STATEWIDE TRANSPORTATION ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM PROVIDED BY The Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 AND The Transportation Equity Act Of the 21st Century, 1998 STATUS OF SELECTED PROJECTS REPORT COVERAGE June – December 2004 Published January 2005 Design Division Texas Department of Transportation 125 E. 11th Street Austin, Texas 78701-2493 http://www.dot.state.tx.us/des/step/introduction.htm 1 Projects in this Status Report are shown under the individual TxDOT district where the project is located, except for projects that cover multiple counties or areas that would be considered of statewide significance. Those may be found under Statewide Projects. Please see Disclaimer under TxDOT’s home page site. All information here in is the most current available at the time of publishing and is updated on a six-month basis. Letting dates are subject to change Definitions under Current Status heading: CLOSED-OUT:-The project’s work is complete and forms have been submitted to the Federal Highway Administration to close-out the project from the books. CMAQ:-Congestion mitigation of air quality COMPLETE:-No more design or construction work is to be performed on the project, maybe waiting final inspection or close-out. CONSTRUCTION:-Project work has been let to a construction contract and construction is underway. DESIGN –The project is in the planning or design stage of development. Work is being done to develop the plans specifications and estimates. LET: Design work is complete and the project is being advertised for bids for a construction contract. PHS: - Phase PS&E:- Plans, specification, and estimate. ROW:-right-of-way or property TDLR:-Texas Department of Licensing and Registration THC:-Texas Historical Commission TPWD:-Texas Parks and Wildlife Department TxDOT:-Texas Department of Transportation WITHDRAWN: -Project has been withdrawn or canceled from the program and will no longer receive federal funding to complete the project objective. 1 ABILENE DISTRICT Project Name: Historic Preservation of the Downtown Business District Selected: Nov. 1994, Second Call, ISTEA Project CSJ No.: 0908-24-012 - STP 1995(106)TE Project Location: Anson, Jones County, Abilene District Project Description: Restoration of the courthouse by: (1) stabilizing the foundation; (2) repairing or replacing aluminum storm windows and restoring 100 historic ash windows; (5) installing interior storm windows (6) sandstone, drainage pipes and the parapet cap; (3) pointing brick throughout the exterior structure; (4) removing repairing the "Justice" statue on the dome and restoring original 24-hour rotation; (7) repairing the courthouse clock; (8) cleaning fire escape and metal railings to bright metal and (9) remodeling the basement to accommodate a visitor information center. Authorized Federal Funds: $751,715 ISTEA Category: Historic Preservation Current Status: Project was let to contract by the county in July 1996. A grand opening ceremony was held August 1, 1997. CLOSED-OUT Project Name: Shackelford County Courthouse Selected: Nov. 1994, Second Call, ISTEA Project CSJ No.: 0908-28-007- STP 1995(107)TE Project Location: Albany, Shackelford County, Abilene District Project Description: Shackelford County proposes a comprehensive preservation plan that encompasses both exterior and interior elements of its courthouse. The eligible items in this nomination package are: (1) replacement of external courthouse; (3) installation of a new copper roof and cleaning, stripping, and repairing of the clock tower; (4) repair, air conditioning units and the repair of external damage done by the units; (2) installation of exterior lighting for the re-caulking and painting of the courthouse exterior; (5) repair and replacement of windows as necessary; (6) landscaping and sprinkler installation; and (7) repairs and replacement of metal grates around the foundation. Authorized Federal Funds: $123,200 ISTEA Category: Historic Preservation Current Status: The project was let to contract by the county in July 1996 and completed August 1997. CLOSED-OUT Project Name: T & P Freight Warehouse Restoration Selected: Nov. 1994, Second Call, ISTEA Project CSJ No.: 0908-33-046 - STP 1995(108)TE Project Location: Abilene, Taylor County, Abilene District Project Description: This project included the acquisition and restoration of the historic T & P Freight Warehouse. The restored warehouse is home to the T & P Railroad Museum, including an extensive collection of railroad memorabilia. Authorized Federal Funds: $690,800 ISTEA Category(ies) Rehab. of Historic Trans. Facility; Acq. of Scenic Easements & Scenic or Historic Properties Current Status: The City of Abilene acquired the right-of-way from the railroad and the building has been purchased. All work was completed August 1996. CLOSED-OUT 1 Project Name: Historical Restoration of World War II Hanger 25, Phase 1 Selected: Aug. 1996, Third Call, ISTEA Project CSJ No.: 0908-12-012 - STP 1997(204)TE Project Location: Big Spring, Howard County, Abilene District located at McMahon-Wrinkle Industrial Airpark in Big Springs. Work includes the restoration of the roof, front wood facade and windows, installation of new electrical systems, sandblasting, painting and asbestos abatement. Following restoration, the Hanger will serve as an aviation museum and will house vintage planes, photos and other memorabilia reflecting its use for bombardier training during World War II. The Confederate Air Force will provide a completely restored C-46 and a private collector will donate a German Messerschmidt that is small enough to fit under the wing of the C-46. The Heritage Museum of Big Springs will collect and loan exhibits for display. A visitor center in the hanger will contain information regarding the Vietnam Memorial, the Big Spring State Park and the Comanche Trail Park (all within a 10 mile radius of the hanger). The City of Big Spring currently owns all property involved in this project and the McMahon-Wrinkle Airpark will assume all responsibility for maintenance of Hanger T-25. Authorized Federal Funds: $458,880 ISTEA Category: Historic Preservation Current Status: Project was let to contract by the city in June 1998, and completed April. 1999. A grand opening ceremony is scheduled for June 31, 1999. CLOSED-OUT Project Name: Hangar 25 Air Museum – Big Spring, Phase 2 Selected: Jan. 2000, TEA - 21 Project CSJ No.: 0908-12-013 - STP 2000(516)TE Project Location: Big Spring, Howard County, Abilene District Project Description: This project was selected in the 3rd call and awarded $573,600. The work (completed in May, 1999) was very extensive, however there was not enough funding for landscaping and additional display areas. This project would complete the 2nd floor of the hangar for storage and additional display space. At this time the hangar doors do not open fully. New cable and rebuilt mechanisms are needed. A handicap accessible sidewalk adjoining the existing sidewalk is need. Additional sidewalks would facilitate pedestrian flow and concrete pads would allow for outside displays. A sprinkler system has been installed and grass planted, however trees and other native plants would soften the building and extend its use to the outside areas. No acquisition of right of way is required. Authorized Federal Funds: $115,200 TEA-21 Category: Rehab. & Operation of Historic Transportation Facilities Current Status: Project was Let by the City, in October 2001. Construction is complete. The job is to be Closed-out by the end of March 2003. CLOSED-OUT Project Name: Visitor Facilities for Fort Phantom Hill – Abilene Selected: Jan. 2000, TEA - 21 Project CSJ No.: 0908-24-036 - STP 2000(517)TE Project Location:. Abilene, Jones County, Abilene District Project Description: Fort Phantom Hill was built in 1851 as part of an advance line of forts to protect the expanding Texas frontier. This project will provide a park entry platform with visitor's kiosk, restroom and information panel with graphic exhibits. Visitor parking, security lighting, trash receptacles, sidewalks, visual screen fence, pedestrian highway crosswalk, entry drives, flag pole and signage will be provided. A new "self- guided" site brochure will also be produced. The site for these improvements has been a cultivated field since at least 1936 and was deemed by the planning team to be the least archeological sensitive area of the Fort site. The site is open from dawn to dusk seven days a week. The project will provide a more visitor friendly site with easily accessible parking, restrooms and other visitor amenities. Authorized Federal Funds: $555,840 TEA-21 Category: Scenic or Historic Highway Programs (including tourist & welcome centers) Current Status: Agreement executed 12/1/00, amended 1/30/02 to reflect in-kind contribution of PS & E. Design plans are being done by Jones County. Plans being completed by local architect as in-kind contribution and are approximately 80% complete. Archeological survey completed, environmental document needs to be completed. Construction will be TxDOT let and is tentatively scheduled for September 2005. 2 Project Name: Walking Through History: Albany from Past to Present Selected: Jan. 2000, TEA - 21 Project CSJ No.: 0908-28-009 - STP 2000(518)TE Project Location: Albany, Shackelford County, Abilene District Project Description: This project will acquire the property and restore the Texas Central/MKT Depot into a Visitors Center. The building will contain a handicapped-equipped restroom facility and will serve as a museum with an extensive