Lake to Lake Road

Lake to Lake Road

City of Belton
FM 2271 Overview

  • The FM 2271 Extension Project, as it is referred to in the Killeen-Temple Metropolitan Planning Organization (KTMPO) Regional long range plan, would provide an extension southward from its intersection with FM 439 to FM 1670 at US 190 (IH 14).  The project has also been referred to as Dam to Dam Road, or more commonly, Lake to Lake Road.
  • Over the past two decades, work on this regional project includes a draft environmental assessment by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) in 2013. In addition, the local office of the U.S. Corps of Engineers found “no feasible alternative” and minimal effect to crossing Corps property (Belton Lakeview Park) for direct connection at FM 439 intersection with FM 2271.
  • The Corps directed the City of Belton to secure other needed right of way (ROW) over time and come back later for an easement to cross Corps park property.
  • The project ranks high on KTMPO regional project list (N/S arterial in Central Bell County), but outside the funded list; There is no need for funding now, but it should remain on the Locally Significant Unfunded List.
  • Through development agreements and acquisitions at a cost of $1.7 million, ROW was secured in the city limits (Lakeview Park to Sparta Road and in vicinity of I-14, south of FM 93).
  • In 2016, with all ROW secured in Belton city limits and ready to pursue ROW acquisition with Bell County outside city limits, Belton asked Corps for lease of 3 acres across park. Regional partners spent three years evaluating issues without reaching a final decision on Corps lease.
  • Impasse led to November 5, 2019 meeting with Congressman John Carter’s Senior Legislative Assistant Grady Bourn (DC), City, Corps, CTCOG, TxDOT in Belton.
  • Resolution of meeting was the following consensus position:
    • Step 1: Belton to request a Transportation Feasibility Analysis, with expanded scope to include Temple and Morgan’s Point, with TxDOT to conduct study. KTMPO will receive Belton request to initiate Analysis at Tech/Policy Board meetings in January. Transportation Feasibility Analysis will result in a Preferred Transportation Corridor.
    • Step 2: With Preferred Transportation Corridor in hand, Corps’ Park Master Plan amendment would be initiated by Corps to reflect corridor. The Corps would convey an easement for the Preferred Corridor.
    • Step 3: An Environmental Assessment (EA) would be completed when construction is within 5 years.
  • KTMPO Policy Board unanimously recommended TxDOT perform a Feasibility Study at its meeting on January 8, 2020. Study is underway by TxDOT at this time.