Commissioner Miller takes TTC protest to state capital
'TURF' march, planned for noon this Saturday, draws attention to ongoing opposition to planned corridor
By SHANNON CRABTREE news@journal-spectator.com

While some Trans-Texas Corridor opponents will be taking their argument to the streets of the state capital Saturday, others are still putting their thoughts in writing.

The Stop The TTC & Tolls Across Texas event, organized by Texans Uniting for Reform & Freedom, or TURF, is set for shortly after noon Saturday, April 5.

Wharton County Precinct 3 Commissioner Philip Miller is among the local residents planning on the trip.

"I think that anything you do helps," he said, adding the combination of events like the Saturday rally and written comments are among the approaches the local citizenry can take to fight the roadway.

"I think, God forbid, that no matter what we say (it will proceed). But I hope I'm wrong. I don't want to be a pessimist, but I think their mind is made up."

Working to capture the attention of decision makers is worth the effort, however, Miller said.

"I think now the Legislature is where we need to go (to State Representative John Zerwas and State Senator Glenn Hegar)," he said adding he encouraged local residents to send the same protest letter they are sending to the Texas Department of Transportation to both.

"It's amazing what paper does," Miller said. "When they get inundated with paper for some reason or another, they start looking and listening."

While planning for the Saturday march continues, TxDOT has extended the comment period on the pre-TTC environmental study through April 18.

Interested Texas can submit comments online at www.keeptexasmoving. com or mail them to I-69/ TTC, P.O. Box 14428, Austin, Texas 78761.

Following state debate, any new interstate highway must ultimately be approved by the Federal Highway Administration.

"I was glad to hear that TxDOT and the FHWA agreed to extend the public comment period for the environmental study," said State Senator Glenn Hegar. "The acrimonious relations between TxDOT and the public has led to great skepticism for many and that is understandable. That said, it is extremely important that all concerned parties detail their position in writing."

"Like most of my constituents, I do not believe a completely new path is needed or warranted," Hegar said.

As drafted, the TTC would encompass 10 lanes of traffic, six rail lines along with communications and pipeline infrastructure. It would span some 4,000 miles across the state, and would limit vehicle access to toll booths scattered along its length.