03/17/2026
Letter of support for federal funding of Brazos River Connectivity Feasibility Study.
Dear Representative Sessions:
We are writing to express our strong support for federal funding for the Brazos River Connectivity Feasibility Study identified by the Waco Metropolitan Planning Organization in McLennan County. This study will help address a long-recognized gap in the regional transportation network and provide the planning foundation necessary to support future infrastructure investments that strengthen mobility, economic competitiveness, and public safety in Central Texas.
Currently, there is no bridge crossing the Brazos River within McLennan County north of Lakeshore Drive and south of Loop 340. This lack of connectivity limits efficient travel between the eastern and western portions of the county, constrains access to jobs and commercial centers, and restricts opportunities for future economic development. As the region continues to grow, improving cross-river connectivity will be critical to supporting workforce mobility, facilitating the efficient movement of goods, and enabling sustainable regional growth.
Additional connectivity across the Brazos River would also improve emergency response capabilities. Limited crossing options can increase response times for police, fire, and emergency medical services when incidents occur on opposite sides of the river. Evaluating potential crossing alternatives will help identify solutions that enhance system redundancy and strengthen the region’s ability to respond quickly during emergencies and natural disasters.
The Brazos River Connectivity Feasibility Study has been identified as a high-priority planning effort in the Waco Metropolitan Planning Organization’s 2050 Metropolitan Transportation Plan. The study will evaluate potential corridor alternatives while considering environmental conditions, floodplain constraints, land use patterns, and long-term transportation needs. Through early analysis and risk identification, the study will help ensure that future infrastructure investments are strategic, cost-effective, and environmentally responsible.
This effort aligns closely with federal priorities supported through the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies (THUD) Appropriations Subcommittee, particularly those that promote regional connectivity, strengthen transportation system resilience, and support coordinated metropolitan planning.
The study advances the type of data-driven planning and project readiness encouraged through federal transportation programs by identifying viable infrastructure solutions that improve mobility, support economic development, and enhance public safety while responsibly considering floodplain and community impacts.
By establishing a clear framework for evaluating future infrastructure options, the study will position the region to pursue future federal and state transportation investments that deliver long-term benefits to residents, businesses, and emergency services throughout McLennan County and the broader Central Texas region.
For these reasons, we respectfully support funding for the Brazos River Connectivity Feasibility Study and appreciate your continued leadership in supporting infrastructure investments that strengthen communities and regional economies.
Sincerely,
Scott Felton
County Judge
Jim Smith
McLennan County Commissioner PCT 1
Donis D.L. Wilson
McLennan County Commissioner PCT 2
Will Jones
McLennan County Commissioner PCT 3
Ben Perry
McLennan County Commissioner PCT 4
