RTR Funding Program

The Regional Toll Revenue program expedites transportation projects by providing desperately needed funding.  The Texas Legislature enabled the Texas Department of Transportation to consider public- and private-sector partnerships to finance roadways. The result is a completed project with a toll component and revenue for transportation projects.  Reliance on traditional funding sources will not be sufficient to meet mobility needs of the growing region.  Increasing costs, an aging infrastructure system and decreasing revenue contribute to a funding shortfall.  RTR funds result from certain toll/managed lane projects in the DFW region.  Below is information about RTR projects and programs


Revenue and Project Tracking System

 

SH 121 and Other Transportation Projects

The first agreement to generate Regional Toll Revenue funds was with North Texas Tollway Authority (NTTA). In exchange for the opportunity to construct, operate and maintain the 26-mile SH 121 toll road for 52 years, NTTA paid the region $3.2 billion. The Regional Transportation Council (RTC) used these funds to expedite about 200 transportation projects.


Following input from the public, elected officials and transportation partners, the RTC allocated funds for two categories of projects:

  • Projects previously approved by the RTC but delayed due to costs exceeding funding initially allocated. These are known as "cost overrun" projects.
  • New projects, submitted by transportation partners, cities and counties, selected by the RTC to receive funding following a project evaluation process, collaborative county task force meetings and public input.


RTR Calls for Projects

In May 2007, the Regional Transportation Council established priorities, emphasis areas and set aside funding for future initiatives and calls for projects. | Presentation [PDF]

 

Sustainable Development Call for Projects

In June 2010, total of $41 million was allocated to sustainable infrastructure and planning projects. RTR funds were specifically set aside for the 2009 Sustainable Development Call for Projects, which sought to:

  • Reduce ozone-forming pollution from vehicles by promoting mixed-use developments through public/private partnerships.
  • Support sustainable, walkable communities.
  • Foster growth and development around historic downtowns, main streets, infill areas and passenger rail lines and stations.

Of the $41 million available to the region, $27.6 million was RTR funding available for infrastructure projects in the Eastern Subregion. An additional $1 million local dollars is set aside for planning projects.


Learn more about the 2009 Sustainable Development Call for Projects. Applications were due by 5 p.m. on October 2, 2009. The RTC on June 3, 2010 selected projects to receive funding.

 

RTR Fund and Project Tracking System

A Regional Toll Revenue Fund and Project Tracking System is under development. Phase 2 of the system is available for users to view and utilize. More features and capabilities will be added in Phase 3 of the system. 

 

Transparently Reporting Project and Funding Details

Within the system, detailed RTR project information including status is combined with financial information about expenditures, interest earned and funds available. "Committed Fund" totals reflect amounts allocated to projects as of November 1, 2019. "Spent-to-Date" totals represent expenditures as of September 30, 2015.


As the system is developed, more up-to-date totals will be available. Archived reports are also available.


How to Use the Fund and Project Tracking System

Funding and Revenue: The "dashboard" or main page shows a summary of account balances, allocations and funding available. Figures can also be viewed by county.


Project Status and Details: Use the search feature to query for projects by city, county, congressional district, agency, zip code, project type, selection process or facility name.


Enter the Fund and Project Tracking System here.


If you have questions or feedback about the tracking system, contact Omar Barrios at 817-608-2337 or obarrios@nctcog.org. For other RTR questions, please see a topic-specific list of staff contacts below.

 

Understanding RTR Accounts and Policies

Click here for FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS


RTR funds are separated into two accounts, and RTC policies and state legislation determine how funds are allocated among counties and projects. Both accounts can be monitored through the Fund and Project Tracking System. RTC approval is required for selecting projects to receive RTR funds. Additionally, making changes to projects with allocated, or programmed, RTR funds follows the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) Modification Policy since the TIP is a listing of funded transportation projects.


RTR funds are a result of a project with a toll component, and the RTC, as the regional transportation planning policy body for the Dallas-Fort Worth area, adopted several toll policies to govern toll rates, allocations and other details.    Funding Descriptions & Categories