State Moves Forward With Trans-Texas Corridor Plan
While the state moves forward with its plans for the Trans-Texas Corridor, plans continue to stop the futuristic highway in its tracks.
Late last night, lawmakers passed a massive transportation bill, including plans for the Trans-Texas Corridor.
But there are a few limits.
House Bill 2702 had dozens of additions and revisions over the last few weeks, but its final draft will guide the building of the Trans-Texas Corridor.
Supporters of the TTC say its mix of toll lanes and high speed rail lines will revolutionize transportation in the Lone Star State.
But those opposed say it will gobble up Texas farmland, and deprive local communities of valuable tax dollars.
Legislation passed in the House and Senate late Sunday will add a few restrictions on the controversial super highway.
First, private operators of state-owned toll roads must get approval for how they will set toll rates, the money they will charge you to drive on the road.
But the Texas Transportation Commission is not required to set them.
There will also be limits on commercial facilities along the highway.
In some areas, only gas stations and convenience stores will be permitted.
And access to the corridor will be provided from major crossroads.
But the group Corridor Watch is still concerned about access to the highway.
They say many small roads will not be connected because the law does not require on-ramps at smaller thorough fares.
Overall Corridor Watch says it appears lawmakers have taken some of their concerns into account.
But in the end, they still believe the corridor is wrong for Texas and are working to build more opposition.
Currently, 28 Texas counties have passed resolutions against the state's plans.
David Stall said, "For a long period of time, people took some comfort in being told this is a 30 or 50 year plan, it will be a long time before it happens. But now we are moving forward, contracts are being signed, and there will be property lost. And there will be an impact. As people become educated they are becoming concerned."
Just because the session is over, doesn't mean Corridor Watch is slowing down.
They have an anti-corridor rally planned for this Friday in Temple.
Governor Rick Perry still has to sign House Bill 2702.
Another bill that would have placed a two year moratorium on construction of the Trans-Texas Corridor died in committee.
The KXXV-TV article was posted on 5/31/05.