"[2] The NET RMA was established October 28, 2004 by a unanimous vote from the Texas Transportation Commission originally covering Smith and Gregg counties.

In July 2007, the RMA expanded once again when the Texas Transportation Commission passed a resolution approving six additional counties—Bowie, Cass, Panola, Titus, Van Zandt and Wood.

The NET RMA undertakes various projects to meet its goal of enhancing mobility and creating economic opportunity in the north East Texas Region.

Projects the NET RMA may undertake include tolled or non-tolled roadway, passenger or freight rail, airport, intermodal hub, parking garages, pedestrian or bicycle facilities, border crossing station (except in Laredo, TX), automated conveyor belt for movement of freight, air quality improvement initiative, public utility facility, and projects listed in the State Implementation Plan.

[4] The flagship project of the NET RMA is Loop 49, a halfway completed tollway designed to improve connections and relieve congestion in the cities of Tyler, Longview, and Marshall.