Front page headline of the Metro section in today's San Antonio Express News reads, "Critics unified on toll roads." The article reports Representative Robby Cook [D-Eagle Lake] as wanting to slow down or possibly cancel the Trans-Texas Corridor plan. Cook is quoted as saying the state, "is moving way too fast. I don't think the general public is aware of all the information they need to know and whether or not this is good for all areas." Fayette County Judge Ed Janecka calls the plan a "joke" while Transportation Commission Chairman Ric Williamson responds, "you can't say the idea is a joke when you've got three international companies proposing multibillion-dollar investments in the first piece." The article includes references to David and Linda Stall of CorridorWatch.org and their efforts to win approval of the Republican Party for a plank in the state party's platform calling for repeal of the law authorizing the corridor. The article also states CorridorWatch.org's opposition to, "using transportation projects to generate state funds, converting highways to toll roads or granting vendors control of public land or infrastructure — elements of the corridor strategy."  [link]

A headline in this month's The Sentinel (V.12, No.1) reads, "Trans-Texas Corridor and the New Eminent Domain." The two and one-half page article describes the TTC and several of the concerns that it raises, especially in regard to property rights . The article includes a quote from Linda Stall of CorridorWatch.org and points readers to visit the CorridorWatch.org website. The Sentinel is the official publication of the Trans Texas Heritage Association (Alpine, Texas) and is mailed to it's members across Texas.

A headline in today's Corsican Daily Sun reads, "Residents express dismay over transportation issue: Proposed corridor met with opposition." It was reported that, "A large contingent of local residents turned out Tuesday and expressed their opposition to a proposed transportation corridor that they said might split Navarro County." The plan hit a sour note in this area of Texas. The Daily Sun reported, "No local residents voicing support of the proposed project could be found in attendance." Navarro County Historical Commission chairman Bill Young, "expressed  a concern over the impact on local archaeological sites and said that TxDOT doesn't have a good history on preservation efforts when they involve a project." State Rep. Byron Cook (R-Corsicana) said, "he's unsure about the project." [link]

A letter to the editor of The Banner Press from Sara Muras of Fayette County appears in today's issue. The letter encourages the public to share their objections about the Trans-Texas Corridor with everyone, especially TxDOT. [letter]

A headline in today's The Victoria Advocate reads, "Some voice ire at Trans-Texas Corridor proposal." It was reported that, "some area residents voiced concerns over property rights and a lack of necessity for the road." An El Campo landowner is quoted as saying, "I just don't understand how our Legislature is letting this erosion of our property rights take place." The article included quotes from by Linda and David Stall of CorridorWatch.org about the Trans Texas Corridor." [link]

A letter to the editor of The Victoria Advocate from David Stall of CorridorWatch.org appears in today's issue. The letter is in response to a guest editorial of TxDOT Executive Director Michael Behrens that appears in The Victoria Advocate on April 3, 2004. [link]

A story in today's Tyler Morning Telegraph headlined, "TxDOT provides public a chance to give its input." Two hours into a three hour environmental study meeting in Tyler only 32 people had attended out of the 614,000 in the affected in the TTC-35 district. The story questions TxDOT's public outreach efforts and includes information about CorridorWatch.org concerns and gives our link information. [link]

A top story in today's Tyler Morning Telegraph is headlined, "TxDOT project scrutinized." Another lengthy article, and perhaps the best effort so far towards explaining many of the negative impacts that will come with the Corridor. The story includes information about CorridorWatch.org and 'state officials' label our critical view as a scare tactic based on misinformation. [link] [our rebuttal]

Front page headline of today's The Banner Press reads, "TxDOT defends corridor plan to packed house in LaGrange." The lead front page story includes information about CorridorWatch.org. [link]

Front page story on today's The Victoria Advocate reads, "Victoria water group opposes plans for Trans-Texas Corridor." A lengthy article provided coverage of a presentation made by Linda and David Stall of  CorridorWatch.org about the Trans Texas Corridor. "Members of the Water Research Group said the prospect was chilling." Remarking about the presentation, Billy Hill of Victoria said, "I got the holy hell scared out of me. If Rick Perry endorsed this, God have mercy on his soul." [link]

Front page story on today's Colorado County Citizen reads, "State hears corridor opposition; TxDot officials field a tough crowd." "The lack of concrete answers irritated the standing room only crowd more than once and tempers flared." "Rep. Robby Cook also attended the meeting and said he voted for the legislature that allowed TxDOT to secure private bonds to fund highway projects. However, he said the Legislature was not aware of the corridor project at that time." [link]

Front page headline of today's The Fayette County Record reads, "Anger At TxDOT And Transportation Commission Exhibited At Corridor Meeting." Lead story and front page photograph of the full house in LaGrange. "Most of those in the crowd seemed dissatisfied with what they heard and berated [TxDOT Executive Director] Behrens several times for not answering the questions. Several members of the crowd became noisy, demanding to ask their questions." Behrens confirmed that counties and school districts will lose property taxes on land that the State takes for the corridor, "there is no plan in place to subsidize counties for loss of property taxes." "Somebody else in the audience asked why TxDOT and the Transportation Commission is holding these meetings after the decision to go ahead with the corridor has already been made. [Transportation Commissioner] Johnson answered that question saying, 'It's purely conceptual. If you don't believe that, you might as well go home.'" Reference was made to CorridorWatch.org and a lengthy excerpt from David Stall's prepared remarks were quoted in the article.  [prepared comment]

Today's issue of the Victoria Advocate (Victoria County) hit the stands carrying a front page story, "Fayette farmers say no to transportation proposal." Rancher Jason Cook of La Grange speaking about TxDOT officials said, "Big Bird may as well have been here. He knows as much about it as they do." According to the Advocate, "Some at the second meeting, though, said they were still left with more questions than answers." When Transportation Commissioner John Johnson said, "one thing that we are trying to emphasize is this is purely conceptual," the crowd moaned. After hearing the response he said, "If you don't believe that, you might as well go on."  [link]

Front page headline of today's The Weimar Mercury (Colorado County) reads, "Trans Texas Corridor Opposition Strong." The story reported that the TxDOT officials were, "peppered with often hostile questions during the meeting which lasted two and a half hours." In response to questions about the corridor, Transportation Commissioner John Johnson was quoted, "This is purely a concept. If you don't believe that you might as well go home." Attendee, Dick Macaulay told Johnson, "Go back to Austin and tell Gov. Perry he made a mistake." Another, Charlene Muras was quoted, "We don't want it, we don't need it."

Radio station KULM-FM (Colorado County) news reported on the March 23rd Trans Texas Corridor hearing in LaGrange. Listeners were directed to CorridorWatch.org on the Internet for additional information.

A letter to the editor of The Navasota Examiner from Tonya Britton of Navasota appears in today's issue. The letter warns the public of the impact that the Trans-Texas Corridor will have, especially to rural Texas. [letter]

Today Sunday's issue of the Brenham Banner-Press (Washington County) hit the stands carrying a front page story, "Second meeting scheduled on 'superhighways'." The story tells how Fayette County residents didn't get their questioned answered at the Public Hearing last month. As a result County Judge Ed Janecka requested TxDOT to schedule another hearing. [more] CorridorWatch.org founder Linda Stall is quoted as saying, "It's extremely important that the public be well-informed." Expressing concern about the Corridor plan she continues, "Citizens and officials need to express their concerns and be sure that they have their input now, at the beginning of the project." [link]

Radio station KULM-FM (Colorado County) news reported concerns about the Trans Texas Corridor are receiving statewide news coverage. The report also credits Fayette County Judge Ed Janecka for getting a second TxDOT meeting to get answers for Fayette County. The news story directed listeners to CorridorWatch.org on the Internet for additional information.

Interview sound clips with Fayette County Judge Ed Janecka aired on the Texas State Network News. The story proclaims "Not everyone is onboard," with the Trans Texas Corridor and Governor Rick Perry's plan is running into a roadblock in rural Texas. TSN reported that Judge Janecka hopes to jump start objections to the Trans Texas Corridor in LaGrange on March 23, 2004 when TxDOT will hold another meeting in his county. TSN is a radio network that airs on 124 affiliate radio stations and reaches nearly 3 million Texans.

Today's issue of the Colorado County Citizen carries a front page headline, "Stalls call attention to corridor problems." The article points to many of the issues being raised in objection to the Trans Texas Corridor and includes quotes from Fayette County Judge Ed Janecka and CorridorWatch.org founder Linda Stall. Judge Janecka is quoted as saying, "If this is the governor's plan, I'd like to have the governor come down and explain it to us." He continues, "I want the public to be informed and I don't think this was served by the kind of meetings that were presented last month." The article included information about CorridorWatch.org and our website.

Today's Fort Worth Star-Telegram carries a story titled, "U.S. agency to speed up corridor plan."  The Trans Texas Corridor (IH-35) will be designated an 'experimental project' by the Federal Highway Administration today allowing, at least this portion of the Corridor, to be built without the usual environmental or bidding restrictions. The Star-Telegram story includes quotes from CorridorWatch.org's Linda Stall and a direct reference to CorridorWatch.org.  [link]

Proposed Trans Texas Corridor routes roughly paralleling IH-35 from east of San Antonio to south of Hillsboro are known but are being kept secret by TxDOT until later this year or next year.  The Transportation Commission expects to award the contract in 2005 and see construction begin quickly. Transportation Commission Chairman Ric Williamson is reported in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram to say that this portion of the Corridor can be completed 10 to 12 years sooner than originally projected because of the new 'experimental project' designation.

The Fayette County Record prints a front page story  titled, "TxDOT Schedules Second Meeting In County." Fayette County Judge Ed Janecka is quoted, "I have invited the Governor, as well as the three [five] members of the Texas Transportation Commission. I encourage everyone to attend and I also invite citizens from neighboring counties." The Trans Texas Corridor hearing will be held March 23rd in LaGrange.  [more]

Today's Banner Press publicizes the March 23rd Trans Texas Corridor hearing in LaGrange.  Front page article titled, "TxDOT schedules another 'corridor meeting for L.G."  [more]

The Schulenburg Sticker features a front page headline story  titled, "Additional meeting called for on Trans-Texas Corridor project." The story ends with a reference to CorridorWatch.org.  [more]

Today's Weimar Mercury publicizes the March 23rd Trans Texas Corridor hearing in LaGrange.  Front page article titled, "Trans-Texas Corridor Public Meeting March 23."  [more]

CorridorWatch.org is the subject of an article that ran in today's transportation column of the Star-Telegram newspaper (Ft.Worth). The piece is titled, "Corridor foes use Internet as soapbox." The brief mention includes, of course, a reference to the CorridorWatch.org website. [link]