Local leaders are openly objecting to TTC-69
Fort Bend officials hoping I-69 will survive
Monday, November 14, 2005
By Stephen Palkot
Fort Bend Herald
and Texas Coaster
Copyright 2005
A proposed, massive transportation corridor through Texas could put the brakes on a years-long effort to transform U.S. 59 to an interstate highway, and Fort Bend County leaders are speaking up.
For years, local and federal officials have touted the possibility that U.S. 59 could become a part of the proposed Interstate 69, which would run through seven states and connect Mexico, the U.S. and Canada.
Dubbed the "NAFTA Corridor," Interstate 69 has been proposed as a means to improve trade and commerce with Mexico, and local leaders believe the highway could result in economic development in Fort Bend County.
County Judge Bob Hebert said he believes I-69, as originally proposed, could boost the economies of counties south and west of Fort Bend, and that would aid the growth of Fort Bend County.
The proposal has received the support of U.S. Rep. Tom DeLay, R-Sugar Land, and its funding could take years, but the process is under way, said Hebert.
However, a conflicting proposal by Gov. Rick Perry being implemented through the Texas Department of Transportation could result in I-69 bypassing Fort Bend County.
The Trans Texas Corridor (TTC), as proposed, would run 1,200 yards wide and include highways with dedicated truck lanes and car lanes operating beside freight and possibly commuter rail tracks and utility lines.
Several routes have been proposed for TTC, one of which runs along East Texas and incorporates I-69 into the corridor, a proposal that would kill the prospect of I-69 running through Fort Bend County.
Due to its massive width, the TxDoT has routed the TTC to make an arc that would skip Fort Bend County and avoid the city of Houston.
Hebert said he is disappointed that I-69 has been lumped in with the TTC, and he is one of several local leaders who are openly objecting to the TTC.
The Greater Fort Bend Economic Development Council stated its stance on the TTC and the future of I-69 in a letter to the Texas Department of Transportation when the department was taking public statements on the TTC.
An EDC letter dated Aug. 18 said construction of I-69 "presents a unique opportunity" for Fort Bend County. The current design of the I-69 plans "will follow U.S. 59 through the heart of Fort Bend County, creating significant new opportunities for job creation, trade and economic development. We feel strongly that this current alignment following U.S. 59 must remain intact and be built as soon as possible."
The correspondence addressed the proposed TTC Link 408 as well, saying it would "negatively impact the health, safety and economic welfare of the citizens within the greater Fulshear area and the western portion of the greater Katy area.
"This type of transportation facility would not compliment the long range plans for this area, which is already experiencing significant growth primarily in residential development. We strongly oppose this alignment."
Hebert said he does not believe the TTC would run through west Fort Bend County and Fulshear. The width of the study area exceeds far beyond west Fort Bend County, which has some of the area's most expensive land prices, said Hebert.
"If they're going to do it (TTC), it's much cheaper for them to do it in Wharton or Waller counties," he said.
Also, Hebert said a separate corridor under the TTC banner has been proposed to run along Interstate 35, the north-south freeway that passes through Austin, Waco and Dallas. Both TTC routes have been proposed as toll roads.
"We believe two multi-billion dollar toll roads competing with one-another doesn't make good business sense," he said.
TTC proponents say the highway is "visionary" and believe it is needed to accommodate increasing traffic and to better facilitate trade with Mexico.
Copyright © 2005 Fort Bend Herald www.herald-coaster.com
Monday, November 14, 2005
By Stephen Palkot
Fort Bend Herald
and Texas Coaster
Copyright 2005
A proposed, massive transportation corridor through Texas could put the brakes on a years-long effort to transform U.S. 59 to an interstate highway, and Fort Bend County leaders are speaking up.
For years, local and federal officials have touted the possibility that U.S. 59 could become a part of the proposed Interstate 69, which would run through seven states and connect Mexico, the U.S. and Canada.
Dubbed the "NAFTA Corridor," Interstate 69 has been proposed as a means to improve trade and commerce with Mexico, and local leaders believe the highway could result in economic development in Fort Bend County.
County Judge Bob Hebert said he believes I-69, as originally proposed, could boost the economies of counties south and west of Fort Bend, and that would aid the growth of Fort Bend County.
The proposal has received the support of U.S. Rep. Tom DeLay, R-Sugar Land, and its funding could take years, but the process is under way, said Hebert.
However, a conflicting proposal by Gov. Rick Perry being implemented through the Texas Department of Transportation could result in I-69 bypassing Fort Bend County.
The Trans Texas Corridor (TTC), as proposed, would run 1,200 yards wide and include highways with dedicated truck lanes and car lanes operating beside freight and possibly commuter rail tracks and utility lines.
Several routes have been proposed for TTC, one of which runs along East Texas and incorporates I-69 into the corridor, a proposal that would kill the prospect of I-69 running through Fort Bend County.
Due to its massive width, the TxDoT has routed the TTC to make an arc that would skip Fort Bend County and avoid the city of Houston.
Hebert said he is disappointed that I-69 has been lumped in with the TTC, and he is one of several local leaders who are openly objecting to the TTC.
The Greater Fort Bend Economic Development Council stated its stance on the TTC and the future of I-69 in a letter to the Texas Department of Transportation when the department was taking public statements on the TTC.
An EDC letter dated Aug. 18 said construction of I-69 "presents a unique opportunity" for Fort Bend County. The current design of the I-69 plans "will follow U.S. 59 through the heart of Fort Bend County, creating significant new opportunities for job creation, trade and economic development. We feel strongly that this current alignment following U.S. 59 must remain intact and be built as soon as possible."
The correspondence addressed the proposed TTC Link 408 as well, saying it would "negatively impact the health, safety and economic welfare of the citizens within the greater Fulshear area and the western portion of the greater Katy area.
"This type of transportation facility would not compliment the long range plans for this area, which is already experiencing significant growth primarily in residential development. We strongly oppose this alignment."
Hebert said he does not believe the TTC would run through west Fort Bend County and Fulshear. The width of the study area exceeds far beyond west Fort Bend County, which has some of the area's most expensive land prices, said Hebert.
"If they're going to do it (TTC), it's much cheaper for them to do it in Wharton or Waller counties," he said.
Also, Hebert said a separate corridor under the TTC banner has been proposed to run along Interstate 35, the north-south freeway that passes through Austin, Waco and Dallas. Both TTC routes have been proposed as toll roads.
"We believe two multi-billion dollar toll roads competing with one-another doesn't make good business sense," he said.
TTC proponents say the highway is "visionary" and believe it is needed to accommodate increasing traffic and to better facilitate trade with Mexico.
Copyright © 2005 Fort Bend Herald
posted by Porkus Maximus Tex: at Monday, November 14, 2005
<< Home