Posted on 03/01/2006 5:47:12 PM PST by Tolerance Sucks Rocks
After working its way through an obstacle course, Trans-Texas Corridor-69 — using the proposed Interstate 69 corridor — just might become a reality after all.
Hit by a lack of federal funds because of 9/11, the war in Iraq and then hurricanes Katrina and Rita, the move toward funding construction for the corridor is moving again, said Lufkin Mayor Louis Bronaugh.
"The war and the hurricanes took the federal funds," Bronaugh said.
This time officials will be looking for a private partnership to fund the corridor, he said.
A study conducted in February by the Government and Business Enterprises Division, "The Unreliability of Federal Financing,” said that over the past four years, Congress has rescinded nearly $300 million in Texas' available federal highway funds.
The majority of federal-aid highway dollars come to Texas in the major mobility and highway infrastructure programs.
A press release issued by the Texas Department of Transportation said the Texas Transportation Commission authorized requesting private sector proposals for TTC-69. The action initiates a competitive, two-step selection process for a comprehensive development agreement (CDA). This process will begin with a formal request for qualifications, which is expected to be issued this month.
"Our plan is to complete projects faster and we welcome private sector groups that can make this happen," said Michael Behrens, executive director of TxDOT, in the release. "Private investment offers Texas a long-term solution to address our mobility issues."
Proposers would be asked to submit statements detailing their experience in developing and financing transportation projects similar to TTC-69, the release said. These statements also would include a conceptual proposal made up of how the proposers plan to finance, design, construct, operate and maintain TTC-69.
Once the first step is completed, commission approval would be needed to continue with the next step — issuing a request for detailed proposals. The entire two-step CDA selection process can take approximately 15 months to complete, it said.
With no funding set aside for construction, a CDA would allow development of the 600-mile multi-billion-dollar project from Northeast Texas to Mexico to be accelerated, the press release said. Even with private sector resources to fund the project, state transportation officials stress TTC-69 will remain a state-owned project, the release added.
"Lufkin is on the route for I-69, and any step that we take to accelerate the building of the highway is a boost to the economy," Bronaugh said.
A highway coming closer to the city would stimulate economic development.
"Whenever any industry wants to locate somewhere, they always ask how close is the interstate to the area. It is an important factor to the industry," Bronaugh said.
Though the mayor said he does not know how long it would take to complete the project, it would certainly involve Lufkin in construction.
The I-69 project began 15 years ago, Bronaugh said.
"I would ask the people to be patient and keep the ball rolling and do what is necessary," he said. "We have a long stretch in front of us, and we will have to continuously keep prodding the system and keep it going."
Private sector proposals to be sought for TTC-69
Mayor: Temple should prepare for growth
FYI.
Trans-Texas Corridor PING!
In before da ping! ;-D
my opinion only...
No islam, Know Peace......mosquewatch.com
Those are interesting evaluation factors. What U.S. companies can demonstrate such past experience, since few of these types of project parameters have been used here? Will this limit the proposers so as to require teams with international rather than U.S. firms?
In general, I support the concept. It obviously involves eminent domain issues which rankle conservatives, but this project could be done in a fair manner, and the net benefit to all is really beyond reasonable dispute.
BTTT
The TTC has a higher level of protections on the use of eminent domain than any other type of road construction in Texas. If we need to build highways, this seems like a better way to go.
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