"There's nothing "free" about it. Tolls are projected to start at 10 to 15 cents per mile."
OK, they're running a toll road parallel to I-35. As such it will presumably 1) Pay for itself, 2) Provide a pay alternative for those who wish to drive faster and 3) Reduce congestion on the free I-35.
I agree, why spend billions of dollars constructing a brand new interstate when you could just as easily expand I-35 several lanes wide. I understand the need to do something, because Texas'population will continue to grow and NAFTA is going to bring more trucks and cars to the area.
However, the thing that is strange to me is how they say they are going to build a hub in Kansas City for customs. Which would mean that Mexican and/or Canadian and or Central American (CAFTA) truckdrivers will not be able to stop for food/restrooms in Texas, unless they plan on building TTC only reststops. How is NAFTA supposed to be and open trade regime, if you have people stopping in the middle of the country.
I am actually pro-NAFTA will strict regulations, i.e. labor and environmental. Plus its ironic that in this era of increasing ethanol and cellulosic fuel sources we would pave acres of productive farmland with a road. Its just as easy to expand existing roads, and I-35. Add high speed rail to the major cities, and I suggest digging tunnels in around those major cities. If you're going to spend 184 billion dollars, do it near cities. Smart growth techniques should be considered in this approach to expanding of future growth. I would only consider toll roads if its near the cities.
TTC is only expanding unnecessary sprawl.
If they won't to check cargo then do it at the border.