Anonymous donor gives $2 million for bridge
Half of Woodall Rodgers span's design funded
The Dallas Morning News
November 17, 1999
Author: Michael Saul; Staff Writer of The Dallas Morning News
Estimated printed pages: 3

The city of Dallas has received a $2 million anonymous donation for the design of the planned Woodall Rodgers bridge, a major private investment for a project city officials say could help reshape the face of Dallas.
A council member said most people in Dallas would recognize the donor's name. But she said the donor wants anonymity because "the person felt the future of Dallas is more important than having their name attached to it."

The donation is nearly half the design cost of the signature bridge.

"We are extraordinarily pleased that we have a Dallas-area citizen that has not only committed but has already given us a check for $2 million," said Mayor Ron Kirk, announcing the donation at a media roundtable Tuesday morning. "I am cautiously optimistic that we are going to be able to go forward and design that first bridge."

Mr. Kirk, who led the Trinity River redevelopment campaign during his first term, said the city is hoping to raise $4.7 million in private funds for the bridge's design. City consultants estimate the bridge's cost at $67 million.

Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava and the Dallas engineering firm Halff Associates have proposed a series of five modern suspension bridges featuring half-moon arches. The Woodall Rodgers bridge is the first of the Trinity bridges scheduled for construction.

"A $2 million donation toward the design of a bridge is unprecedented," said Assistant City Manager Jill Jordan, who is overseeing the Trinity River development project. "The person believes in Dallas and sees what these bridges could mean in terms of propelling the city forward to a new age."

First Assistant City Manager Mary Suhm said Tuesday she could not specify how the donation ranks among others the city has received. Private donors have made contributions, she said, to the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center and the public library. Ms. Suhm said she would describe the bridge gift as "very, very significant."

Council member Veletta Forsythe Lill, who brokered the donation, said she had a conversation with the donor at a charity event several months ago. The donor expressed an interest in the proposed bridges and Mr. Calatrava's work, she said. "This is a person of great generosity, vision," Ms. Lill said, pausing momentarily before adding, "and significant bucks!"

Mr. Kirk said he is hopeful that the donation will trigger other similar charitable gifts. He said the donation underscores how committed the community is to making the project a success and creating a new image for Dallas.

"It speaks of the depth and breadth of support and the excitement there is for a project of this nature," he said. "We are grateful. It is a real foundation for us to build on to make this dream of bringing the Calatrava bridges to the Dallas landscape a reality."

In May 1998, Dallas voters approved a $246-million bond issue for the Trinity River redevelopment project, including $28 million for the Woodall Rodgers bridge.

The bridge's estimated cost of $67 million could increase because officials are contemplating increasing the number of lanes from six to eight, Ms. Jordan said.

The city is in several statewide competitions for the lion's share of the money still needed. Officials with the Texas Department of Transportation are to meet Thursday in Austin to consider a portion of Dallas' funding request.

City Council member Donna Blumer, who in June opposed a resolution endorsing the bridge plans, said the donation is generous. But Ms. Blumer said the donation is still only a small fraction of the bridge's cost.

"When we are working with the public's money, we can't always cater to rich people's tastes," Ms. Blumer said.

Any public funds for the fancy bridges, Ms. Blumer said, could be better spent on basic services, such as road repair and code enforcement. She said she has no problem with building basic bridges but believes it's unwise to spend money on aesthetics when there are so many other needs.

Mr. Kirk said he hopes the donation will go a long way toward making this first bridge a reality.

"It is going to be essential that we are able to show some exciting, dynamic progress early," he said. "Once people see that bridge and realize it is not some kind of pie-in the-sky kind of dreamy idea of the mayor and a handful of arts people, they will really understand what this project can do for our city."
  Caption:
CHART(S): (The Dallas Morning News) About the Gift.
Edition:  THIRD
Section:  NEWS
Page:  35A
Copyright 1999 The Dallas Morning News
Record Number:  4100529