Dozens turn out for meeting on possible Valley interstate

WESLACO — Nearly 80 people filled a lecture hall here Thursday for a town hall forum with Texas Department of Transportation officials on a potential interstate highway designation in the region.

The forum at South Texas College’s Mid-Valley Campus was the first of four planned public meetings in the Rio Grande Valley addressing the state’s Trans-Texas Corridor plan for an Interstate 69 extension linking South Texas to points north.

TxDOT is developing plans for the first interstate in eastern Texas to connect Texarkana to one of three points in the south: U.S. Highway 281 in Hidalgo County, U.S. Highway 77 in Cameron County or U.S. Highway 59 in Webb County. Only Webb County is currently served by an interstate.

During the first two hours of the forum Thursday, several Valley leaders asked that the state designate 281 as the official interstate, citing the potential economic and mobility benefits. Just one member of the general public spoke at the meeting, asking only a few questions.

TxDOT has scheduled three more public meetings across the Valley beginning Feb. 4, each consisting of an informal open house followed by a formal hearing for gathering public comments.

Officials say the 650-mile project would reduce congestion and expand economic opportunity. They also say it would satisfy a federal demand to develop an international route that stretches from Mexico to Canada.

TxDOT is expected to make its final recommendation on the I-69 route this summer.

Town Hall Meetings Hear from Valley Residents

Plans are in the works for a new interstate in the Valley, but where will it be located? TxDOT is holding town hall meetings where residents talked about the issues facing the proposed I-69.

Some Valley residents told NewsCenter 23, it appears like a turf war between counties is going on. Cameron county residents want it located on US-77, while Hidalog county residents want it on US-281. As of now, TxDOT says they're looking at all options.

Valley resident, Rosie Ramirez says the most talked about issus, is where the Texas Department of Transportation plans to construct the planned I-69 Trans Texas corridor. Depending where it is constructed it'll open up greater economic prosperity for the area.

TxDOT spokespeople say they are holding these public hearings for an important reason. The RGV is a large populated area without an interstate and that is why most folks are coming to these town hall meetings. If you would like to give your opinion on the I-69 plans, you can do so, on Monday night at Brownsville's Event Center.

Right now TxDOT is only doing a environmental impact stage and say they are dedicated to completing this project.

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