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TxDot to Hold Hearing in Houston Re I-69 Plans
For at least a decade, business interests in East Texas and Houston have talked about improving US Highway 59 to Interstate highway standards, at least from Texarkana to Houston, and possibly all the way to Laredo where US 59 currently begins. That corridor was incorporated into the plan for a north-south national highway, which was given the designation I-69. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDot) is developing an environmental impact study for various potential routings of I-69, and will be holding several public hearings in the Houston area in the next few weeks to take comments on the draft of this study. The public hearings nearest to us are:
February 12
February 26
Katy High School Each hearing starts at 6:30 pm, and is preceded by an open house from 5:00-6:30 pm. Details on the proposal, along with the draft environmental statement, supporting maps, and the full schedule of hearings across the state, are posted at http://ttc.keeptexasmoving.com/projects/i69/. I-69 has been put under the banner of the "Trans Texas Corridor", along with other transportation corridors being slated for improvement across the state. Of course, the first Trans Texas Corridor project, which would parallel I-35 through the center of the state, has generated huge resistance, mostly because of Gov. Perry's proposal to sell the highway to a private company that would have the power to set and collect tolls. These hearings are not about the method used to finance the project, or whether they are operated by public or private organization. Rather they are supposed to concern potential routings and minimizing negative environmental effects. Anyone can attend any of the hearings and make comments. Comments can also be submitted in writing at the hearing, by mail, or through the web site. All comments on the draft environmental statement must be submitted by March 19, 2008. As always, let me know if you need additional information or have questions. Sincerely,
Scott Hochberg
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