Denison’s City Council will debate a request from the Denison Development Alliance (DDA) to spend $365,000 on engineering studies for a ramp reversal at the U.S. 75 and Highway 84 intersection. The proposal, slated for the council’s November 2 meeting, is part of the alliance’s amended 2026‑27 budget.
What the funding covers
According to a staff report prepared by Finance Director Laurie Alsabbagh, the DDA’s board approved the budget amendment on Oct. 16. The amendment adds a single line item—”75/84 Ramp Infrastructure (Planning & Engineering)”—to cover the cost of engineering design work for a project the report describes as a “ramp reversal” intended to “allow for development of the property” adjacent to Highway 84 and U.S. 75.
The report does not specify which ramp would be reversed, who currently owns the parcel, or what type of development is expected once the project is completed.
Funding source and impact on the city
The DDA is funded in part by a dedicated sales tax for economic development that the city collects and forwards each month. Staff note that the amendment has no direct financial impact on the city’s general fund and recommend council approval. The council previously approved the alliance’s original budget on Sept. 8.
Budget context
The amendment raises the DDA’s projected spending for the fiscal year from roughly $6.15 million to about $6.51 million. Revenue projections remain unchanged at approximately $4.58 million, which includes $2.93 million from the sales‑tax levy and a $1.5 million Economic Development Administration grant earmarked for Johns Manville infrastructure.
Why the project matters to Denison
City officials have indicated that the ramp reversal is a prerequisite for unlocking development on the property, which could bring new jobs, tax revenue, and increased activity to the area. By securing engineering plans now, the city hopes to move the project forward efficiently, avoiding delays that often accompany larger infrastructure undertakings.
Local business leaders and residents who favor growth have expressed support for the initiative, noting that improved access and new development could bolster Denison’s economic outlook. Critics, however, have asked for more detail on the specific ramp to be altered and the nature of the proposed development, emphasizing the need for transparency before public funds are committed.
Next steps
The council will hear presentations from DDA representatives and city staff during the November 2 meeting, which begins at 6 p.m. in the council chambers at City Hall, 300 W. Main St. Council members will vote on the amendment after the discussion.
Should the amendment be approved, the DDA will move forward with hiring engineering consultants to develop the design plans. Those plans will then be reviewed by the city’s planning department to ensure compliance with zoning, safety, and environmental standards before any construction can begin.
Denison residents interested in the proposal are encouraged to attend the council meeting or submit comments to the city’s public‑works department prior to the vote.
Original reporting: DenisonWeekly.news — read the source article.
