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I certainly was not aware of any of the details of the corridor plan, except for its physical characteristics, when the legislation was enacted. I'm not sure how many within the legislature were, either, although their staff is paid to read each bill before the votes are cast.

I think the concept of mega-corridors crossing the state is a good idea, and I'm reminded of that every time I drive to Dallas and back in massive snarled traffic.

The debate is how such corridors should be funded, because they won't be cheap. Have you read the fine print of the enabling legislation? Does Perry have to submit any contract to the legislature for its approval? I would suspect so, but the answer is critical in determining whether there is an opportunity for further public input into the plan.

Reasonable comments. No, I haven't read the legislation, but the news articles make it clear that the contract is between Cintra and the DOT, and is not going to be available to anyone else, until after it is signed.

They claim that's to protect Cintra's proprietary rights, but I have some serious doubts about that. After all, Cintra already won, and the contract will, eventually, become public (by the way, it took 3 years in Canada for the Ontario contract to become public).

So I doubt anyone gets to see it until well after the ink is dry (and maybe many other contracts are signed). Additionally, (Transportation Commission Chairman) Williamson has stated that Cintra will get franchise protection, so that's about all I need to know.

From what I can tell, the State of Texas has no protections against abuse from Cintra, at least per the legislation, or Williamson and others would be explaining that to the public.

To data, I have no reason to believe that the interests of Texans is being protected, other than the word of Perry, and I wouldn't trust him or any other single politician (including Kay, Reagan, Bush-43) with that much power. The whole system of checks and balances is gone with these deals and that scares me.

I haven't read the enabling legislation but here is the info put out in their press release when Cintra was selected......

In return for building the new transportation corridor and giving it to the state — plus paying the state $1.2 billion to invest in the corridor — Cintra proposes to negotiate for a 50-year contract to maintain and operate the new highway as a toll road.
“The private sector is willing and able to invest in transportation improvements to reduce congestion, improve safety, provide economic development, and protect our quality of life,” said Williamson. “There are many details to be worked out and separate environmental studies must be completed. Without a doubt, the private sector is knocking at our door with a nearly incredible opportunity for Texas.”
Contract negotiations between TxDOT and Cintra will begin immediately. The complete proposals will be made available for public review once a contract has been signed and TxDOT obtains ownership of the ideas and innovations presented by all three private firms. Prior to that, release of the proposals is prohibited due to the proprietary information they contain.

Now the question is will the Texas negotiators learn from what has gone down in other areas?.... It's no question that the need for this is out there as we march toward mid century.