"We are concerned about a process where the state forces its will
on every level of government with utter disregard for local and
regional needs or concerns."
                                                                 ___ Corridor Watch
Links to sites for
up-to-date information:
Here's the State of Texas'
version of the story:
The Trans-Texas Corridor
[Excerpt from www.CorridorWatch.org]

You might have seen the headline (above)but what exactly does that mean

October 9, 2009

Is the Trans-Texas Corridor dead?

No it is not dead. But it is mortally wounded and expected to die.

Criticism of the TTC has recently developed into a high profile campaign issue (again) making the timing of this “No Build Alternative” announcement highly suspect as being politically motivated.

The problem is the TTC can’t die soon enough.

Highways developed using federal funds are required to comply with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Because of the extensive legal process involved, the final decision called the Record of Decision, can’t be issued until sometime in 2010 at the earliest. In any case it just can’t happen before the March primaries next year, and maybe not even before November general election.

Running for reelection in 2010, the Governor who devised, championed, and made every effort to force the construction of the TTC now needs voters to forget about it.

Has the contract with Cintra-Zachry been cancelled?

No, it has not been cancelled.  It won’t be cancelled until a “No Build Alternative” ROD is issued.

The “No Build Alternative” recommendation – forced, not volunteered.

Overwhelming public and legislative opposition to the TTC has forced TxDOT to act. [letter]

It is a common misconception that the required environmental impact study (EIS) is limited to





endangered species and pollution. It is not. NEPA requires an examination of the project to include economic, social and community impact as well. Public opposition is a specific element of the EIS. The number of negative comments received on the TTC created a tremendous obstacle to overcome.

Add to that a dramatic lack of support in the legislature and a pending Sunset review.

Also consider the long list of issues related to TxDOT’s handling of the NEPA process. CorridorWatch and other organizations have filed numerous comments and complaints that are yet unresolved. Several of those issues would likely lead to legal action if the TTC move forward.

And, there may be even more significant problems hidden from public scrutiny.

Apparently TxDOT still does not believe honesty is the best policy.

TxDOT would have us believe that they are being genuinely responsive to public comment. New information now contradicts that and indicates that the Federal Highway Administration itself motivated the “No Build Alternative” recommendation.

In a notice filed yesterday (10/8/2009) by Cintra Concesiones de Infraestructuras de Transporte, S.A. (Cintra) with the Comisión Nacional del Mercado de Valores (market regulator) in Spain, Cintra reported that TxDOT’s “No Build Alternative” recommendation is the result of comments received from the Federal Highway Administration. That was omitted from what TxDOT said at their press conference. Either Cintra has it wrong or they know something that TxDOT has avoided disclosing to the public.

[to read the entire article, go to Corridor Watch.]
TxDOT Recommends the "No Build Alternative" for their TTC-35 FEIS
Important Update below