CENTRAL TEXAS REGIONAL MOBILITY AUTHORITY
History
Regional Mobility Authorities are independent government agencies authorized under state law to implement a wide range of transportation systems including roadways, airports, seaports, and transit services. Regional Mobility Authority's operate under Chapter 370 of the Texas Transportation Code. Travis County and Williamson County requested the creation of a regional mobility authority in order to create a local mechanism to finance transportation projects with the two-county area.
In October 2002, the Texas Transportation Commission approved the creation of the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority (Mobility Authority). The Mobility Authority was the first regional mobility authority in the state. Mike Heiligenstein, former Round Rock City Council Member and Williamson County Commissioner, was hired as Executive Director. The Mobility Authority is overseen by a seven-member board of directors. Each county court of commissioners appoints three directors. The chair of the board is appointed by the Governor.
The first project the Mobility Authority undertook was the 183-A toll road project. The financing package put together for 183-A earned national recognition from Buyer Bond magazine in 2005. By taking advantage of the financing tools provided by statute, the Mobility Authority sold $233 million toll revenue bonds and notes. The bonds received a AAA rating by virtue of insurance by FGIC, which enhanced the investment grade rating already achieved by the
Four other toll roads, approved by the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization in October, 2007, may be built by the Texas Department of Transportation, and then turned over to the Mobility Authority to operate. In addition to toll projects, the CTRMA has two shared-use path projects. The Mobility Authority also operates a free road side assistance program called HERO. The program serves stranded motorists on a portion of I-35 in the Austin corridor.
TxDOT Toll Projects: The first modern toll roads in Central Texas began opening in the fall of 2006 with the Loop 1 extension and portions of SH 45 and SH 130. Then in March 2007, the Mobility Authority opened the 183A project in Cedar Park and Leander. Beginning in2007, the Texas Turnpike Authority continued opening segments of SH 45 and SH 130.
To follow the progress of any of the Mobility Authority’s projects, click on the links below.
183A
183A Extension
Manor Expressway
MoPac Improvement Project
Shared Use Paths
Planned Expressways
Green Initiative
Resources
183A Transaction and Revenue Summary March 2009
183A Traffic Study December 2008
Mobility Crisis in Central Texas, a presentation by Mobility Authority Executive Director Mike Heiligenstein at the RECA Lunch on Thursday, October 5, 2006
183A Traffic and Revenue Study (PowerPoint)
Central Texas Mobility Crisis (PowerPoint / 1.2 MB)--Presented by Mobility Authority Executive Director Mike Heligenstein at the January 27, 2004 RECA Membership Luncheon.
Top 5 Myths About Tolling in Texas
