NTTA sure enough of getting SR121 they proceed with contracts - $11m committed

North Texas Tollway Authority people are so sure of getting the heavily contested SH121 tollroad from TxDOT selectee Cintra/JPMorgan they have started work on it. They aren't actually moving dirt but they've let contracts for detailed engineering design - $11m worth.

The project is divided into five segments and NTTA have awarded contracts for detailed design work on three of the five. See the table from NTTA on design contracts approved by their board. (at right below)

At their next board meeting tomorrow the agenda includes a resolution authorizing a $1.3m contract with HNTB for landscape design on SR121. (bottom of page)

Immediately ahead of that on the agenda is a resolution to approve a project agreement or term sheet with the elements of a project agreement between TxDOT and NTTA. Normally multimillion dollar contracts are not let on projects for which there is not a legal agreement.

NTTA spokesman Sam Lopez said the authority has got moving early in order to be sure of meeting the tough deadlines being set for completion of the project.

They are obviously taking TxDOT approval of their late proposal for granted.

In an agreement last August with TxDOT NTTA said they wouldn't bid for SH121 and Cintra/JPMorgan were chosen by TxDOT as the concessionaire in a competitive process. After Cintra's winning proposal was revealed NTTA changed their minds and said they could better the private sector offer.

TxDOT's legal authority, the Texas Transportation Commission still have to formally cancel the procurement that led to the Cintra/JPM selection and sign an agreement with NTTA before NTTA have any formal rights on SH121.

TOLLROADSnews 2007-07-24