The vast majority of speakers were vehemently against the road coming through Walker and Grimes County, as it is currenly slated to do in Tier 1 of TxDOT's environmental study.

"We are fighting the removal of countless more acres from our tax rolls," said Lee Woodward, one of the speakers against TTC. "How long will this city remain economically viable after you devaluate and consume our land. Sam Houston is watching you."

A second tier of study will take place if the "no build" option is not taken, a tier that, like the first, would take three-to-four years. Between the first and second tiers, the corridor path could be changed based on public comments and TxDOT decisions.

"There will be opportunities like tonight," said Ed Pensock, the director of corridor systems for the Texas Turnpike Authority Division of TxDOT. "There are going to be many more opportunities for people to talk. When the people speak, we're going to listen."

Monday's meeting comes after a pair of well-attended town hall meetings in Huntsville. Only one was scheduled at first, but because of overwhelming turnout that left many attendees in the hallway unable to listen to the discussion, a second town hall was held.

While residents in those counties were against the idea, Bryan and College Station representatives continued their strong suggestions to TxDOT that the road be routed into Brazos County, where existing major roads could be utilized.

B/CS leaders have long touted the need for an interstate in order to continue growth in Brazos County.

Bryan and Navasota will host meetings in the coming weeks.

A link to TxDOT's Trans Texas Corridor page, which includes a schedule of public hearings, is available below.