Reply #198: Means the Trans-Texas Corridor can be built where ever TX wants it

[rainbow4321]

http://www.mysanantonio.com/sharedcontent/APStories/stories/D8AT7HTG0.html


The consortium that won a $7.2 billion deal to build the first part of the Trans-Texas Corridor, in part because it promoted use of private money, has inquired about public money.

Cintra-Zachry wrote a letter to the Federal Highway Administration saying it is interested in applying for a $320 million low-interest loan. The developer said in the letter that the loan would help build the 42-mile State Highway 130 extension from south of Austin to Seguin, estimated at $1 billion.

Some say the inquiry contradicts deal-breaking claims that no taxpayer money would be used on the project. The Gov.'s Office and the consortium say the deal didn't prohibit using federal money. Only state money was mentioned.

When the state and Cintra-Zachry signed the deal March 11, Gov. Rick Perry's office issued a news release saying that the construction would be done "at no cost to taxpayers."

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http://gonzalesinquirer.com/articles/2005/05/23/news/opinion/editorial02.txt

The issue of loss of property rights through the state's use of eminent domain is a great concern of rural landowners, and some Texas lawmakers agree.

Rep. Harvey Hilderbran, R-Kerrville, had this to say at the Austin rally: "The government is out of control. They're trying to take our property rights away from us."

The Trans Texas Corridor stands to benefit few but the politically privileged and well-connected but holds the promise of destruction for farms and ranches that have been in Texas families for generations along with small towns and communities scattered across this vast state.

Adoption of HB 3363 would afford Texans, rural and urban alike, time to thoroughly study TTC and then make the determination if it is a concept citizens want to support. As things now stand, politicians and bureaucrats have the sole power to decide when and where the superhighway will be built. That is a decision that should be in the hands of Texas voters.