TTC-35 will cross Eastern Williamson County
Preferred TTC path released
By David King
Taylor Daily Press
Copyright 2006
Trans-Texas Corridor crosses Eastern Williamson County
A draft environmental report outlining the preferred path of the Trans-Texas Corridor was released Tuesday, and while some Eastern Williamson County residents are relieved, others are not.
The report was prepared by the Texas Department of Transportation and Federal Highway Administration. According to TxDOT, it identifies a narrowed study area from Gainesville to Laredo, generally about 10 miles wide and close to or on top of I-35.
As the preferred path crosses Central Texas, it carves a swath of Eastern Williamson County, largely centered on SH 130.
The preferred path “best supports the purpose and need for TTC-35 and incorporates the most miles of existing highways and rail,” according to a TxDOT press release.
It also alleviates some of the fears of those around Coupland who oppose the project.
“From Coupland's point of view there's room for at least a small sigh of relief,” Buz Garry, president of the Coupland Civic Organization, said.
The preferred path lays west of Coupland, although the alternative route still encompasses part of the area surrounding the small farming community.
“We're not totally out of the woods,” Garry said.
He said although Coupland landowners are relieved they dodged a potential land grab to gain right of way for the corridor, he still has objections to the Trans-Texas Corridor because he thinks paying for the expensive construction project could fall on Texas taxpayers.
“I still think it's a terrible idea and I don't wish it on anybody,” he said.
Louis Repa of Granger also opposes the project, but his concern is more immediate.
The preferred path crosses one of his farms and would destroy it, he said.
“I'm very opposed to it,” he said.
“It's just going to be such a detriment to the Granger area.”
In addition to cutting a swath through farmland, the Trans-Texas Corridor also will make it difficult for people to travel east and west because of limited access to the highway and a proposed high-speed rail component.
Repa said at least one Granger business would be hurt because people who live west of the corridor would not be able to get farm equipment to it for repairs. Commuters who live in Granger but work in Round Rock or Georgetown and use CR 971 also would have to travel to SH 29 or the proposed Chandler Road to cross the corridor.
He also said access is a concern for the fire department and emergency services. One third of the volunteer department's service area could lie west of the corridor.
“It's going to make it hard for us to get over there if we have to service people,” he said.
Repa also said property without access will lose its value.
According to TxDOT, the benefits outweigh the concerns.
“The Trans-Texas Corridor will provide unprecedented trade opportunities, a faster transportation system that moves freight and hazardous materials out of city centers, and thousands of new jobs,” Gov. Rick Perry said in the TxDOT release.
Although the draft environmental report is required for the project to move forward its findings are not final and will be subject to more than 50 public hearings along the I-35 corridor this summer, according to TxDOT.
“After more than two years of analysis, the question regarding the need for TTC-35 is now well documented,” Michael Behrens, TxDOT executive director, stated in the release, referring to a section of the report that states reasons the corridor should be built. “We have to stay focused on the ultimate goal - making a positive impact to the I-35 corridor and improving statewide mobility for the next 30-50 years.”
“Texas has a transportation problem and we have a plan to solve the problem,” said Ric Williamson, chairman of the Texas Transportation Commission, in the TxDOT release. “Our strategic plan contains long-term, mid-term and short-term tactics. Building TTC-35 is one of our long-term tactical decisions to reduce congestion, enhance safety, expand economic opportunity, improve air quality and preserve the value of IH-35.”
Copyright © 2006 Taylor Daily Press: www.taylordailypress.net
By David King
Taylor Daily Press
Copyright 2006
Trans-Texas Corridor crosses Eastern Williamson County
A draft environmental report outlining the preferred path of the Trans-Texas Corridor was released Tuesday, and while some Eastern Williamson County residents are relieved, others are not.
The report was prepared by the Texas Department of Transportation and Federal Highway Administration. According to TxDOT, it identifies a narrowed study area from Gainesville to Laredo, generally about 10 miles wide and close to or on top of I-35.
As the preferred path crosses Central Texas, it carves a swath of Eastern Williamson County, largely centered on SH 130.
The preferred path “best supports the purpose and need for TTC-35 and incorporates the most miles of existing highways and rail,” according to a TxDOT press release.
It also alleviates some of the fears of those around Coupland who oppose the project.
“From Coupland's point of view there's room for at least a small sigh of relief,” Buz Garry, president of the Coupland Civic Organization, said.
The preferred path lays west of Coupland, although the alternative route still encompasses part of the area surrounding the small farming community.
“We're not totally out of the woods,” Garry said.
He said although Coupland landowners are relieved they dodged a potential land grab to gain right of way for the corridor, he still has objections to the Trans-Texas Corridor because he thinks paying for the expensive construction project could fall on Texas taxpayers.
“I still think it's a terrible idea and I don't wish it on anybody,” he said.
Louis Repa of Granger also opposes the project, but his concern is more immediate.
The preferred path crosses one of his farms and would destroy it, he said.
“I'm very opposed to it,” he said.
“It's just going to be such a detriment to the Granger area.”
In addition to cutting a swath through farmland, the Trans-Texas Corridor also will make it difficult for people to travel east and west because of limited access to the highway and a proposed high-speed rail component.
Repa said at least one Granger business would be hurt because people who live west of the corridor would not be able to get farm equipment to it for repairs. Commuters who live in Granger but work in Round Rock or Georgetown and use CR 971 also would have to travel to SH 29 or the proposed Chandler Road to cross the corridor.
He also said access is a concern for the fire department and emergency services. One third of the volunteer department's service area could lie west of the corridor.
“It's going to make it hard for us to get over there if we have to service people,” he said.
Repa also said property without access will lose its value.
According to TxDOT, the benefits outweigh the concerns.
“The Trans-Texas Corridor will provide unprecedented trade opportunities, a faster transportation system that moves freight and hazardous materials out of city centers, and thousands of new jobs,” Gov. Rick Perry said in the TxDOT release.
Although the draft environmental report is required for the project to move forward its findings are not final and will be subject to more than 50 public hearings along the I-35 corridor this summer, according to TxDOT.
“After more than two years of analysis, the question regarding the need for TTC-35 is now well documented,” Michael Behrens, TxDOT executive director, stated in the release, referring to a section of the report that states reasons the corridor should be built. “We have to stay focused on the ultimate goal - making a positive impact to the I-35 corridor and improving statewide mobility for the next 30-50 years.”
“Texas has a transportation problem and we have a plan to solve the problem,” said Ric Williamson, chairman of the Texas Transportation Commission, in the TxDOT release. “Our strategic plan contains long-term, mid-term and short-term tactics. Building TTC-35 is one of our long-term tactical decisions to reduce congestion, enhance safety, expand economic opportunity, improve air quality and preserve the value of IH-35.”
Copyright © 2006 Taylor Daily Press:
posted by Porkus Maximus Tex: at Wednesday, April 05, 2006
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