Residents to air concerns about TxDOT plans

January 19, 2008

By Jay Ermis, Managing Editor, The Huntsville Item

Residents in Walker County and surrounding counties will have an opportunity to ask questions and air their views on the state’s future transportation system Wednesday.

The Texas Department of Transportation’s town hall meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. at the Walker Education Center, 1400 19th St.

The Huntsville meeting is one of 11 town hall meetings scheduled throughout the I-69/Trans-Texas Corridor study area, according to Bob Colwell, TxDOT public information officer for the Bryan District.

Colwell said TxDOT is holding town hall meetings for the first time.

“We want to see how the public responds,” he said. “If they work out, we will hold more in the future.

“These meetings are a result of public comment that residents want more opportunities to ask questions and get answers about transportation issues, including the Trans-Texas Corridor,” Colwell said.

Colwell said residents will have an opportunity to ask questions about the Trans-Texas Corridor, comprehensive development agreements, I-69 and other related transportation issues.

The Bryan District covers 10 counties, including Walker, and Colwell expects a strong turnout for the meeting.

Colwell said several TxDOT officials will attend the town hall meeting, including TxDOT executive director Amadeo Saenz and transportation commissioner Ted Houghton.

“Our town hall meetings are a great opportunity for the public to have a say in transportation projects and participate in the decision-making process,” said district engineer Bryan Wood, who will moderate the town hall meeting.

We cannot solve the state’s transportation problems without public awareness and public involvement,” he said.

Colwell said residents can discuss any problems with roadways in their counties.

Maps of different highway projects will be available at Wednesday’s meeting and residents can address concerns such as current problems and future problems awaiting Walker and area counties, Colwell said.

“We suggest that if residents have any problems with roads, they ask questions Wednesday,” he said.

TxDOT has scheduled a public hearing for Feb. 4 at the Walker County Fairgrounds on the I-69/Trans-Texas Corridor’s draft environmental impact statement, but officials will not be able to answer any questions or respond to comments, according to federal law.

“The format for these hearings is designed to gather public comments solely on the statement,” Colwell said.

The public hearing is one of 46 scheduled statewide.

The Wallker County hearing begins with an open house at 5 p.m. followed by the hearing at 6:30.