RMA seeks to teach public about toll roads

TYLER – Members of the North East Texas Regional Mobility Authority (MET RMA) are working on a public education campaign to explain the RMA concept.

Meeting in Tyler Wednesday, NET RAM CHairman Jeff Austin III told members “it’s imperative to begin educating the public on what a toll program is including how it works.”

Members of the authority also heard an update on the Loop 49 project, wwas tentatively approved by the Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT) recently. Committee members are hoping final approval will come with in the next month or so.

NET RMA officials are also hoping to hear in January about a $12.4 million toll equity grant from TxDOT.

Currently, a large part of the Loop 49 project is incomplete due to lack of funding.

“Toll equity grants that voters would put into place are only available to RMAs,” Austin said. "If we have a designated toll program, that's what makes us eligible."

Austin said the public needs help in understanding the toll program and that public education should be a top priority in the coming months.

The NET RMA has contacted the University of Texas at Tyler, trying to work out an agreement for interns to assist with marketing and develop a logo for the group.

Sherry Matthews, a marketing consultant, will be work with the NET RMA, for a period helping developing a marketing strategy.

The East Texas Hourglass Project Committee suggested seven possible routes and plan to look at them for a future report. Jay Stokes of Gladewater is chairman of that committee.

In other business, the committee approved policies for travel and reimbursement, dealing with third parties and procedures for obtaining open record requests. The heard the first reading of the policy governing environmental issues.