If You Own the Project, Own the Responsibility

Public projects. Public accountability.

If You Own the Project, Own the Responsibility.

Across Texas, major infrastructure projects are often carried out through layers of contractors and subcontractors. That may be an efficient way to perform work. It should not become an efficient way to make responsibility difficult to find.

Right of Way Texas documents how utility and public-infrastructure projects affect residents, follows the permits and contracting chains behind those projects, and asks a basic question: when a project creates a problem, who is responsible for making it right?

Our principle

The entity that initiates, controls, benefits from, or holds the governmental authorization for a project should not be able to treat accountability as something that disappears simply because field work was outsourced.

That is a policy position, not a claim that every project sponsor is automatically liable for every act of every contractor under current law. The purpose of this project is to examine the record, identify gaps in accountability, and advocate for rules that make responsibility clearer for Texans.

Where we start

Our first Project Watch focuses on an Atmos Energy gas-system project in Georgetown, Texas. We will publish permits, timelines, photographs, video, public records, party positions, and unresolved questions as those materials are verified and cleared for lawful publication.

Outsource the work. Not the responsibility.