Posted on 02/05/2008 1:12:56 PM PST by Tolerance Sucks Rocks
A so-called “NAFTA Superhighway” earned support from the city’s mayor and discussion among residents Monday during a public hearing on the Texas Department of Transportation’s I-69 project.
TxDOT held a public hearing at the Brownsville Events Center Monday to explain the progress of the Trans-Texas Corridor, a future segment of Highway I-69, which will link the U.S.-Mexico border to the U.S.-Canada border.
After a short presentation, the floor was open for comments. Among the local politicians, college students and retirees at the hearing there was a wide range of opinion on the project.
According to Mario Jorge, district engineer for TxDOT in the Rio Grande Valley, the hearing was held to better understand the views of Brownsville residents. “We want to hear if they want it and where they want it,” Jorge said of the proposed road.
Jorge stressed that although the I-69 project has been labeled the “NAFTA Superhighway,” it is being planned to accommodate existing traffic, not increase transit between the United States and Mexico. “We’re going to build what is needed when and if it is needed,” he said.
The Trans-Texas Corridor project is still in its first phase, during which an environmental impact statement is being composed to evaluate the feasibility of the highway. Because the land on the King Ranch north of Brownsville is considered a historic property, there is no immediate plan to extend the corridor to either Brownsville or McAllen. In the project’s second phase — which Jorge said might not arrive for several years — the inclusion of existing highways like US 77 will be evaluated.
In the project’s later stages, the possibility of lanes for large trucks and the construction of a railroad will also be discussed. Such measures, TxDOT representatives say, would accommodate commercial traffic coming from Mexico and provide for safer driving conditions.
Because of funding problems, Jorge added, the highway’s cost will likely be shouldered by private contractors, who might build toll roads to supplement existing highway lanes and allow for expedited travel.
Some of the hearing’s attendees, like Mayor Pat Ahumada, applauded TxDOT’s efforts to bring the Trans-Texas Corridor to Brownsville.
“We’re the door to NAFTA,” Ahumada said. “We need a corridor that supports commerce and gives our young people a reason to stay here.” Ahumada mentioned that unlike many border cities, Brownsville utilizes both land and sea ports to serve its commercial interests.
Others, like Trevor Southerd and Dale Bashaw, came to the events center to voice their opposition to what Bashaw calls “a threat to national sovereignty.”
“Corporate interests are working together to push this forward,” said Southerd, a sophomore at the University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College. “It will hurt small businesses along the corridor and eliminate choices that consumers have.
“The country’s middle class is already disappearing,” Bashaw added, “and the corridor will only encourage more jobs to be exported.”
Brownsville’s public hearing was the first of 46 hearings on the Trans-Texas Corridor that will take place in the state over the next month.
TxDOT hearing comments focus on corridor opposition
Hundreds Attend Trans-Texas Corridor Public Hearing And Voice Concerns
Soon to pass the “Bong Recreation Area” for most stolen freeway sign.
Trans-Texas Corridor PING!
Wait I thought this road was a tin-foil hat pipe dream?
“Jorge stressed that although the I-69 project has been labeled the NAFTA Superhighway, it is being planned to accommodate existing traffic, not increase transit between the United States and Mexico.”
Uh Huh. Sure!
...the inclusion of existing highways like US 77 will be evaluated.Because of funding problems, Jorge added, the highway’s cost will likely be shouldered by private contractors, who might build toll roads to supplement existing highway lanes and allow for expedited travel.
They are already running out of money. And would it be a mistake to say they are looking at converting such EXISTING HIGHWAYS into toll roads to help fund their little scheme?
Making it sound like this plan got a resounding bill of support from the attendees. Not until you get down a ways in the article do you find that some folks might not have approved.
This sucker is a done deal. These meetings are just a formality. If every single attendeed disagreed stridently, this highway would still be built.
Yup. I can’t believe they’re actually going to do this. You can’t tell me they’ve already used all 98 other numbers and have to use this one.
BTTT
It would take someone on a big bong to believe that little lie by Jorge. Trying to call a toll road by a different name. What business of Texas is the railroad and why should tax papers be paying the TDOT to look at the private railroad business.
I-69 is an extension of an exsisting route, that is whay that number is being used.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interstate_69
I-69 is a real highway that will probably be built, someday.
The Trans-Texas Corridor (The highway plus railroad, etc) is a pipe dream of Texas DOT that will not get built.
“The NAFTA Superhighway” that is described by conspiracy theorists, (a mile wide swath of territory under international control, bisecting the country) does not exist.
The upgrading and conversion of state or US highways into interstates goes back to the start of the Interstate System.
Most of I-44 in Illinois used to be US Highway 66, for example.
Since all highways in the United States are legally state highways, the numbering has no real difference beyond the “branding” of the highway.
I-69 will not get built as a toll road in Texas. Texas DOT has so poisoned the well, that nobody will support it, IMHO.
LOL.... I was just thinking the same thing..
LQ
I wonder how often the “Toad Suck Park” signs on I-40 in Arkansas get stolen.
Uh-huh.
Say haven't we seen this mo before?
Yea, I think so.
In fact aren't we presently being treated to a variation of the same shtick? Like being presented with those selected for *us* to choose from in an upcoming election?
Yet another, "Shaddap & do as you're told" thing.
Yea, I think so.
Man.
...this crap's old.
That is a good one...
Speakig of parks, my all time favorite is a sign for “Big Bone Lick State Park” - it’s in a small town in Kentucky across the river from where my sister lives.
LQ
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