STATE SENATOR LARRY TAYLOR (R) announced on Thursday that he was working with the Texas Transportation Commission to keep funding available for Segments B and C of the Grand Parkway (State Highway 99). The announcement comes days after the Commission blindsided many with the decision to cease its 2020 funding for the two critical segments.

“I am proud to report I’ve been working with the Texas Transportation Commission, and I am confident that Segments B&C of the Grand Parkway will REMAIN in the 2020 UTP,” Taylor announced on his Facebook page. “This is a victory for #SD11 and could not have been done without overwhelming community support!”

In a letter to Commission Chairman Bruce Bugg, Taylor emphasized the importance of having the two segments be completed and how it impacts citizens of Galveston, Brazoria and Fort Bend Counties.

“The Grand Parkway segments that were to be built in Galveston and Brazoria Counties would open up the region to increased commerce and provide area residents with an additional and much needed option to commute throughout the Houston region for work and school.

“Most importantly, it would serve as a lifeline and evacuation route for hundreds of thousands of Gulf Coast area residents in the event of a hurricane.”

Segment B would run from Highway 288 to I-45, while Segment C would run from Highway 59 to Highway 288. Plans for Segment A, which would run in League City from I-45 to Highway 146, has not been regarded as a viable project.

Officials from the Commission have yet to respond, and while news of Taylor working with them has sparked enthusiasm, the public is still under an August 12 deadline to voice their opinions. An August 29 vote remains on schedule.