NET RMA Announces Priority Project Winners

TYLER – For the second straight year, the North East Texas Regional Mobility Authority (NET RMA) will give back to the East Texas region. Last year, NET RMA awarded Gregg County $400,000 in funds towards the reconstruction and improvement of intersection U.S. Highway 259 at Hawkins Parkway. This year, Upshur County will receive $250,000 for its project, Wood County will receive $172,183 and Kaufman County gets a check for $77,817. The funds come from revenues from Toll 49 in 2016.

According to a news release from NET RMA, here’s how the funds will be used:

In Wood County, the development of water, sewer and natural gas infrastructure in
support of the Northeast Texas Poultry Complex (Sanderson Farms) will help spur the development of a project that is predicted to generate thousands of new jobs in East Texas as well as bring in commercial freight traffic on roads and rail. The NET RMA was intrigued by this project as it is the largest agricultural and food processing project currently pending in the entire state of Texas.

Upshur County’s project is a feasibility study for the construction of a loop around Gilmer to help improve congestion, safety (especially in school zones), as well as open new economic development opportunities within the community. The feasibility study will identify the possible routes, benefits and conceptual costs for a Gilmer loop. The NET RMA was also enthusiastic about supporting this initiative as it will improve safety around the school by reducing traffic and relieving congestion on the important US 271 corridor.

In Kaufman county, intersection improvements at State Highway 243/Farm Road 2727 will improve safety and efficiency by widening the intersection, and adding turning lanes and road signs. The NET RMA eagerly supported the Kaufman County intersection project knowing the purpose of the project is to enhance safety and that the county and voters are behind the project as they recently committed to a county bond package.