Texas Turnpike Authority

The Texas Turnpike Authority (TTA) was created in 1953 (House Bill 4, 53rd Legislature, Regular Session), to plan, finance, build, and operate toll facilities in Texas. It was governed by a 12 member board, nine of whom were public members appointed by the governor with consent of the Senate. The members served six year overlapping terms. The three members of the Texas Transportation Commission served as ex-officio members and the governor designated the chair.

In 1997, the Texas Turnpike Authority merged with the Texas Department of Transportation (Senate Bill 370, 75th Legislature, Regular Session). The TTA is part of the Texas Turnpike Authority Division at the Texas Department of Transportation. It is responsible for feasibility studies, design, construction, operation, and maintenance of tolled turnpikes, bridges, and tunnels at locations with high traffic volume. A TTA Board exists, consisting of six members appointed by the governor as well as the chair of the Texas Transportation Commission as an ex-officio member. Board members serve staggered six year terms and are independent of the Transportation Commission.