Federal funds are more like a promise, every few years Washington allocates dollars for states to build roads, bridges and other highway projects, but don't run out and cash the check. This week after congress failed to eliminate a provision in a six-year national highway funding bill it was forced to take back some of that money, exactly $8,708,000,000 nationwide. That's $8.7 billion less in federal dollars to spend on badly needed  infrastructure.

California was at the top of the list loosing $800 (m) followed by Texas with $740 (m). TXDOT says it will impact future projects but unlike some states we didn't run out and spend all that loot, only about  $100(m). Here's the breakdown by Metros in Texas.

UNOBLIGATED BALANCES TO BE RESCINDED IN TEXAS

Austin 5,207,206.00
Corpus Christi 1,696,967.00
Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington 23,934,831.00
Denton-Lewisville 1,731,019.00
El Paso 3,743,892.00
Houston 22,069,135.00
Lubbock 1,167,540.00
McAllen 3,020,355.00
San Antonio 7,664,591.00

Total 70,235,536.00

Having lived in Houston and Dallas I've always said the traffic congestion is a toss up.  Thanks to TXDOT's first ever "Congestion Report" we now know, Houston is slightly worse. 

1   IH 45    Harris
2   US 75  Dallas*
3   IH 45    Harris
4   IH 635  Dallas*
5   IH 45    Harris
6   IH 10    Harris
7   US 75  Collin*
8   US 59  Harris
9   IH 45   Harris
10 IH 35   Bexar

*North Texas

Check out the complete list  - http://apps.dot.state.tx.us/apps/rider56/list.htm

Jim Grimes
jgrimes@tribune.com

My truck has factory tinted windows but I've always wanted to get them even darker. Lets face it we live in Texas, you can bake a cake inside most cars during the summer.

Now lawmakers have decided to change the law making once acceptable dark window tint illegal. So how do you know? If you had your front windows tinted to match your back factory tinted widows chances are your front widows are to dark.

The only real way to know if your legal to get some clarification from the nice police offer who just pulled you over or  if you fail a state inspection. I get it, police and other drivers want to see who's behind the wheel.

Now if they can just make a law that makes potholes illegal, don't hold your breath.

Jim

This summer DART's Board of Directors will consider where to locate a second light rail track in downtown Dallas. It'll also consider a street car system that will connect people to DART's downtown train stations. The public will be asked for their opinions at a series of hearings. Stay turned!! 

Beware of Cowboys Stadium on Saturday. 

More than 75,000 fans are expected to descend on Arlington for the George Strait concert at the Cowboys Stadium, causing the potential for traffic nightmares. 

Officials are encouraging concert attendees to arrive early, being patient when trying leaving and park only in Texas Rangers or Dallas Cowboys' parking. 

"That's the only way we can ensure you won't get towed," said Tiara Ellis, an Arlington police spokeswoman.

Continue reading Arlington gets first traffic test with concert at the Dallas Cowboys Stadium »