall healthier home.

  1. Increase natural light. One of the most effective ways for improving the interior environment of your home is by bringing in more sunlight. Sunlight also provides numerous health and wellness benefits:

• helping the body to produce vitamin D

• boosting productivity

• promoting better sleep by helping the body maintain its circadian rhythm

• improving your mood and energy

Consider large windows and window combinations. Casement windows from Andersen, which are available in dramatic sizes, create a stronger connection to the outside. Certified by ENERGY STAR, homeowners can opt for more glass in their windows while continuing to prioritize energy efficiency.

  1. Invest in safe materials. Potentially harmful VOCs, or “volatile organic compounds,” are gases emitted from certain common household products, including paints, varnishes and cleaning supplies. Exposure to VOCs can lead to eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches, dizziness, and over time, can even cause organ damage, according to the EPA. However, “zero-VOC” and “low-VOC” options exist and selecting these alternatives will minimize the potential for these common pollutants to impact the air quality in your home, helping reduce health risks to you and your family.
  2. Foster ventilation. Ventilation helps your home rid itself of moisture, smoke, cooking odors and indoor pollutants. Natural ventilation is a great alternative to air conditioning in moderate climates. To ensure maximum ventilation, be selective about the insect screens you choose for your windows and doors. TruScene insect screens from Andersen for example, let in over 25 percent more fresh air and 50 percent more clarity than standard Andersen fiberglass insect screens, making them a good choice for people who want to take advantage of open windows.
  3. Eliminate dust. Accumulated dust can irritate the eyes, lungs and skin and further aggravate the symptoms of people living with allergies. Sometimes attempts to free a home of dust only end up kicking up more debris. To avoid this, use wet dusting methods. When it’s time to empty vacuum bags and canisters, do so carefully — this is one task that may be best to perform outdoors. Finally, make maintaining a dust-free home easier by investing in an air purifier. Consider also selecting machine washable curtains, furniture covers and other fabrics.
  4. Decorate with plants. Decorating your living spaces with plants is not only a beautiful design statement, but plants act as natural air purifiers, absorbing toxicants and converting indoor carbon dioxide into oxygen.

For more healthy home ideas and inspiration, visit andersenwindows.com.

Improving the interior environment of your home is vital. Fortunately, there are many effective steps you can take to promote healthy indoor spaces.

TEXAS FORESTRY ASSOCIATION TAKES 106TH ANNUAL MEETING ONLINE

By
Joshua Blackwell
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The 106th annual meeting of the Texas Forestry Association will be virtual this year with two days of training, speakers, and awards held Oct. 28-29, 2020.

“We are branching out this year to a virtual event for the health and safety of all our members, sponsors, and attendees,” said Rob Hughes, TFA Executive Director. “We’ll still provide the same quality information as well as some innovative networking experiences while utilizing technology to bring us together in this time.”

The festivities begin Oct. 14, 2020, with a Facebook Live kickoff event for the annual meeting on the Texas Project Learning Tree page. The online silent auction will open immediately after and will continue through the annual meeting on Oct. 28-29, 2020.

Speakers for the event include Brad Southern, LP Building Solutions Chairman and CEO; Aaron Welch, Vice President of Southern Timberlands for Weyerhaeuser; and John Esparza, President and CEO of Texas Trucking Association, and Executive Director of Southwest Movers Association. Closing out the Thursday session, Tom Boggus, Texas A&M Forest Service State Forester and Director, will provide a humorous and informative look back on 2020.

“We are so grateful we can still come together and celebrate Texas forestry on so many levels,” said Hughes. “It may look a little different, but we are excited to offer many of the experiences of our annual meeting in a new format.”

The gun raffle and second annual fun run/walk will also be virtual this year. Tickets are now available for the gun raffle through the annual meeting website at [www.TFAAnnualMeeting.com/gun-raffle]www.TFAAnnualMeeting.com/gun-raffle. The winner will be contacted directly after October 29, 2020. The Fun Run/Walk is now open, and participants are asked to share their 5k journey online by visiting the annual meeting website to submit a fun run selfie. The photo must be submitted by Oct. 25, 2020, to be entered in a drawing for prizes.

“During the 2020 Pandemic, the timber industry in Texas was placed on the front line like never before,” said Hughes. “We’re excited to have this opportunity to showcase the ways Texas timber was instrumental during the pandemic and how we can move forward together in 2021.”

For more information on this year’s meeting and to see a full schedule, visit www.TFAAnnualMeeting.com. Registration is now open and available through the website or by calling the TFA office at 936-632-8733.

Governor Abbott Urges Texans To Monitor Weather Conditions As Hurricane Delta Impacts The Coast

By
Joshua Blackwell
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As Hurricane Delta approaches landfall and impacts the Texas Gulf Coast, Governor Greg Abbott is urging Texans to continue monitoring weather conditions and be mindful of potential flooding, high wind, heavy rain, and storm surge in East and Southeast Texas. Hurricane Delta, forecast to make landfall in Louisiana Friday evening, will continue to produce tropical storm force winds along the upper Texas coast and in southeast Texas. On Wednesday, Governor Abbott directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management to preposition state resources to respond to any request for assistance from local officials. The Texas State Operations Center remains activated at a Level II (Escalated Response Conditions) in support of Hurricane Delta and the ongoing response to COVID-19. 

“Our state-rostered resources have been moved into place to protect our communities as Hurricane Delta approaches the Gulf Coast,” said Governor Abbott. “I urge Texans to heed the warnings of local officials and be mindful of flooding, high wind, and heavy rain as this storm makes landfall. We will continue to closely monitor Hurricane Delta and respond to any further developments.” 

Texans are urged to heed the guidance of local officials and follow these flood preparedness and safety tips during severe weather events:

  • Know types of flood risk in your area. Visit FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center for information here: https://msc.fema.gov/portal/home
  • Sign up for your community’s warning system. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts.
  • Build an emergency supply kit. For more information on how to build a kit, visit: https://www.ready.gov/kit
  • Keep important documents in a waterproof container. Create password-protected digital copies.
  • Protect your property. Move valuables to higher levels. Declutter drains and gutters. Install check valves. Consider a sump pump with a battery.
  • Be extremely cautious of any water on roads or in creeks, streams, storm drains, or other areas – never attempt to cross flowing streams or drive across flooded roadways and always observe road barricades placed for your protection. Remember, Turn Around Don’t Drown.

For more flood safety tips, visit ready.gov.

An Update from Trent Ashby

By
Rep. Trent Ashby
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With the 2020 General Election upon us, I want to remind everyone that the State of Texas will have an extended early voting period that begins on October 13 and end on October 31. I want to encourage everyone to take advantage of this extended early voting period. By voting early this election cycle, you not only avoid longer lines and wait times, but also help ensure the health and safety of our dedicated election administrators, poll watchers, and other volunteers who are working overtime to protect one our most fundamental rights as Americans – the right to vote. So please make a plan with your family and friends to vote early this cycle. For more information on early voting polling locations, please visit www.votetexas.gov

With that, here’s an update from your State Capitol. . .

Capitol Update

I recently joined over 50 of my House Colleagues in a bi-partisan effort to support the Surplus Agricultural Product Grant program, which allows local food banks to access surplus or unsellable produce from Texas farmers so that they can re-distribute excess produce to those in need. Our food banks play such a critical role in our communities by helping struggling Texans access food that is both affordable and nutritious. In fact, recent data shows that for every $1, Texas food banks can provide 8lbs of produce. With fall in full swing and winter around the corner, demand for the services our food banks provide will increase significantly and I hope that you will consider supporting your local foodbank to help others in need.

As a member of the House Committee on Public Education, I helped lead an effort to extend the guaranteed funding period for schools, which was established under their reopening guidelines. With so many school districts experiencing a steep decline in average daily attendance due to covid-19, members expressed concern over the financial ramifications this decline would have on Texas students, particularly those living in underserved areas. As a result, Governor Abbott recently announced that the Texas Education Agency would extend the original 12-week funding an additional six weeks to help alleviate the budgetary burden that has been placed on school districts as a result of widespread declines in attendance due to COVID-19. This extension will ensure that schools will receive their anticipated state funding through the end of the first semester regardless of changes to enrollment or attendance, provided there’s a good faith effort to offer in-person instruction. This extension not only helps districts meet the unique needs of their students, but also offers increased flexibility for districts to address the financial, technological, and staffing challenges that have persisted as they adapt to a new learning environment. Given the uncertain nature of this public health crisis, what must remain certain is the unwavering support offered to teachers and students who are going above and beyond to adapt to a new learning environment.

As always, please do not hesitate to contact our office if we can help you in any way. Our District office may be reached at (936) 634-2762.

Tax Considerations on Agricultural Businesses

By
Cary Sims
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It happened again this week. A couple had inherited some rural land and they wanted to keep it,
perhaps turn it into a agricultural business. Above all they had lots of questions and wanted to
understand the myriad of taxes and regulations that seem to baffle those outside of the agricultural
world.

First of all, putting aside all politics, our government is generally very helpful with taxes and regulations
regarding true agricultural producers (farmers and ranchers). I believe this is a well-intentioned effort to
support the production of food and fiber. There are lower property taxes for agricultural land and Texas
doesn’t charge sales tax for items used in ag production.

Let us pause right here to recognize that starting an agricultural business endeavor just to save on some
taxes is unwise at best. The amount of effort, overhead costs, and risk involved in raising crops or
livestock takes a tremendous understanding of environmental challenges, markets, and incredible
personal skill. One of the reasons I urge homeowners to raise a garden is just so that they’ll have a small
appreciation of what farmers do!

Please don’t read the following and be penny wise and pound foolish.

You must have a bona-fide agricultural business. You can’t have a vegetable garden and be called a
farmer. You cannot have two pretty cows in a field beside your home and call yourself a rancher. No,
you have to be involved in the wonderful, difficult, and challenging work of producing food and/or fiber.
Starting with property taxes, each county appraisal district will have a set of guidelines for what
constitutes agricultural production. My 20 by 10-foot vegetable garden doesn’t make me a farmer.

Currently one has to have at least five acres of vegetable production to receive the open land appraisal
designation that we often call the ag land valuation.

Likewise, that same five acres with a couple of cows on it won’t cut it for a commercial cattle operation.
Look at the website of the Angelina County appraisal district (if that’s where your land is located), and
you’ll find their minimum requirement is 20 acres if on native grass pasture. Of course, if your property
is not located in Angelina County, you need to check their guidelines as they certainly can differ.

It is important to note that the open space provision is not an absolute exemption. If the land changes to
a nonagricultural use, the owner must pay a rollback tax equal to the tax savings for the 5 most recent
years (plus 7 percent interest accrued from the dates that the taxes were due).

The provision saves taxes only for people who maintain their land’s open space status for more than five
years. Nevertheless, this special treatment saves landowners more money in yearly tax savings than any
other state or local agricultural tax exemption or provision.

Regarding sales tax, farmers and ranchers are exempt from state and local sales taxes for most
agricultural inputs they buy as well as for the products they sell. The exemption covers practically all
inputs used exclusively to produce agricultural goods.

While not a new tax law, as of January 1, 2012, agricultural businesses must obtain a Texas Agriculture
and Timber Exemption Registration Number (“Ag/Timber Number”) from the state comptroller. The
Texas Comptroller’s office has a form you can fill out to apply for an agricultural sales tax exemption for
some items that are required for farm and ranch use. You may apply online at the comptroller’s website
at www.GetReadyTexas.org.

On the back end, products sold by farms and ranches such as grain, milk, livestock, and raw cotton for
further processing are also tax exempt. In the state of Texas, food products like flour, sugar, raw meat,
milk or produce are not taxable. Go to your favorite local grocer and buy nothing but raw ag products
and see how much tax you pay!

Other tax benefits that ag producers are eligible for include motor vehicle sales and use taxes for
vehicles specialized for agricultural production, sales and excise taxes on fuel used on farms and
ranches, and lastly some state franchise taxes.

Regarding regulations, the Texas Department of Agriculture will have a list of any and all regulations that
agricultural producers must follow. With few exceptions, I find tremendous flexibility in the existing
laws.

Go to the Texas Dept of Agriculture’s website and look under the ‘Regulatory Programs’ and you’ll
discover that they verify commercial scales, regulate the raw eggs sold as wholesale, and several other
areas. Ultimately, that state department has a strong consumer protection program, which includes
overseeing items like grocery store scales, egg quality, and nursery/floral plants.

Got more questions? Schedule a visit with your local County Extension office. It would be prudent to
understand the business of agriculture before you expend any amount of resources.

PUBLIC HEARING SCHEDULED FOR PROPOSED PROJECT IN NACOGDOCHES COUNTY

By
Rhonda Oaks
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 A virtual public meeting will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 13 for a proposed construction project in Nacogdoches County.

The project includes the widening of US 259 from SH 204 to the Rusk County line. To attend the public hearing, got to http://txdot.gov and search US 259 Widening. The public is invited to leave comments on the proposed project.

The virtual meeting will consist of a pre-recorded video presentation explaining the proposed project and will include audio and video components along with other exhibits for review. The video will be available for viewing by 10 am on Oct. 13. The public is invited to post comments and take the survey. Formal comments may be provided by mail, email or online and must be received by Wednesday, Oct. 28.

US 259 serves as an important corridor for rural connectivity, a freight and evacuation route.

The proposed widening includes:

  • Two 12-foot northbound and southbound travel lanes
  • Two 10-foot outside shoulders
  • One 16-foot center two-way left turn lane
  • Typical 200-foot right-of-way width
  • One 12-foot acceleration lane for SH 204 traffic heading south on US 259

The proposed project is designed to reduce congestion, enhance safety and mobility along US 259 and provide a more efficient hurricane evacuation route.

Once public comments are received, TxDOT will begin right-of-way mapping, environmental documentation, engineering plans and estimates. ROW acquisition is estimated to be completed in Spring 2023 with utility relocations beginning thereafter. Necessary permitting and engineering designs are scheduled to be completed in Spring 2024. Construction is anticipated to begin in March 2024. “

This proposed project was identified in the TxDOT Unified Transportation Program (UTP) which is a 10-year plan that guides the development of transportation work across the state.  Despite its importance to TxDOT as a planning and programming tool, the UTP is neither a budget nor a guarantee that projects will or can be built.

If you require interpretation or translation services, accommodations to participate due to disability, or more information, contact Rhonda.Oaks@txdot.gov or call 936) 633-4395.

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