Monday, February 19, 2007

Former URS executive is now regional transporation coordinator for Forth Worth

New coordinator will represent a slew of projects

Feb. 19, 2007

By GORDON DICKSON
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
Copyright 2007

Cinde Weatherby Gilliland is Fort Worth's new regional transportation coordinator.

She will represent the city's interests in a slew of high-dollar projects. Among them:

Expansion of the North Tarrant Express: Interstate 35W/Loop 820/Texas 183 corridor.

The Trans-Texas Corridor, the state's controversial plan to build long-distance toll roads and rail lines and possibly an outer loop around Dallas and Fort Worth.

The Metroplex regional rail initiative, including development of commuter rail from southwest Fort Worth to northeast Tarrant County and Dallas/Fort Worth Airport, and perhaps the Union Pacific line from Fort Worth to Arlington.

Relieving freight train gridlock at Tower 55, the rail intersection south of downtown Fort Worth. The long-term plan is to build a new rail line bypassing downtown and ask railroads to stop using the inner-city tracks for the bulk of their freight movement, including hazardous-materials shipments.

Her transportation experience in Dallas-Fort Worth dates back to 1975.

Most recently, she worked for several years at URS Corp., where she was a vice president. She was deputy project manager for the Denton County Transportation Authority's commuter rail study for a Denton-to-Carrollton line.

She also helped the Fort Worth Transportation Authority create a long-term strategic plan for the T bus and rail service.

She was deputy manager of a regional rail corridor study for the North Central Texas Council of Governments.

"Her experience with public and private transit organizations, along with her varied and broad background, is an advantage as Fort Worth continues to make the best possible use of its vast and varied transportation network ..." Fort Worth City Manager Charles Boswell said in a statement.

Prior to URS, Gilliland worked as a scientist at the Texas Transportation Institute.

She also was Fort Worth's coordinator for intergovernmental affairs from 1988-90.

Gordon Dickson, 817-685-3816 gdickson@star-telegram.com


© 2007 Fort Worth Star-Telegram: www.dfw.com

To search TTC News Archives click HERE

pigicon