When it comes to protecting public safety and the environment, the Railroad Commission shows its commitment through its actions.

The vast majority of operators responsibly plug their wells when production has ceased, but if operators abandon oil and gas wells, RRC’s State Managed Plugging Program steps up to ensure the interests of Texans are protected. In fact, the agency has exceeded the Texas Legislature’s target for plugging orphaned oil and gas wells for the fifth year running, despite challenges brought on by the COVID pandemic in 2020 and 2021.

The State Managed Plugged Program plugged 1,453 orphaned wells in the Fiscal Year 2021, which ended on Aug. 31. The legislative goal was to plug 1,400 wells.

“I am proud of what our plugging program has been able to accomplish,” said RRC Director of Field Operations Clay Woodul. “Our plugging staff in the district offices deserve credit for staying on top of these projects and making sure they are done properly.”

The total for FY 21 included a notable collaboration with the National Park Service to plug 11 wells at the Padre Island National Seashore near Corpus Christi (pictures below). The work – which occurred from January to March and received funding from the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council – helped preserve precious natural resources for visitors of the park.

A major benefit of the State Managed Plugging Program is that it provides work to skilled contractors, which is especially important during periods of economic downturn.

The State Managed Plugging Program is funded through oil and gas industry revenue, including, but not limited to, well-plugging reimbursements, fees, and financial securities paid by the industry.

Source: www.rrc.texas.gov

Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) makes getting to the 2021 State Fair of Texas quick and easy. Enjoy your light-rail ride in air-conditioned comfort from September 24 through October 17 without having to find parking or battling traffic and get dropped off at one of two gates.

GreenLine service
Fair Park Station, located on Parry Avenue at the entrance to the fairgrounds, and MLK, Jr. Station, located south of R.B. Cullum Boulevard and convenient to the Gate 6 entrance and the Cotton Bowl stadium, are your choices on DART’s Green Line. GreenLine trains will be available approximately every 10 minutes between downtown Dallas and the Fair Park stations.

Service changes
Fair days are always busy days on DART Rail and buses. DART will make the following changes beginning Monday, Sept. 20:

• Extra Green Line trains will run on a loop between downtown Dallas and Fair Park approximately every 10 minutes, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily
• Orange Line service will be extended to Parker Road Station on all trips, weekdays, and weekends (except for Saturday, October 9)
• Trinity Railway Express (TRE) will operate on all four Sundays during the fair
• Visit DART.org/statefair to view these special DART Rail schedules.

Making the connection
DART Rail and Trinity Railway Express (TRE) passengers can transfer easily to the Green Line. Just look for trains saying, “Fair Park,” “Buckner” or “Lawnview.”

To get to the Green Line:

• Southbound Red, Blue, and Orange Line passengers – transfer to the Green Line at Pearl/Arts District Station.
• Northbound Red and Blue Line passengers – transfer to the Green Line at Akard Station.
• Eastbound Orange Line passengers – transfer to the Green Line at Bachman Station. For all days of the State Fair of Texas, except Saturday, October 9, all Orange Line trains will be extended to Parker Road Station. On October 9, Orange Line trains will only operate between DFW Airport and Bachman stations from approximately three hours before the game until three hours after the game.
• TRE passengers can transfer to the Green Line at Victory Station. Details are at TrinityRailwayExpress.org/StateFair
• Customers using the Denton County Transportation Authority should check DCTA.net for departure and arrival times to connect at Trinity Mills Station to DART’s Green Line.

Smoothing out your ride with contactless payments
DART offers four great contactless options that make buying your pass fast, safe, and convenient:

1. Credit or debit card: Now you can buy your DART pass with a contactless credit or debit card. Just tap your contactless card to a reader on a DART Rail platform or bus prior to boarding — and you’re on your way to all the fun of the fair!
2. Mobile device: Using Apple Pay, Google Pay or Samsung Pay, tap your payment-enabled mobile device to a reader on a DART Rail platform or bus to buy your pass and start your fair adventure.
3. GoPass® app: Download the latest version of the app for free from the App Store or Google Play. Just be sure to activate your DART pass before you board.
4. GoPass® Tap card: Available at 7-Eleven and hundreds of participating retailers, GoPass Tap is the reloadable transit card that automatically gives you the best fare every time you ride. Simply tap your card to a reader on a DART Rail platform or bus prior to boarding, and your fare is deducted automatically. (Note: GoPass Tap cards are valid for local fares only. GoPass Tap cards are not valid for travel on TEXRail, DCTA or Trinity Metro.)

Purchase a Local Day Pass for $6, good for DART Rail, local buses and riding the TRE from DFW Airport/CentrePort Station. Tarrant and Denton County customers need a Regional Day Pass for $12.

Details are available at DART.org/StateFair or by calling DART Customer Information at 214-979-1111.

DART Alerts
DART makes it easier to keep up with transit information with My DART Updates. Register to receive important updates that make for a better riding experience. Subscribe at DART.org/rideralerts.

Two football games
Ride DART to the State Fair Classic between the Grambling State Tigers and Prairie View A&M Panthers on September 25. The AT&T Red River Showdown game between the University of Texas Longhorns and the University of Oklahoma Sooners is on October 9.

Source: dart.org