Proposed corridor will affect Texas agriculture

By JULIET BRISKIN | Staff writer

Proposed Trans-Texas Corridor would handle transportation needs in the state in 2050

Nov. 4, 2004 - Just thinking about a road-trip across Texas on the interstate can quickly accelerate the heartbeat of even the most patient driver. The dangers and delays experienced on a daily basis along such routes as IH-35 and IH-10 lead many to consider alternate forms of transportation or sent them racing to their maps in search of back roads that will allow them to bypass the interstate completely.

With 21 million people currently living in the Lone Star State and the population expected to more than double by the year 2040, transportation within the state is one of the most pressing issues facing everyone from lawmakers to homemakers.

In January 2002, Gov. Rick Perry unveiled his vision for a road and rail system that would remedy Texas' transportation problems. He directed the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to create an action plan that would provide a design concept, identify four priority corridor segments, and outline financing options for what would become the Trans-Texas Corridor (TTC).

As proposed, the TTC is the largest, most expensive and far-reaching engineering project ever considered for Texas. If completed in its entirety, the corridor project would include six separate passenger vehicle lanes, four dedicated commercial truck lanes, two high-speed passenger rail lines, two freight rail lines, two commuter rail lines and dedicated utility zones for water, electric, natural gas, petroleum, fiber optic and telecommunications lines.

TxDOT recently began an environmental study and review process of the Oklahoma-Mexico element of the plan (TTC-35), and is conducting open house information sessions in communities along the TTC-35 proposed route.

"The intent of these meetings is to allow the public to come in and take a look at what we are talking about, to look at the study areas that we are considering and to look at why we are even thinking about this ambitious, $180-plus billion project," stated Ken Roberts, TxDOT public information officer. "We are trying to get as much information out to the public as possible and we also want to get their input. How this project proceeds or doesn't is going to depend on public perception and input."

Roberts explained that TxDOT is looking to the public to provide the agency with their concerns and opinions about the proposed project, as well as information on land features, like private cemeteries, which are currently not documented by TxDOT.

"Everybody's voice matters," asserted Roberts. "Everybody is important and as we stand here today it is easy to say that this is crazy, I don't want this, this is not something that Texas needs. And that could very well be. Today. But this is designed for the Texas of 50 years from now. We have got to start now to plan for the future of transportation in Texas."

With a right-of-way approximately 1,200-feet-wide, the proposed corridor could change the face of agriculture in Texas forever as it swallows up thousands of production acres of farmland.

"We're not there yet to be able to say its not going to impact (agriculture) at all or its going to impact to this extent," stated Roberts when asked about the economic impact the corridor could have on agriculture. "What we are involved in now is the environmental assessment of the impact of what we are proposing on our waterways, on our agricultural areas, on our wetlands, archeological areas, and endangered species. Is it going to impact the agricultural base of Texas? Yes. How? To what extent? We don't know that yet."

Roberts explained that over the next few years TxDOT will continue to assess the impact the corridor could have on the environment and is eager to hear from farmers, ranchers and the general public.

"With all of our projects, it's not just a matter of let's build it and move on," he said. "For every action there is a reaction. If we take something we have to try and put something back somehow. That is going to be part of the overall project. How are we going to give back in the long run?"

For more information on the proposed corridor, a list of all upcoming public meetings or to file a comment, visit www.transtx.com or call toll free 1-877-872-6789. In order to be entered into public record, all comments on the current environmental study and review process must be submitted or postmarked by Friday, Dec. 3, 2004.