AASHTO Journal, 8 February 2013
The Texas Transportation Commission last week approved a measure that allows the Texas Department of Transportation to accept private donations that would ultimately go toward some highway maintenance services.
The measure allows TxDOT to accept donations for services such as litter removal, mowing, vegetation management, and maintenance at travel information centers and rest areas across the state. Those making donations can also be acknowledged through signs, which meet federal guidelines, along sponsored roadways. TxDOT estimates the ability to accept these donations could generate as much as $3.5 million in additional revenue per year.
“Partnering with the private sector just makes sense as we seek new ways to address the state’s ongoing funding challenges,” said TxDOT Executive Director Phil Wilson in a statement. “This is another tool to establish more partnerships that help us pay for these services and could reduce the cost of roadside maintenance around the state.”
The sponsorship program is expected to launch in the spring. TxDOT officials say the department will still be responsible for highway maintenance services but any sponsorship revenue will help to offset its costs.