The FM 740/Pinson Road construction project in Forney was officially kicked off on Tuesday, March 26, in a ceremonial “dirt turning” at Criswell Elementary School. The groundbreaking marks the beginning of the third and final road project which was paid for by a road improvement bond that Forney taxpayers passed back in 2006.
The State of Texas is repaying the City of Forney $40 million for the work done on those state roads, and the bond is scheduled to be paid off 10 years earlier than anticipated, which will save the City nearly $6 million. According to Assistant City Manager Gina Nash, “The FM 740 project will take about a year to complete. The results will look similar to the recently completed FM 741 project with four lanes, curbs and underground drainage, sidewalks and improved quality with the use of concrete instead of asphalt. This will be another great transportation improvement for our community.”
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The Criswell Elementary Choir kicked off the event and shared a terrific rendition of the National Anthem. City Manager Brian Brooks welcomed the public to the groundbreaking and introduced Mayor Darren Rozell. The Mayor commended TxDOT for working well with the City and for being a partner with the community. “I'm excited to get this project started,” said Rozell. He mentioned the previous two state road construction projects at FM 548/Highway 80, and FM 741, and said of the FM 740 construction, “We will have to endure a little pain to get through it.”
Councilman James Hatley also addressed the crowd and shared that he was born and raised in Forney and has watched the City grow. “We needed a road project in this town, many of them,” said Hatley. He continued, “I love the Forney of my youth and as I look forward now I am just puff proud...to see where Forney is headed.” Hatley was on the City Council when the bond was passed to pay for the road improvements and was member of the Bond Committee.
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Hal Stanford, a TxDOT Area Engineer for Rockwall and Kaufman counties told those in attendance that TxDOT and the City has had “a great working relationship” that has been very successful. Two other TxDOT employees with ties to the road projects were on hand, TxDOT Assistant Area Engineer Brenda Callaway and Dallas District Engineer Bill Hale. Forney ISD Superintendent Mike Holland also spoke during the ceremony, thanking the City for including FISD every step of the way. He said, “That partnership...just doesn't happen in many communities.”
The crowd walked outside to watch City Council members, the Mayor, the City Manager and Assistant City Manager, Superintendent Holland, Commissioner Ray Clark, Judge Bruce Wood, and TxDOT representatives, do the ceremonial dirt turning. Some of the Criswell students in a attendance also got their chance to wear the construction helmets and move some dirt, much to their delight.