pineda Posted March 12, 2005 Share Posted March 12, 2005 CorridorWatch.org WELCOMES MEMBERS FROM 143 TEXAS COUNTIES!===========================================================NEWS FLASH AUSTIN - MARCH 11, 2005Without advance public notice, and announced late on the last day for legislative bills to be filed without the Governor's approval, TxDOT Officials joined by Governor Perry and Federal Highway Administrator Mary Peters signed a 342-page agreement with Cintra Concesiones de Infraestructuras de Transporte SA (Madrid, Spain) to create a master plan to finance and build the TTC-35 Trans Texas Corridor generally parallel to IH-35 from the Valley to the Red River. Despite growing concerns over the TTC project, Governor Perry and state officials are charging ahead as quickly as possible to build the first 600-mile segment of the 4,000-mile Trans Texas Corridor.Portions of this agreement are being kept secret under the guise that they contain proprietary business information. CorridorWatch.org believes in open and transparent government. CorridorWatch.org believes that this is public business, public infrastructure, and that the public interest and the public's right to know what obligations its government is creating is more important than any purported public benefit derived from protecting proprietary business information. Government conducted in the shadows is never good government. Thousands upon thousands of Texans don't share the Governor's TTC vision. These Texans are extremely concerned about the state creating a transportation, communication, utility and economic development monopoly. They are concerned about a project that will consume 584,000 acres of land impacting land owners, farms, ranches, wildlife, the environment, communities, taxpayers, water rights, local economies, and more. A plan driven almost exclusively by its ability to generate revenue at the expense of open government, private property rights, taxpayers, travelers, private enterprise and thousands of Texas communities. With complete disregard for public will and the citizens of Texas, our government is marching forward. A member of the House Transportation Committee even suggested to TxDOT that a public relations firm like Disney should be hired (with public funds) to "sell" the TTC concept to the public! CorridorWatch.org believes that it is dangerous public policy for the government to attempt to drive public opinion to support its own initiatives. We believe that is the kind of propaganda that undermines a democracy. The impact of the Trans Texas Corridor will be enormous and span generations. As more information becomes widely available legislators are joining citizens in becoming increasingly concerned about the TTC. Several bills have been filed during this session in an attempt to limit, control, and address concerns about the TTC. These include House Bill 1273, House Bill 1794, and Senate Bill 352. Hopefully our legislature will listen to the people of Texas and can survive the strong-arm tactics and pressure coming from the Governor. CALL TO ACTION!VERY IMPORTANT: Contact your State Representative and ask them to call Rep. Lois Kolkhorst. Ask them to request to be added as a sponsor of House Bill 1273 limiting the Trans Texas Corridor. Ask them to support House Bills 1273 and 1794. Contact you State Senator and ask them to support Senate Bill 352 to protect our water rights. NOW IS THE TIME TO ACT. Thank you for the time, interest and efforts.David & Linda StallCorridorWatch.org Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pineda Posted March 13, 2005 Author Share Posted March 13, 2005 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------HOUSE BILL 3363 FILED FRIDAY, MARCH 11, 2005.It took CorridorWatch.org a full day to catch-up, but today we discovered our prayers were answered when House Bill 3363 was filed yesterday. BILL WOULD PLACE A 2-YEAR MORATORIUM ON TxDOT TOLLS AND THE TTC. On Friday, Representative Garnet Coleman (Houston) filed the most significant bill relating to toll conversion and the Trans-Texas Corridor. The one-page bill goes directly to the point. First, it requires TxDOT to report obligated funds and discretionary funds available in each district. Every elected city, county and state official would be copied on the report each year. Second, it places a two-year moratorium on TxDOT imposing a toll on any portion of a state highway or roadway that did not have a toll in effect on or before the effective date of the Act. Third, it places a two-year moratorium on implementation of the Trans-Texas Corridor.Fourth, it establishes a 15-member committee to perform a comprehensive study of the Trans-Texas Corridor and the use of tolls, bonds, and other revenue sources for the financing of state highway and roadway construction and maintenance. The committee will hold meetings and public hearings and make a complete report, including findings and recommendations and drafts of any legislation considered necessary, available to the public not later than October 1, 2006. THIS IS IT! THIS IS THE LEGISLATION TEXAS NEEDS TO ALLOW CITIZEN PARTICIPATION AND INPUT BEFORE WIDESPREAD AND FAR-REACHING TOLL PROJECTS AND THE TRANS-TEXAS CORRIDOR ARE IRREVERSABLE. NO MATTER WHAT CALLS AND/OR LETTERS YOU SENT BEFORE TODAY YOU NEED TO MAKE MORE CALLS AND SEND MORE LETTERS PERSONALLY ASKING YOUR REPRESENTATIVE, YOUR SENATOR, SPEAKER CRADDOCK AND LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR DEWHURST TO SUPPORT HOUSE BILL 3363. ASK THAT THEY ADD THEIR NAME TO THE BILL. THIS BILL MUST HAVE BROAD BI-PARTISAN SUPPORT TO PASS AND SURVIVE THE PROMISED VETO BY THE GOVERNOR. Everyone should support this bill. It does not kill either tolls or the Trans-Texas Corridor. It does provide an opportunity for serious consideration and reconsideration. It slows the process down from todays headlong rush. It will allow meaningful public input. It will ensure that our legislature is fully informed about toll and corridor issues before they are implemented. It is both a rational and reasonable action. TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE. PLEASE ACT THIS WEEK. PLEASE FORWARD THIS E-MAIL TO EVERYONE IN YOUR ADDRESS BOOK, EVERYONE IN YOUR CLUB, ASSOCIATION, CHURCH, AND OTHER ORGANIZATIONS. PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD - SUPPORT HB-3363! Don't know who your representatives are? Check Here: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/fyi/fyi.htmMAILING ADDRESSES:The Honorable (your Senators name)Texas SenatePO Box 12068Austin, TX 78711-2068The Honorable (your Representatives name)Texas House of RepresentativesPO Box 2910Austin, TX 78768-2910The Honorable David DewhurstLt. Governors OfficePO Box 12068Austin, Texas 78711-2068The Honorable Tom CraddickTexas House of RepresentativesPO Box 2910Austin, TX 78768-2910The Honorable Garnet ColemanTexas House of RepresentativesPO Box 2910Austin, TX 78768-2910THANK YOU FOR YOUR INTEREST AND SUPPORT. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Talbot Posted March 14, 2005 Share Posted March 14, 2005 Thanks for the notice. I will email it, I know a lot of people against this wasteful nonsense. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pineda Posted March 23, 2005 Author Share Posted March 23, 2005 story appearing tomorrow in Christian Science Monitor Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pineda Posted March 23, 2005 Author Share Posted March 23, 2005 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------"Last night I sent a CorridorWatch.org Members bulletin about the Trans-Texas Corridor article in today's The Christian Science Monitor. One reply I received this morning asked a devil's advocate question, "what makes this round of roads ... taking land... any different from the first generation of highway takings?"It wasn't the first time we have been asked about the differences between the development of the national Interstate Highways system and the Trans-Texas Corridor.Once I finished my reply I thought about the others might have the same question and could benefit from our exchange. WHAT MAKES THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE TRANS TEXAS CORRIDOR DIFFERENT FROM THE NATIONAL INTERSTATE HIGHWAY SYSTEM?(1) There is no clearly defined transportation need (e.g. site specific traffic study, etc.) for the Trans-Texas Corridor. In fact there are no specific routes or capacity specifications identified. The need for the Interstate Highway system was well defined and thoroughly understood. Elimination of grade crossings (intersections) was among the chief safety advantage of the Interstate Highway. (2) There was no public discussion/debate prior to adoption of the Trans-Texas Corridor plan. The Trans-Texas Corridor was proposed by the Governor who tasked TxDOT with quickly drafting a plan. A plan which was approved and adopted by the Transportation Commission with a single meeting and without public input. In contrast the Interstate System was debated for years before the project was approved. During that time the Interstate System turn from toll roads to freeways and the routes evolved from avoiding large cities to running through them.(3) In the past highway projects were driven by transportation needs; today the Trans-Texas Corridor & toll roads are driven by a need for revenue. That's a significant shift of public policy that has occurred without any substantive public input, discussion or debate. (4) Secrecy. A stunning lack of governmental transparency in the bidding and contracting process. Another drastic shift of public policy that has occurred without any substantive public input, discussion or debate. Rationalized by the promise of innovation and other theoretical and unproven benefits, we have sacrificed open government and created a new and horrific potential opportunity for abuse. (5) Profiteering. The Trans-Texas Corridor introduces state-sponsored monopolies for public infrastructure that includes transportation, utilities and economic development. The states private partners are motivated by profit above public service. The state will extend protections to ensure their private partner's profits, and to ensure state revenues, sacrificing the just regard for adverse impact to the citizens of the state. (6) Attack on the free enterprise system. Unlike our Interstate Highways, the Trans-Texas Corridor is a closed access facility that will not present the adjacent land owners with the same commercial development opportunities. Those opportunities are reserved for the state and their private partners. The state state-sponsored monopoly of economic development, and the redirection of traffic induced revenues, will directly compete with existing and future free enterprise. The state's private partner will use the power of the state to gain an unfair competitive advantage. These are but a few of the significant differences between today's Trans-Texas Corridor and the national Interstate Highway System. "David K. Stall, ICMA-CMCorridorWatch.org Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kjb434 Posted March 23, 2005 Share Posted March 23, 2005 Just another point to make that might be out of topic a little.Many people clamor that Europe shows a model of how transportation such a trains should be implemented. Even their highway system is built to a higher standard so they last longer. But all the issues you have just raised about the TTC is exactly how things get done there. When a high speed rail or a new highway (as they are now building them left and right over there) is designed and built with no consideration of the land owners. Limited used of land next to the facilities for possible development is the same and most commercial development is done like a rest area over here with gas and food outlets. By the way, they used tons of taxpayer money along with still charging steep tolls.The TTC appears to be taking the European model but with some adjustments because the US citizen does have more freedom. Particularly TxDOT limited use of tax money to put towards the TTC.So for people who want the US to be more like Europe, you should be all for the TTC. I currently have mixed feelings. The mention of lack of transportation studies is not true. The TTC concept and the priority corridors (such as I-35) was based upon the current status of the corridors and the projections from NAFTA studies on truck traffic that is coming more and more true. The TTC corridors are design not be anywhere near as wide as reports claim. Those widths are base on full utilization. Most corridors will be only 400-500feet wide (current rural intersate widths). The corridors will be designed with max of 8 lanes and two rail lines in the median. The first peices of the corridor will only see four lanes and the room will be there to add the other lanes. Many of the initial concepts for the TTC are pipe dreams. And also remember that the facilities will only be widen as needed. The section from San Antonio to the Metroplex is much needed. The Spanish firm that was awarded the contract is not going to build beyond what they can make money on. They have been operating projects like these for years and it won't be the first in the US.My biggest issue is property rights and due process. Even with all the discussion that occured with the first interstate system, many people in rural commnuities where built over and had little say. Most public say in the current interstate system didn't occur until the mid to late 70s after federal legislation was passed. Before that it would have to be a ground swell of opposition and protest to stop construction.Eminent domain used for the TTC won't be any different than used in the original interstate system. The big difference is that people are more organized to present opposition. Whether or not they win is another story.Many court cases outline eminent domain issues. As long at the government can show the need for the eminent domain, they usually win. This doen't mean it is always right. A case in Coneticut or Rhode Island that went to the supreme court set a dangerous precedent and can assist the TTC if cases are brought up.What I do realize is that some segments are needed way more than others. The I-35 parrallel is needed. It can take a lot of truck traffic off the freeways of San Antonio and Austin and move them on the new road. If the truck needs to go into these cities, they'll take the spurs into the city. In Austin it'll be one of the SH 45 segments. The big thing is to encourage transportation companies to use the new facility. It'll have to be shown that the freedom to move quicker on the new facility will offset the costs of the tolls.As a civil engineer, I feel i sometimes see things with large projects such as these that the opposition don't. The issue that the TTC is just way for businesses to make money is not valid. The same issue was raise when the talk of the Texas Triangle Rail was proposed. With the primary winner of the contract going to a firm out of Spain, its hard to believe it was just done to help companies. If it was for businesses, they would have proposed the corridor and all the concept behind it. It actually took most of the construction industry by surprise. Most Texas construction companies are scrambling to be able to bid on projects like these. The process is completely different from just building a highway. Several rounds of qualifications need to occur before any company can build on these types of facilities. The same thing with engineering firms. Current toll projects in Austin is showing TxDOT to be a real stickler for details and sometimes a pain in the ass. They have set the bar higher than any other project I have seen. The fact is that most engineering firms and construction companies need to adjust to this form of scrutiny for construction. The few large construction firms that can pass all of this don't have the people or the equipment to build this type of project on the projected timelines. Many smaller firms will have to assist as sub constractors. Currently, Zachary construction is working on the toll facilities in Austin and is working right at the margins with its budget. The profits are small. It is also important to understand that in projects like these, construction companies and engineering firms are only allowed a certain profit. The only way these businesses can profit more is by speeding up there processes, but the TxDOT reviews are putting a stop to that. Its not the boondogle people are making it out to be.The money the Spanish company will make is completely based upton how will they can manage the operation. This includes maintenance. When the facilities they maintain reach the point where they can be turned over to TxDOT, they have to meet certain maintenance standards. The facility will technically be owned by the managing company and not the state until it is handed over. TxDOT has the right to refuse the facility if it believes it is not up to standard and the managing company will have to continue to operate the facility. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pineda Posted April 13, 2005 Author Share Posted April 13, 2005 CorridorWatch.org REPRESENTING TEXANS IN 146 COUNTIESAUSTIN ANTI-TTC RALLY SET FOR TUESDAY MAY 3RDCitizens Against the Trans-Texas Corridor is working hard to organize a rally and march on the State Capitol in Austin. Their effort is supported by other toll and corridor opposition groups across the state, including CorridorWatch.org. RALLY DATE: Tuesday, May 3, 2005RALLY TIME: 10:00 am Check-In / 11:00 am RallyRALLY PLACE: South Lawn of the Capitol RALLY DRESS: Wear Yellow OR a Yellow T-Shirt over your street clothesBuses are being leased to shuttle participants from as far away as Dallas. Future updates will provide departure times and locations. The rally coordinator is Heidi Ullrich, PO Box 168, Ledbetter, TX 78946 heidi@u-niqueevents.com 512.585.3110. Please contact Heidi to discuss the participation of your organization or to offer your assistance. CorridorWatch.org along with many other groups from across Texas will join this effort. We encourage everyone with a concern about the TTC, toll conversion, or toll roads to join us. Subscribe to the CorridorWatch.org newsletter and watch the website for updates.=+=+=+=+CITIZENS AGAINST THE TRANS-TEXAS CORRIDORThis new organization will hold an informational meeting in LaGrange, Texas. MEETING DATE: Thursday, April 28, 2005MEETING TIME: 7:00 pmMEETING PLACE: LaGrange City Hall, 155 E. ColoradoThis meeting is not to discuss the pros and cons of the TTC This group has already formed their opinion. This is an ACTION meeting, they will discuss the rally, legislator visits and other activities. The CATTC contact is Heidi Ullrich, PO Box 168, Ledbetter, TX 78946 heidi@u-niqueevents.com 512.585.3110. =+=+=+=+MORE COUNTIES OFFICIALLY OPPOSE THE TTC!CorridorWatch.org member reports add to our list of county Commissioners Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GovernorAggie Posted April 14, 2005 Share Posted April 14, 2005 Do any of you think there's anything to the fact that there is only one urban county--McLennan (Waco)--that has approved this resolution against the TTC? In fact, only three of the counties have more than 40,000 people. Could it be that other urban counties would want this to be built to hopefully relieve their traffic situations? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Subdude Posted April 14, 2005 Share Posted April 14, 2005 Isn't the TTC designed to mainly go through rural counties and skirt urban areas? It would explain that the rural counties are more affectd. I wonder how much traffic is anticipated to pay tolls on the TTCs to bypass urban areas. My gut says, "not a lot". Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pineda Posted April 14, 2005 Author Share Posted April 14, 2005 support website for TTC, (maps have been removed recently...)opposition website to TTC (new information constantly added....) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pineda Posted May 8, 2005 Author Share Posted May 8, 2005 RALLY RECAP & PICTURES TOO !RALLY PICTURES ONLINE TODAYGREAT RALLY QUOTESNOT SO GREAT RALLY QUOTESGOVERNOR Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tamtagon Posted May 8, 2005 Share Posted May 8, 2005 We need to continue our support for HB-3363 and expressing opposition to the TTC and free road to toll road conversion. The Rally has generated greater public attention and sparked new opposition to the Trans-Texas Corridor. Lets work together to keep the pressure on and turn up the heat.You know what to do.Have the leaders of groups opposed to the TTC's current implimentation plan offered viable alternatives? I'm convinced of the need for a cohesive plan to improve passenger and cargo movement across the State and SouthCentral Region, but I'm also convinced the inferior plan on the table right now would be more easily improved with workable concept alternatives.Texas is a big state, but the question of building cargo highways requires answers which include all of Texas' border states. Cargo from Mexico to where in America? - the TTC must not begin until the states to the North acknowledge the transportation infrastructure upgrade responsibilities of cargo destinations such as Oklahoma City, Kansas City, Omaha, Minneapolis, Chicago, etc.The intrastate transportation solutions proposed by the TTC must see increased motiviation to reduce vehicular pollution in the cities. It may be possible to gain Federal financial support through a TTC strategy which surpasses EPA standards. If Texas metro population is really expected to double within 25-30 years, the region will meet the minimum population density to justify the need for a comprehensive passenger rail service between the biggest cities. Has any organization offered up an alternate plan to Perry's TTC? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GovernorAggie Posted May 9, 2005 Share Posted May 9, 2005 I haven't heard any besides MaxConcrete's suggestions of adding lanes to current interstates. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GovernorAggie Posted May 9, 2005 Share Posted May 9, 2005 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------"Last night I sent a CorridorWatch.org Members bulletin about the Trans-Texas Corridor article in today's The Christian Science Monitor. One reply I received this morning asked a devil's advocate question, "what makes this round of roads ... taking land... any different from the first generation of highway takings?"It wasn't the first time we have been asked about the differences between the development of the national Interstate Highways system and the Trans-Texas Corridor.Once I finished my reply I thought about the others might have the same question and could benefit from our exchange. WHAT MAKES THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE TRANS TEXAS CORRIDOR DIFFERENT FROM THE NATIONAL INTERSTATE HIGHWAY SYSTEM?(1) There is no clearly defined transportation need (e.g. site specific traffic study, etc.) for the Trans-Texas Corridor. In fact there are no specific routes or capacity specifications identified. The need for the Interstate Highway system was well defined and thoroughly understood. Elimination of grade crossings (intersections) was among the chief safety advantage of the Interstate Highway. (2) There was no public discussion/debate prior to adoption of the Trans-Texas Corridor plan. The Trans-Texas Corridor was proposed by the Governor who tasked TxDOT with quickly drafting a plan. A plan which was approved and adopted by the Transportation Commission with a single meeting and without public input. In contrast the Interstate System was debated for years before the project was approved. During that time the Interstate System turn from toll roads to freeways and the routes evolved from avoiding large cities to running through them.(3) In the past highway projects were driven by transportation needs; today the Trans-Texas Corridor & toll roads are driven by a need for revenue. That's a significant shift of public policy that has occurred without any substantive public input, discussion or debate. (4) Secrecy. A stunning lack of governmental transparency in the bidding and contracting process. Another drastic shift of public policy that has occurred without any substantive public input, discussion or debate. Rationalized by the promise of innovation and other theoretical and unproven benefits, we have sacrificed open government and created a new and horrific potential opportunity for abuse. (5) Profiteering. The Trans-Texas Corridor introduces state-sponsored monopolies for public infrastructure that includes transportation, utilities and economic development. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kjb434 Posted May 9, 2005 Share Posted May 9, 2005 Good rebuttal GovernAggie.There are many good points in your satements. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pineda Posted May 13, 2005 Author Share Posted May 13, 2005 Big Money Paves the Way for the Trans-Texas CorridorFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 12, 2005 CONTACT: Patrick Hansen, Campaigns for People, 512.472.1007Linda Stall, CorridorWatch.org, 512.784.6539Groups Release Report on Road-Builder Contributions Leading to the Nation Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GovernorAggie Posted May 13, 2005 Share Posted May 13, 2005 Ok seriously, those who really want to make substantial opposition would prop their cases on the eminent domain aspect--a very thorny issue that the Supreme Court shold be deciding on in a month. If the Supreme Court rules in favor of Kelo, a huge part of the TTC has been seriously disabled if not killed.As far as the money parts go and contributions, etc., none of this makes much difference to me me, but I guess it's because nearly everything in our country has some string attached to it--even "good" projects. Example, the Southwest Freeway. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pineda Posted May 17, 2005 Author Share Posted May 17, 2005 CorridorWatch.org MEMBER BULLETIN - May 16, 2005A DARK DAY FOR OPEN AND RESPONSIVE GOVERNMENTHB 2702 REFERED TO SENATE COMMITTEE TODAYSENATE RULES SUSPENDED; PUBLIC HEARING THWARTEDEVERY AMENDMENT TO HB 2702 IS TOSSED BY SUBSTITUTEWHAT Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MaxConcrete Posted May 17, 2005 Share Posted May 17, 2005 EVERY AMENDMENT TO HB 2702 IS TOSSED BY SUBSTITUTEI'm surprised that transportation committee vice chair Gonzalo Barrientos (D, Austin) stood by and let this happen. I lived in Austin several years, and he is a very reasonable, moderate Senator. Perhaps he has been steamrolled by the Republican leadership, since I think his bills didn't go anywhere this session.The CorridorWatch report seems to suggest that all is lost, but with the Texas Legislature there is one truism: it's not over until it's over. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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