Due to cost underruns for construction projects, state transportation officials have put together a back-up plan which would add additional mobility projects to the list of those funded through the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act.

At its monthly meeting, the Texas Transportation Commission gave TxDOT staff preliminary approval for additional transportation mobility projects that may be covered under the federally funded ARRA.

These projects will be considered in priority order if funding becomes available as a result of underruns on the previously approved mobility projects.

Funds would be spent on projects in the region of the state in which the underruns were generated.

"The savings we have seen so far will help us issue more contracts and put more Texans to work," said John Barton, TxDOT assistant executive director for engineering operations. "With transportation needs like ours, we will take every opportunity we can to keep Texas moving."

The nation's current economic conditions and their direct effect on construction contracting and material supplies have caused winning bids to come in at less than anticipated costs, resulting in underruns of the originally obligated ARRA funds.

Texas' share of road and bridge funds under the ARRA is $2.25 billion. In March, TxDOT initially approved $1.2 billion in mobility projects, with amendments made in April and May. Other funds are being spent on maintenance projects, transportation enhancements or are to be spent by local agencies.

Time is a critical element when selecting and executing construction contracts under the ARRA. States are required to have 100 percent of the funds obligated within one year of receiving the apportionment or the remaining funds will be redistributed to other states.

These projects that are ready to proceed within the time requirements stipulated in the ARRA -- environmental, design and right of way acquisition work completed -- have been identified.

In the nine-county Brownwood district, the only project that meets the criteria for Lampasas is FM 2657 near Copperas Cove.

For more information, phone (512) 463-8588.