Grass roots group remains concerned about highway planning

By Donna McCollum
KTRE-TV

NACOGDOCHES, TX - Thursday night a half a million dollars was approved by the U.S. House for I-69 Texas. The funds will be used to expedite the U.S. Transportation's environmental review to advance I-69. Today the I-69 Alliance publicly praised the legislation. The funding level for I-69 FY 2010 will be determined later this fall when the Senate spending bill is determined.

Meanwhile, the issue remains a topic in national, state and local politics. Tuesday night in Nacogdoches, another group is talking transportation issues with State Representative Jim McReynolds. The Piney Woods Sub-Regional Planning Commission (PWSRPC) is keeping a close watch on future transportation issues, includiing a loop by-pass around Nacogdoches, Lufkin and as far south as Diboll.

It's a good idea for moving people quickly, but could be a bad one if the route hampers accessibility to other roadways and towns. "Say on South Street, here in Nacogdoches, where you've already got a lot of businesses and you've got a lot of hotels," Nacogdoches County Judge Joe English began. "Are they going to try to move it (roadway) over a little bit either one side to the left or the right because they don't want the expense of having to replace all those businesses?," the judge questioned. "And so when they start moving it we've got the same issues we had before and that's taking the grass roots mom and pop property."

Sub-regional planning commissions remain in existence along the I-69 route despite recent legislative efforts to disband them. Members are determined to have their voices heard before the Texas Department of Transportation. "We want them to know that we're still looking at it and we're still addressing it and when the planning and the meetings are put together we want to be a part of them," English said.

The commission is gathering information for a rural transportation plan. Members have gatherings planned in Garrison and Chireno. "We'll develop a plan for each community and what their needs and concerns are for transportation in their community," Jan Tracy, a PWSRPC volunteer explained. "And then we'll come back and compile all that together and present that to TxDOT."

Another concern is the financing method chosen. The group questions toll roads and who will own the toll money.

It's a grass roots mission that remains even after the state says the Trans Texas Corridor has gone away.

© 2009 WorldNow and KTRE: www.ktre.com

State Rep. McReynolds To Speak at PWSRPC Meeting

Submitted by Jan Tracy
Shelby County Today

The Piney Woods Sub-Regional Planning Commission (PWSRPC) will hold its next meeting on Tuesday, July 28, at 6 PM at the Nacogdoches County Courthouse Annex.

Guest speaker will be Texas State Rep. Jim McReynolds. The public is encouraged to attend and will be invited to ask questions. Representative McReynolds will explain new laws that were passed in the 2009 legislative session and how those laws will affect East Texas and our local economy.

The PWSRPC is currently gathering information to draft a Rural Transportation Plan for Nacogdoches and the surrounding counties and is asking the public to submit their suggestions for improving local transportation. The upgrading of Hwy 59 to Interstate status remains a key issue for our area as any traffic that is routed through or around Lufkin and Nacogdoches will impact nearby businesses and affect local traffic flow.

Traffic congestion continues to be a problem at certain sections along Hwy 59. TxDOT is currently restudying a plan that was devised several years ago for a loop/by-pass around Lufkin and Nacogdoches.

This loop/by-pass system has 2 major issues that will affect our local economy and everyday means of travel. The first issue concerns accessibility of local roadways and the second is financing for the construction. Thru traffic will need easy access on and off of this ‘loop’ to visit our local businesses. Accesses for local traffic for driving to work or school and for emergency vehicles will need to be considered. The financing method chosen for this ‘loop’ will dictate whether or not a toll will be collected and who will own the toll money.

If you are unable to attend this meeting but would like to submit comments or ask questions please contact State Representative Jim McReynolds at 936-634-9786 or call 936-462-8848 for further information.

© 2009 Shelby County Today: www.shelbycountytoday.com