TTC Opponents Vocal At Weatherford Hearing

Four years ago, Governor Perry unveiled a plan to build the Trans-Texas Corridor, a super toll-road from the Mexican border to the Oklahoma border. Supporters have touted the tollway as a way to relieve traffic congestion, and a way to ensure the economy's growth in the 21st century. The first leg of this tollway would run from Gainesville to San Antonio, and would skirt around the eastern edge of Dallas.

In Parker county last night, state officials held one of several hearings on the matter. About 150 people showed up at the hearing, and a couple of dozen aired their views. All of them are opposed to the Trans-Texas Corridor. Here are some of the reasons they gave for opposing the tollway:

* The western part of the Metroplex would be hurt since it will run east of Dallas.

* It would increase illegal immigration.

* It gives a Spanish firm [Cintra Zachry] control of tolls on a Texas highway.

* It would increase truck traffic in the area.

* It would require eminent domain be used to acquire large amounts of land.

No one spoke in favor of the Trans-Texas Corridor last night. It looks like opposition to the super tollway is starting to pick up some steam. For a long time, I was on the fence regarding this issue. But the more I hear about it, the more I don't like it. Perry is the only one of the candidates for governor that likes the tollway. Friedman, Bell, and Strayhorn have all declared their opposition.

I admit that I don't understand the reasoning for running the tollway east of Dallas. When asked, Cintra Zachry officials said they could make more money in tolls at that location. Is this how we now pick our road routes? I thought roads were supposed to be built where they were needed and not where they are most profitable.

The next hearing will be in Fort Worth next Monday.