Texas Highway 121 Extension Project - Southwest Parkway

(State Highway 121 Toll, or SH121T)


Another Fine Example of Pork Barrel Spending

picture of a pig
"Trying to make this project pretty is like putting lipstick on a pig" 		 (Pork isn't Free)

City of Fort Worth - Direct Costs

1) Land Acquisition - $49 Million in Proposition 1 of the February 2004 Bond Package (disguised as "street repairs"). A TIF proposed to pay it back would be illegal according to the Texas State Attorney General. His 1999 opinion regarding TIF creation is here: TIF_OPINION.pdf (817Kb) 

2) Utility Realignment - $25 Million (and being hidden)

  • In a 1995-era study, all the costs of moving water, sewer, and other utilities were listed. The total runs to well over $25 million. The 1998 Interlocal agreement requires Fort Worth to pay the entire cost of utility realignment.
  • Although acknowledging that the money for utility realignment isn't available (12/8/98 Pre-council Meeting), city officials are covering up that future cost when talking about the road..
Toll Road? 
  • The North Texas Tollway Authority will pay $60 million toward the project. (That's about 25% of the cost). 
  • For that investment, the NTTA will own and control the road forever. 
  • And the tolls will never be removed. It will always cost to drive.

    •  
The Project is being planned for completion in Two Phases.
(Only Phase 1, the toll road, has any funding)
Click on the Phase for Detailed Information:

Phase 1... Cost now estimated at $300 million!

Phase 2... "Welcome to Los Angeles"

For Other Details, choose from below:

TRAFFIC AND TOLL REVENUE STUDY

History of the Project

Environmental Issues

Some Interesting Talking Points

City of Fort Worth's SH121T Pages

CONTACTS

FORWARD Fort Worth Alliance for Responsible Development

Contact City Council

Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce The Proponents

Please send comments, info, et cetera, to:

Last Update: 25 January, 2004