Tempers Flare At Trans-Texas Corridor Hearing

February 13, 2008

By Ryan Korsgard, KPRC TV-2

HOUSTON -- It did not take long Tuesday for the Texas Department of Transportation to find out what the Houstonians at a public hearing thought about the proposed 600-mile Trans-Texas Corridor, KPRC Local 2 reported.

"George Washington, Sam Houston would vomit on you people," one attendee said.

Chris Zora, who opposes the plan, attended the hearing at the Arabia Shrine Center in Southwest Houston.

"I'd like to see a show of hands here of anybody that approves of this corridor," Zora said. "Is there anyone in this room who approves of this corridor? Raise your hands if you approve of it."

KPRC Local 2 did not see anyone raise his or her hand in response.

The hearing was an opportunity for citizens to tell the state what they think of the proposal that would include car, truck and train traffic. TxDOT took notes but officials did not answer questions.

"It's more than people giving up their land," said Kathryn Wilson, who owns a farm in Waller County. "We're talking about Texas' second-largest industry, agriculture, being destroyed."

The study area is wide and undefined. The road, also known as Interstate 69, would run through Texas from the border with Mexico all the way up to the Arkansas/Louisiana border. It would weave into current roads in the Houston area.

TxDOT spokeswoman Karen Othon said, "Nothing's going to happen right now. Construction is not going to start. No right of way is going to be bought. Nothing is going to happen at this point. We're right now just hearing the public's comments on this project."

The next public hearing is scheduled to take place in Lake Jackson on Wednesday. It will be held at the Lake Jackson Civic Center beginning at 5 p.m. with a formal presentation set for 6:30 p.m. Comments from the public will be heard at the end.

For a look at the project, go to keeptexasmoving.com.