Posted on 06/07/2008 4:43:11 PM PDT by Tolerance Sucks Rocks
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Congressman Kevin Brady lead a group of nine Texas lawmakers on Friday, from both political parties, in urging the Texas Department of Transportation to remove the Interstate 69 project from the controversial Trans-Texas Corridor and return it to its original route which brings existing highways U.S. 59, U.S. 281 and U.S 77 up to interstate standards.
In a letter to Deirdre Delisi, the new chair of the Texas Transportation Commission, the lawmakers maintain that "public support for the original I-69 project - which focused on bringing existing highways up to interstate standards and existed long before the Trans-Texas Corridor was proposed - will be difficult to maintain should the project continue to be included in the TTC concept."
Brady stated, "As advocates in Washington for better Texas roads, we want I-69 removed from the Trans-Texas Corridor and the original route along existing highways restored.
"There is new leadership at the Texas Department of Transportation and we believe they will listen with an open mind to our strong concerns.
"The original I-69 project began fifteen years ago, long before the Trans-Texas Corridor was proposed", said Brady.
The original route enjoyed strong public support from county officials and economic development leaders along the route because it upgraded existing highways like U.S. 59, reduced congestion and improved safety for motorists.
"Since the project was incorporated into the TTC, the new route runs through our rural communities and has rightly drawn fierce public opposition from landowners, ranchers and community leaders. We want it put back."
Texas Republican members of Congress signing the letter include Kevin Brady, John Culberson, and Ron Paul. Democrats include Gene Green, Al Green, Sheila Jackson Lee, Nick Lampson, Ruben Hinojosa and Solomon Ortiz.
Trans-Texas Corridor PING!
A very good Idea. I-69 is a needed project. The TTC is an overblown, oversold boondoggle, which only serves to feed conspiracy theorists and poison road building projects across the country.
As is, the TTC is a repeat of the Embarcadero Freeway fiasco from California in the sixties.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Embarcadero_Freeway
I'm lucky to have good conservative Repubs representing me.
This is email from Wayne Christianb who is my State Rep.
Trans Texas Corridor Update
Dear Citizens of District 9,
It has been an exciting month for us regarding the Trans-Texas Corridor (TTC). In February, I as president of the Texas Conservative Coalition (TCC), asked thirty-three legislators to join me in sending a letter to the Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT) stating our concerns with the State's current transportation policies. Consequently, Amadeo Saenz, Executive Director of TXDOT, called me last month to discuss our concerns and to set up a meeting with myself and other members of the coalition. On May 22nd, we met with Governor Perry, Deirdre Delisi, Chairman of the Transportation Commission, and Mr. Saenz. In the meeting they agreed to return to the original I-69 project using current US 59 rights-of-way to the largest extent. This is what all of our local officials have worked towards for decades to help develop our East Texas region. To reiterate our position, I sent a follow up letter to Chairman Delisi to show, without a doubt, both my constituents' and my opposition of the TTC.
During the following week on May 29th, the commission adopted a minute order that addresses many of our concerns for new roads in the State. We still have much work to do in order to hold them to their word, but I am proud to say that we have put the first nail in the coffin of the Trans-Texas Corridor in East Texas!
The strongest opportunity to kill this project is during TXDOT's review before the Sunset Commission this coming session. Several strong conservative legislators serve on the Commission. Their newly issued report can be found here, in which they describe some proposed TXDOT reforms. I will continue this fight and make your voices heard to all in Austin. "Thank you!" to the hundreds of citizens in my district and across Texas for standing up and proving our American system still works when people speak out.
Sincerely, Wayne Christian
I-69 ... why be selfish?
:)
Take two to Tango in Texas.
“A very good Idea. I-69 is a needed project”
I see you’ve never visited Texas. Come on down, put your feet up and listen to our concerns (or conspiracy theories) More than 90% disapprove.
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