Paul StinsonDallas officials are preparing a $1.25 billion bond package that would support upgrades to roads, transportation, parks and public safety. Dallas City Council passed a motion Jan. 19 to add $150 million to the original proposed $1.1 billion bond. Voters could weigh in as early as May. For that to happen, the council would have to approve sending it to the ballot by Feb. 14 and call the election by Feb. 16.
Following December discussions on how to spend the prospective bond funds, a January city staff memo recommended spending $500 million on streets and transportation projects and another $250 million to Parks & Recreation. Plans also call for spending $60 million on housing and another $5 million on homelessness.
Additionally, the bond envisions a combined $89 million in public safety spending across police and fire departments. This includes $50 million for the police academy, $31 million for fire facilities and $8 million for police facilities. Other spending recommendations include:
- $55 million for cultural arts facilities.
- $50 million for flood protection and storm drainage.
- $45 million for city facilities.
- $30 million for economic development.
- $16 million for library facilities.
Voter approval would set the proposed spending in motion, with work on the projects taking place over a five-year period. Dallas voters have approved a combined $3.04 billion in bond measures – spread across three proposals – since 2006, including a $1.05 billion package in 2017.
