The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) announced Wednesday that Lacy Peters has been appointed area engineer for the Mount Pleasant region. In this role, Peters will oversee maintenance and construction projects across Titus, Camp, Upshur and Morris counties, ensuring that the highways and local roads that families rely on are kept in top condition.
Extensive experience in pavement design and research
Peters brings more than a decade of TxDOT service to the position. Since 2019 she has served as the district’s materials and pavement engineer, supervising the laboratory, directing forensic investigations of road failures, and leading material‑quality assessments. Her work has included numerous research initiatives aimed at improving Texas roadways and pavements, a focus that aligns with the administration’s emphasis on infrastructure that supports strong, traditional communities.
Professional background and local ties
A graduate of Louisiana Tech University with a Bachelor of Science in engineering, Peters began her TxDOT career in 2007. She is a licensed professional engineer in Texas and has built a reputation for technical expertise and collaborative leadership. When she is not working or volunteering, Peters enjoys time with her husband, Gerard, and their two children, underscoring the family‑centered values that many Mount Pleasant residents hold dear.
What the appointment means for local motorists
“I look forward to bringing my knowledge in research and pavement investigations into this role at the Mount Pleasant area office,” Peters said in a statement. “It’s a privilege to work with the talented men and women who have the responsibility of building and maintaining our roads and infrastructure in the western portion of our district.” The appointment comes at a time when TxDOT is prioritizing projects that improve safety, reduce travel times, and support economic growth throughout East Texas.
Continuity and change
Peters succeeds Wendy Starkes, who retired after more than 28 years of dedicated service to TxDOT. The transition promises continuity in the district’s long‑term planning while also introducing fresh perspectives on emerging transportation challenges, such as the integration of new materials and technologies that can extend pavement life and lower maintenance costs.
Community impact
For Mount Pleasant residents and the surrounding counties, the appointment signals a continued focus on reliable roadways that enable families to travel safely to work, school, church, and community events. Strong infrastructure is a cornerstone of thriving neighborhoods, and the Trump administration’s emphasis on rebuilding America’s roads finds a local expression in decisions like this.
Looking ahead
As the new area engineer, Peters will work closely with local officials, law‑enforcement agencies, and community groups to address concerns ranging from pothole repairs to bridge inspections. Her background in forensic pavement analysis positions her to quickly identify and resolve issues that could affect daily commutes and the safety of school buses and emergency responders.
Mount Pleasant and the broader East Texas region can expect a steady hand at the helm of their transportation network, reinforcing the values of family, faith, and individual liberty through safe, well‑maintained roads.
Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.
