RTC pledges $5.3 million to bridge Dallas-DART gap

Dallas, Texas - In an effort to resolve the long-standing disagreement between Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) and the City of Dallas regarding the allocation of excess sales tax revenue, the Regional Transportation Council (RTC) approved $5.3 million at their meeting on July 13.

This fund is set to support the Silver Line Regional Rail Project, signaling a noteworthy development in the agreement forged between the disputing parties.

This endorsement from the RTC concludes a thorough conflict resolution strategy, enabling the provision of federal funds requested by the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG).

These funds are designated for enhancements along the Silver Line project within Dallas, as outlined in the meeting agenda.

Michael Morris, the council of governments' Transportation Director, shed light on the detailed tracking of potential upgrades that could be financed by the transportation council. The list of enhancements includes installing a traffic signal and a pump house in Hillcrest, and extending a noise wall.

This official recognition of funds reaffirms the council's dedication to settling the disagreement, which Morris likened to a "final homework assignment" in the resolution plan. Looking back at the council's previous allocation of $15.4 million in federal funds in June for Dallas' Five Mile Creek Hike and Bike Trail, Morris expressed satisfaction at the increasingly productive discussions between DART and the city in the recent months.

In addition, the council endorsed a policy statement on potential communications related to the Silver Line project and the Cotton Belt Bicycle-Pedestrian project in the same resolution. The RTC is calling for a unified and collaborative effort from all local government bodies, transportation providers, elected officials, board members, and staff to speed up the project's progress.

"Should future questions or issues arise, the [Regional Transportation Council] strongly encourages all parties to work collaboratively in a professional manner to expeditiously resolve," the agenda directs.

This progress comes after the Dallas City Council approved a renewed agreement with DART at their meeting on June 14, which enables Dallas to receive approximately $90 million in surplus sales tax revenue, Dallas Metro News reported.

Initially, DART had promised more than $111 million in surplus funds to Dallas. However, blaming the city for delays on the Silver Line project, the offer was reduced to roughly $32 million. Through a mediation process facilitated by the council of governments, the total sum allocated to Dallas was re-evaluated and increased to $90 million.