"Once it's explained to the average person what's going on, they're opposed to it."
Activists seek injunction to stop U.S. 281 toll project
12/22/2005
Patrick Driscoll
San Antonio Express-News
Copyright 2005
A multi-pronged attack to temporarily stop construction of U.S. 281 toll lanes got under way Wednesday.
Aquifer Guardians in Urban Areas and People for Efficient Transportation Inc. filed a motion in federal court to get an injunction, and hope to get a ruling in mid-January.
"Unless we stop this project soon, irreparable damage will be done to this sensitive area and its residences and businesses," said Annalisa Peace, vice president of Aquifer Guardians.
The motion follows a Dec. 2 lawsuit that says the Texas Department of Transportation should have done a full impact study for three miles of frontage roads and toll lanes — 16 lanes at the widest points — to be built on the Edwards Aquifer recharge zone just north of Loop 1604.
TxDOT did a less intensive environmental assessment.
"They have not done as the law requires, which is to engage the community through this environmental impact process," Peace said.
Striking on several fronts, the groups say TxDOT should have done a better job evaluating effects on the aquifer, wildlife, businesses, motorists who will pay tolls or fight increased traffic congestion, and residents facing unhealthy noise levels.
The project would be much less intrusive if officials dropped the toll idea, said Bill Barker, a transportation consultant with Aquifer Guardians. Then they could nix the planned frontage roads, which otherwise are needed under state law to ensure the same number of non-tolled lanes as there are today.
"Once it's explained to the average person what's going on, they're opposed to it," he said.
TxDOT officials won't comment on the litigation but say a wider U.S. 281 is needed to deal with traffic congestion. Gas taxes will fund construction of the three-mile section, but tolls will be added to the express lanes to help pay for other toll roads, including an extension along U.S. 281 to Comal County.
Last month, workers began clearing trees and putting up silt fences to prepare for the construction, which is supposed to start in mid-January.
"We're moving forward until we hear something different," TxDOT engineer Frank Holzmann said.
pdriscoll@express-news.net
© 2005 San Antonio Express-News: www.mysanantonio.com
12/22/2005
Patrick Driscoll
San Antonio Express-News
Copyright 2005
A multi-pronged attack to temporarily stop construction of U.S. 281 toll lanes got under way Wednesday.
Aquifer Guardians in Urban Areas and People for Efficient Transportation Inc. filed a motion in federal court to get an injunction, and hope to get a ruling in mid-January.
"Unless we stop this project soon, irreparable damage will be done to this sensitive area and its residences and businesses," said Annalisa Peace, vice president of Aquifer Guardians.
The motion follows a Dec. 2 lawsuit that says the Texas Department of Transportation should have done a full impact study for three miles of frontage roads and toll lanes — 16 lanes at the widest points — to be built on the Edwards Aquifer recharge zone just north of Loop 1604.
TxDOT did a less intensive environmental assessment.
"They have not done as the law requires, which is to engage the community through this environmental impact process," Peace said.
Striking on several fronts, the groups say TxDOT should have done a better job evaluating effects on the aquifer, wildlife, businesses, motorists who will pay tolls or fight increased traffic congestion, and residents facing unhealthy noise levels.
The project would be much less intrusive if officials dropped the toll idea, said Bill Barker, a transportation consultant with Aquifer Guardians. Then they could nix the planned frontage roads, which otherwise are needed under state law to ensure the same number of non-tolled lanes as there are today.
"Once it's explained to the average person what's going on, they're opposed to it," he said.
TxDOT officials won't comment on the litigation but say a wider U.S. 281 is needed to deal with traffic congestion. Gas taxes will fund construction of the three-mile section, but tolls will be added to the express lanes to help pay for other toll roads, including an extension along U.S. 281 to Comal County.
Last month, workers began clearing trees and putting up silt fences to prepare for the construction, which is supposed to start in mid-January.
"We're moving forward until we hear something different," TxDOT engineer Frank Holzmann said.
pdriscoll@express-news.net
© 2005 San Antonio Express-News:
posted by Porkus Maximus Tex: at Thursday, December 22, 2005
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