NewsFlash-Aug. 2

The North Texas Tollway Authority (NTTA) and Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) are holding a public meeting on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Mesquite Convention Center Hampton Inn & Suites (located at 1750 Rodeo Drive, Mesquite, Texas 75149) to discuss the future extension of President George Bush Turnpike (PGBT).

This is a free event; no admission or parking fees will be charged. Attendees can use Code "NTTA" to validate parking the night of the meeting.

The meeting will be an Open House format. It will provide an overview of the proposed project, the anticipated schedule, the purpose and need, the range of alternatives under consideration and the methodology for evaluating the proposed project's impacts. In-person attendees can review hard copies of project materials, ask NTTA staff and/or consultants questions, and leave written comments.

The NTTA is initiating an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for a proposed project to extend the PGBT southward into southeast Dallas County to construct the East Branch extension of the PGBT, connecting Interstate Highway 30 (I-30) to I-20. The alternatives under consideration would be new locations that traverse approximately 11 miles through the Garland, Dallas, Sunnyvale, and Mesquite municipalities.

If you have any questions, please contact Town Hall at (972) 226-7177 or the NTTA at (469) 608-6880 or progressNTTA@ntta.org.

As we continue to deal with severe weather, please remember to sign up for emergency text and email notifications from the Town if you have not already. Residents should opt into each weather notification option they want to receive through CivicReady, our emergency notifications provider, to receive weather alerts.

Please note: weather alerts ARE NOT sent or initiated by the Town. They are pushed out by NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) via CivicReady.

If you are signed up for emergency notifications, consider downloading the myAlerts app (available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store) for faster notifications!

At its last meeting, the Town Council gave the go-ahead for work to begin on Collins Road phase 1B landscape enhancements as part of the effort to improve the look of Collins Road.

The Town completed the design for landscaping and irrigation improvements for the section of Collins from US 80 through the Tripp roundabout. Upgrades will largely consist of trees, shrubs, other plantings, and hardscape treatments such as pavers and decorative rock materials. The Tripp roundabout is also designed to accommodate enhancements such as water fountains, sculptures and historical markers.

Additionally, the Town secured a Green Ribbon Grant through TxDOT that will be used to add landscaping and irrigation along the section of Collins Road from US 80 south to the intersection of Collins and Old Barn Lane near the Mesquite city limit. This project is expected to be constructed in 2025.

We are highlighting these adorable kittens for adoptable pets this week. They are 12-week-old calico kittens that are healthy and ready to bring joy to a family!

• Adelade (female)
• Amelia (female)
• Berlioz (male)
• Marie (female)
• Peppo (male)

We currently have many adoptable animals in our shelter looking for a new place to call home. Learn more by visiting our Petfinder page or calling (214) 862-4525.