ACEC Houston

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is asking the federal government to let the state continue to approve its own environmental reviews - a delegated authority intended to fast-track highway projects. Since 2014, TxDOT has operated under the agreement with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), allowing the state agency to assume responsibility for environmental reviews under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). TxDOT says the sweeping powers delegated to the state streamline efforts to avoid “substantial delays in the delivery of important transportation projects.” https://lnkd.in/gtvgA8im

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Congress is ordering the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to complete its years-long study of a massive tunnel beneath Houston that would divert floodwaters like those that inundated the city during Hurricane Harvey. The move stands to end a long disagreement between Houston politicians and the Army Corps, which had earlier raised concern the $6.5 to $12 billion cost of tunneling beneath the city was too expensive. https://lnkd.in/gpxDHpCa

We had a great time with our members and community partners at our annual Holiday Party. It is a wonderful time to celebrate working together and the friendships that have developed over the years. Happy Holidays! We look forward to a productive and fun new year.

A big thank you to Strategic Public Affairs for including ACEC Houston in its regular Houston Business Forums, where it brings together elected officials, their senior staff, and other community leaders to discuss topics that affect the Houston region. The meetings are always very informative and keep us talking about and up to date on the latest developments on important issues. Today featured Congressional Regional and District Directors. Elizabeth Biar, Andrew Biar

A big thanks to David Gornet, Executive Director of the Fort Bend County Toll Road, for the outstanding presentation at our Transportation Committee meeting today. We appreciate all the work he and his team do every day to keep the region moving.

Congratulations to Lee Lennard as the 2025 Houston Engineer of the Year. Lee has been a leader in ACEC at the local, state, and national level for years and continues to work diligently to promote a favorable business environment for the engineering industry. Our members appreciate his efforts and benefit from them every day. BGE, Inc.

A breakdown of the phases for the freeway rebuild, which will take more than 12 years. https://lnkd.in/g-MxZGum

The report by the Center for Energy Studies at Rice University’s Baker Institute and commissioned by Texas 2036, said the state is economically vulnerable should a severe drought occur. It estimates that if a years-long drought similar to that of the 1950s happened, then as soon as 2030 Texas will endure $160 billion in annual GDP losses, 800,000 jobs lost, and an exodus of hundreds of thousands of people leaving for other states. https://lnkd.in/g-UW-WjB

Congratulations to Randy Macchi on his appointment as the Director of Houston Public Works (HPW). We look forward to continuing to work with HPW to design infrastructure that helps promote the health, safety, and welfare of the community. City of Houston, City of Houston Mayor's Office