City officials request slimmed down TTC

Resolution expresses concerns over corridor's width and possible negative effects on access

January 19, 2008

By BENJAMIN C. SHARP, Wharton Journal-Spectator

The Wharton City Council wants the state to consider a slimmed down version of the Trans Texas Corridor - and one that stays true to the footprint of U.S. 59.

Monday the council approved a resolution detailing the city's stance on the proposed transportation corridor. Drafted in question and answer format, the three-page document formally states the city's concerns and opinions.

Each question was formulated by the Houston-Galveston Area Council, which has requested municipalities and governmental bodies within its territory submit their recommendations on the corridor's future development.

In a letter to City Manager Andres Garza Jr., H-GAC's Jack Steele said the city's response will be used as the basis for discussion in a Jan. 15 workshop in Houston. "Comments and recommendations developed in the workshop will be transmitted to the Texas Department of Transportation as part of the public record of comment on the I-69/TTC Draft Environmental Impact Statement that will form the basis for future project development decisions," Steele wrote.

Steele said the workshop will allow local entities to "direct the future development of the corridor in terms of alignments, design concepts, and access and connectivity requirements."

"I believe that it is important for local governments to take this opportunity to let TxDOT know their preferences for the corridor," Steele said.

The city of Wharton's preferences are outlined in the resolution adopted Monday. When asked what route the city prefers to see the I-69/TTC take, the city said it "prefers the alignment of I-69/Trans Texas Corridor to follow the existing U.S. 59 corridor."

The resolution further states "efforts should be made to minimize the right-of-way width required" for the corridor.

As now proposed, the corridor would consume a 1,200 foot width of right of way.

The resolution also expresses the city's concerns over how the corridor could negatively impact admittance into the community. It's anticipated the corridor will have few access points.

"Issues and or problems that would be related to access to local streets or communities is a major concern," the resolution states.

"The City of Wharton needs better access to its local streets from U.S. 59. The City of Wharton would maintain its existing exits and add the proposed FM 1301 intersection."

Plans are now under way to extend 1301 (Boling Highway) to the freeway.

City officials believe that would provide another route into the city.

The council unanimously approved the resolution Monday, also agreeing to send City Manager Garza to the Jan. 15 workshop.

A series of public meetings are also planned concerning the ongoing development of the I-69/TTC.