In 2004 the Republican Party of Texas adopted a platform
calling for the repeal of all authorization for the Trans Texas
Corridor. Two years later the Party's grassroots met and again
reaffirmed their Trans Texas Corridor objections.
The 2006 Texas Republican platform also adds objections to the exercise of eminent domain
to include seizing private property for public or private economic
development or for increased tax revenues. Additionally, a new plank was
added to oppose tolls charged for traversing previously toll free
roadways and continued collection of tolls on toll roads already paid
for (excepting for maintenance).
On Saturday, June 3, 2006, the Republican
Party of Texas adopted their 2006 State
Republican Party Platform. Under the first
section of their platform, titled Preserving American Freedom,
is a plank specific to the Trans-Texas
Corridor. It reads:
|
"Trans-Texas Corridor — Because
there are issues of confiscation of private
land, State and National sovereignty and
other similar concerns, we urge the
repeal of the
Trans-Texas Corridor legislation."
[page P-4] |
Also under the first
section of their platform, titled Preserving American Freedom,
is a plank addressing the use of eminent
domain. It reads:
"Eminent Domain — We support
limiting the definition of eminent domain to
exclude seizing private property for public
or private economic development or for
increased tax revenues. We urge the
Legislature to amend the Texas Property Code
to protect the rights of private property
owners by notification of their rights under
the law with regard to condemnation and to
require the condemner to show the just need
for the action by petitioning a court of
jurisdiction with significant due process
safeguards for the land owner. We believe
that the taking of property should follow
with immediate compensation to the property
owner."
[page P-3]
And, under the first
section of their platform, titled
Strengthening the Economy of Texas and
America,
is another new plank addressing tolls. It reads:
"Tolls on Existing Roads —
We oppose tolls charged for traversing
previously toll free roadways and disallow
continued tolls except for maintenance on
existing toll roads already paid for."
[page P-14]