The North Texas Tollway Authority (NTTA) is a political subdivision of the State of Texas, authorized to acquire, construct, maintain, repair and operate turnpike projects in the North Texas region. The NTTA was created in 1997 to help relieve traffic congestion and improve air quality in the North Texas region. The NTTA tollway system is approximately 157 miles long and serves Collin, Dallas, Denton, and Tarrant counties. The NTTA is governed by a nine-member Board of Directors, appointed by the Governor of Texas, and is headquartered in Plano, Texas.