Texas' PPP program may be the largest in the United States, if not in the world. TxDOT plans to use PPPs as the primary method for delivering new highway projects throughout the state. No less than ten major projects are currently under PPP contract, in procurement or negotiations, or in preparation for competitive procurements.
They include the state's Trans Texas Corridors 35 and 69, multi-billion dollar long-term projects to create new multi-modal transportation and utility corridors across the state. In early 2006 the state selected a joint venture of Spanish concessionaire Cintra and local contractor Zachry as its strategic business partner for the TTC-35 and is in active negotiation for the first PPP facility to be financed and built under it - SH 130 Segments 5&6. In March 2006 Cintra Zachry unveiled plans for a new 600-mile, grade-separated freight line in the TTC-35 corridor, running from Dallas-Fort Worth to the Mexican border. The plan relies primarily on private financing, with potential additional funding from the Texas Rail Relocation Fund.
I-635 Managed Lanes, the TTC-69, Loop 1604/US281 and SH121 are in active procurement. A procurement for the SH161 will commence this year. Procurement preparation recently began for the SH121/SH114 Connector known as the Funnel, and IH820/35W, with initial procurement documents scheduled to be issued in 2007.
At the local level, the Harris County Toll Road Authority, which built and operates 83 miles of toll roads in the Houston area, is undertaking comparative studies for retaining, selling or leasing them.