Fort Worth (1080 KRLD) - The Fort Worth city council has started discussions about the bond that will go before voters in 2022. The city has proposed a $500 million bond that will appear on the ballot on May 7, 2022.
The largest piece of the bond, 64%, would go toward streets and pedestrian infrastructure, totaling $320 million. The bond would also include $19 million for "police facility improvements" and $17 million for "fire safety improvements."
"First and foremost, our number one responsibility is public safety," says Mayor Mattie Parker.
City departments initially proposed $1.3 billion in projects. Parker says briefings started when she took office and new council members were sworn in last month. She says the council identified the projects that were most needed and could be supported by the city's revenue, leading to the $500 million plan.
"It's making promises we can deliver on in a timely fashion that are responsible, fiscally conservative but at the same time, meeting infrastructure needs for future generations here in Fort Worth," she says.
The City of Fort Worth says most street projects from the 2018 bond have been completed. Most parks and library projects will be completed by May of 2022.
Construction on a fire station in Far North Fort Worth, approved as part of the 2014 bond, just began this week and is expected to be finished a year from now.
"Voters entrust us with passing bond elections and then it's our job to timely deliver those projects," she says. "We have a fantastic team that really uses a private-sector mindset, public-private partnerships with great, world-class contractors to deploy these projects in high-growth areas. It's not just a fire station. It's also making sure Harmon Road gets extended and widened so people can get around this area in a safer way. That absolutely impacts response times for first responders and firefighters."
Outside of public safety and transportation, the initial proposal would include $87 million for parks and recreation, $30 million for community centers, $15 million for "open space conservation" and $13 million for public library improvements.
"I thought our staff did an excellent job," she says. "It's all the right reasons for how you deploy resources. I'm excited for voters to get to understand what our recommendations are and get some feedback from them."
The City of Fort Worth has planned five public meetings where residents can learn more about proposed projects:
Thursday, July 29, 6-8 p.m. Future City Hall at 100 Energy Way. Thursday, August 5, 6-8 p.m. Dunbar High School Gym at 5700 Ramey Ave.
Thursday, August 12, 6-8 p.m. Heritage Church of christ at 4201 Heritage Trace Pkwy.
Saturday, August 14, 10 – noon, R.D. Evans Community Center Gym at 3242 Lackland Rd.
Thursday, August 19, 6-8 p.m. Doxology Church at 4805 Arborlawn Dr.
A complete list of city departments who will have representatives available to answer questions is here.
Fort Worth will finalize projects for the bond election this December. The measure will go before voters on May 7, 2022.
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