DALLAS COUNTY (WBAP/KLIF)- Officials from agencies across North Texas have launched a new nonprofit organization intended to develop transportation opportunities in the growing Dallas County Inland Port.
The announcement benefits a 120-square mile area that encompasses five cities (Dallas, Lancaster, Hutchins, Wilmer and Ferris) nearly 90,000 residents, and serves as a base of operations for hundreds of major employers.
The Dallas County Inland Port Transportation Management Association (TMA) was the vision of Dallas County Commissioner John Wiley Price and Dallas City Council Member Tennell Atkins, based on the potential of the region several years ago. The TMA was formed by employers, developers, transit agencies and local governments to help connect workers and companies to various transportation solutions.
“Developing transportation choices is a critical part of improving the quality of life for all North Texas residents,” Interim IPTMA and DART President/Executive Director Gary Thomas said. “The tremendous growth and opportunities we see evolving in the Dallas Inland Port will continue to be an important driver of economic development in the community.”
IPTMA Chair and Dallas County Public Works Director Alberta Blair said, “The IPTMA Board of Directors is committed to facilitate the Dallas County Inland Port region through collaborations with the North Central Texas Council of Governments, Dallas Area Rapid Transit as well as public and private agencies.”
“This TMA provides a public-private partnership for strengthening the transportation access that is needed for this inland port to realize its tremendous economic potential. This partnership will now give the Board of Directors as well as our executive team the ability to begin to move forward to provide transportation opportunities for the workforce, now and into the future.”
The public launch took place at the Inland Port Transportation Symposium on Wed., Dec. 18, at the University of North Texas at Dallas.
Results from a new employer and employee survey were also announced. Commissioned by the Dallas Regional Chamber and funded through a grant from JPMorgan Chase & Co., the survey gathered critical data to help inform future service and mobility planning in the Inland Port.
“Access to reliable transportation is a vital ingredient for any strategy promoting upward mobility,” said Jay Clingman, a managing director and head of JPMorgan Chase’s Middle Market Banking across North Texas. “This important new survey and public-private partnership will create a foundation to expand opportunity in our region and build a stronger community for everyone.”
Attendees at Wednesday’s symposium heard updates from area transportation service providers DART, STAR Transit, Southern Dallas Link, On the Road Lending, and the North Central Texas Council of Governments.
Speakers presented information on the transportation services currently offered within the Southern Dallas Inland Port, as well as provided next steps for the TMA, including developing a service plan, selecting providers and executing membership agreements.
A new web site has also been launched at the symposium in support of this effort. For a preview, visit www.inlandport.org.