The Regional Transportation Council during its October meeting recommended that Denton County receive approximately $1.56 billion, or 53 percent, of the revenue generated by State Highway 121.

“The Texas Department of Transportation has provided clear and well-documented evidence that as early as next year, Texas will only have [road] maintenance funds available and that no funds will be available for new [road] construction,” U.S. Rep. Michael C. Burgess said in a prepared statement. “Our transportation system is vital to the quality of life of North Texans, and we must continue to seek innovative funding methods to keep up with the ever-increasing demands on our infrastructure.”

Of the more than $1.56 billion that will go directly to Denton County for roads under the recommendation, $659.5 million would be used for projects that were previously selected under the State Highway 121 Memorandum of Understanding.

The agreement was developed when the region decided to make the new construction on State Highway 121 a toll road-supported facility rather than a gas tax-supported facility. Additionally, $41.15 million of the revenue will go toward the cost of constructing State Highway 121, leaving $859.43 million for new roads in Denton County.

Final decisions on how to spend the money are expected by Jan. 24. Until then, county officials will hold workshops in November and December to determine which projects to select within the county.

“This region, like the rest of the nation, is facing a tremendous shortfall in transportation funding,” said Michael Morris, director of transportation of the North Central Texas Council of Governments.

“This agreement for State Highway 121, especially the upfront payment of $2.5 billion, will mean freeway, thoroughfare, passenger rail and air-quality projects can be built years ahead of schedule. Helping to keep up with the tremendous growth and transportation needs of the region is a high priority.”