6/11/2008

Sources say TTC-69 is Dead.


TTC-69 TxDOT will announce they will axe TTC-69 this week says the Houston Chronicle.

Isn't it amazing how a Sunset Review can get an agency's attention?

UPDATE: I've also heard that new Fed regulations would force them to jump through hoops they can't jump through. Isn't it might "white" of them to kill something they just can't build?

Opportunist politicos
far and wide have already put out early press releases, in hopes that they could be seen as the dragon slayer. Man, I hate politics. Pathetic and expected every single time.

It's to late for TxDOT, they can't chew enough limbs off to get out of the trap they got themselves into. Lawmakers and the public smell blood for the upcoming Sunset Review. Everyone needs to go to the public hearing July 15th. TxDOT, Gov. Perry and Sen. Watson still plan to toll Austin freeways using diverted tax dollars. More to come.

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

let's get the 6 Watson tolls removed from Austin on July 15.

Anonymous said...

I encourage all affected areas in TX to go ahead with your sub-regional planning commissions to stop any FUTURE insanity that TXDOT or politicos might try to shove down our throats. I still think the prospect of lawsuits from SRPC's (and the Sunset report) had a lot to do with the TTC69 issue. Start a SRPC while you can before they change the law in the next session! All existing SRPC's will have to be grandfathered. Now, the people of Central Texas need our help to slay TTC35. Let's not forget East Texans, that our awareness and lobby effort started with those that were affected first (like my hero, Holland Mayor Smith in Bell County). Don't let up - that's what they are counting on!

Anonymous said...

Please put up a picture that is not so gruesome. It could totally put off any newbies and distracts from the real and genuine good you are accomplishing. I appreciate all you do.

Sal Costello said...

Oh, I forgot to mention, the gruesome photograph is not a real death.

It's a recreation made for a TV show. It's just pretend folks.

: )

Anonymous said...

Sal - could you do a post summarizing TxDOT's self evalution report and your thoughts on it?? I've read through it, but to me it's just long and confusing. I want to be ready to discuss it at the Sunset Hearing! Thanks!

Anonymous said...

Thanks Sal, we can always count on you to call a pig a pig.
I hope people dont fall for this !

Sal Costello said...

1:16,

With all due respect...

I wouldn't waste a minute of my life reading a TxDOT "self evaluation" report.

Your Pal Sal
: )

Anonymous said...

txDOT blatantly attempted an end run around NEPA by writing their own rules concerning compliance in its TTC-69 DEIS. It's to the point if txDOT is allowed to skate, there wouldn't be a reg left on any books that would be enforceable. The rebuttal from the Sierra Club you recently posted laid it out.

Anonymous said...

Don't believe the reports - read the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for I-69. This is a political ploy to move the DEIS from Tier One to Tier Two. From where I'm standing it's working because everybody thinks this thing is dead. NOT SO. The current DEIS document does not contemplate upgrading US 59 until it moves to Tier Two. This was done by design. If the DEIS moves to Final this Fall and is approved as written, they will have approved the preferred alternative corridor (what we have been fighting) and can dust it off at some point in the future without us being able to stop them. Read Mr. Saenz's words carefully in the Houston Chronicle today when he talks about keeping options open say, 50 years down the road. I submit 50 could look more like 5 years if the political climate and election cycle works out for some folks in Austin. There is simply too much money at stake for them to lay down this easy. I urge people to call your Reps and find out what is being done to scrap the existing DEIS and replace it with a revised version that speaks specifically to upgrading US59. Don't let them get away with this!!! We have a voice now and a boot on their neck with the Sunset Commission - don't squander this opportunity to kick TXDOT when they have their back against the wall.

Anonymous said...

When your enemy is drowning... shove a water hose down his throat! -Harvey Mackay

Anonymous said...

I think Txdot is doing a great job not only by assisting the public when in need but going the extra mile. That what you should post in the comments and junk news like you been doing!!!!!!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

Wow!!!!!!!!!!! Let me guess, you still believe politicians actually represent their constituents!?

Why don't you just go back to reading the TxDOT web site.

Anonymous said...

They still have a helluva lot of "hoop jumping" to do before they can advance the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) to Tier Two. I'll submit that Sierra Club and others are gonna be on them like white on rice for having an incomplete DEIS whereby they did NO analysis of upgrading existing facilities in Tier One. Good luck TXDOT - we've just begun f&*king with you!