By Ben Philpott, KUT Radio
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kera/local-kera-824520.mp3
Dallas, TX –
Federal stimulus dollars will go toward two major road projects in Tarrant County.
Regional planners approved $144 million for interchanges on the proposed Southwest Parkway from downtown Fort Worth to Cleburne. State transportation commissioners approved $250 million for the DFW Connector near the airport and Grapevine. Transportation officials said use of federal stimulus dollars will free state money for other roads in North Texas.
State commissioners overall have parceled out $1.2 billion in stimulus money for projects across the state, plus $500 million last week for road and bridge maintenance. That means TxDOT already has dedicated all of its stimulus money on projects. KUT's Ben Philpott reports lawmakers aren't happy about the quick authorizations.