A court ruled that Michael Morris would be reinstated as director of transportation for the North Central Texas Council of Governments.
DALLAS — Less than a week after his controversial firing, a temporary injunction has reinstated Michael Morris as the director of transportation for the North Central Texas Council of Governments while a weeks-long lawsuit proceeds.
Morris had held the position for 35 years before he was fired April 29 amid an ongoing civil suit filed by Denton County and the Regional Transportation Council against NCTCOG and numerous North Texas public officials.
A record of the injunction, requested by Denton County and signed by the presiding judge on Tuesday, immediately rescinded Morris’ firing from his position, stating he will immediately continue in the role. The order also restrains NCTCOG from interfering or preventing Morris from discharging his duties and responsibilities as director.
Additionally, the order forbids NCTCOG and the other defendants from pursuing a replacement for Morris, such as posting job opportunities or recruiting a replacement.
“The termination of the Transportation Director has caused harm that is imminent and irreparable to Denton County and the RTC in light of the findings described above and the impending FIFA World Cup and other obligations of the RTC and the NCTCOG,” the order states.
The order also accused the NCTCOG Executive Board of trying to influence RTC policy by hiring a new director to follow orders from its executive director, and not the RTC.
NCTCOG Spokesperson Caroline Vandergriff sent WFAA a statement saying Morris has been reinstated while the lawsuit proceeds, and doesn’t address the merits of the case itself.
“NCTCOG and its Executive Board will continue to operate in accordance with applicable laws and established governance processes as the matter moves forward,” Vandergriff said.
WFAA has reached out to Morris for comment on his reinstatement.
The order also accused NCTCOG of multiple constitutional violations by lacking TxDOT representatives for Dallas and Fort Worth; lacking membership from Dallas Area Rapid Transit, Trinity Metro and the Denton County Transportation Authority, and not apportioning its membership in alignment with the U.S. Constitution.
NCTCOG’s executive board was also accused of passing its own policy directly opposing the RTG and without its input.
“The RTC appropriated $200,000.00 for a traffic case in Fort Worth, and NCTCOG Executive Board wrongfully added additional conditions for the nonuse of law enforcement in direct contradiction of RTC Policy,” the order states. “The RTC appropriated $400,000.00 for an environmental impact study related to high-speed rail between Tarrant and Dallas County, and NCTCOG Executive Board wrongfully altered the route alternatives in direct contradiction of RTC Policy by eliminating a downtown Dallas elevated route.”
The trial date for the lawsuit has been scheduled for Nov. 9.
Denton County first filed suit against the NCTCOG in early April, alleging it was improperly interfering with the authority of the Regional Transportation Council, an independent committee of the NCTCOG. Denton County successfully petitioned for a restraining order preventing Morris’ termination.
The case was moved from Denton County to Tarrant County in late April. A judge lifted the portion of the restraining order limiting Morris’ termination on April 29. He was fired hours later.
Morris’ work made a large impact on North Texas. Beyond planning for the World Cup, Morris has been responsible for distributing millions of dollars in grants and state funding to support transit in the region. His purview included plans for roads, toll lanes, rail, bicycle, and air quality.