The Alamo Regional Mobility Authority board of directors voted Oct. 22 to have its staff conduct an in-house study on how a toll road on U.S. Highway 281 could affect the local environment.

The move follows the Federal Highway Administration’s removal of ecological clearance for the project one month ago. That action was the result of the Texas Department of Transportation’s discovery of flaws with its environmental study during a federal lawsuit review.

Two anti-toll groups filed the lawsuit, the second in two and a half years, a time during which toll opponents have requested an ecological study more comprehensive than what they claim the state has produced.

Last week’s board vote authorizes ARMA Director Terry Brechtel to develop a memorandum of understanding among the authority, TxDOT and FHA. The ARMA board will take action on the MOU in December.

Authority officials said a full environmental study could take three to four years to conduct – more than a year longer than a less detailed review.

Toll critics such as Texans Uniting for Reform and Freedom continue pushing for alternatives.

TURF’s Terri Hall said she will keep requesting that TxDOT reintroduce a plan to build overpasses at Evans Road, Stone Oak Parkway and Borgfeld Road to reduce congestion along 281 north of Loop 1604.

While ARMA will request the state to add or stretch turn lanes at 281’s intersections with Stone Oak and Evans for the near future, Brechtel said no major plans to decrease congestion are in the works.