Next TTC meeting Thursday in Rosenberg
By BARRY HALVORSON news@leader-news.com

Wharton County Precinct 2 Commissioner Chris King is encouraging all county residents to attend the Texas Department of Transportation townhall meeting in Rosenberg this Thursday.

The Wharton County Judge's office has posted the meeting agenda in anticipation of a majority of the commissioners court being in attendance. The event begins with an open house at 5:30 p.m. to give those attending a chance to talk with TxDOT staff. The meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. and feature a panel of TxDOT staff, including top-level administration officials, responding to questions.

"Given the fact the potential routes being considered touch all precincts of Wharton County it would behoove the people to be there and voice their opinion," King said.

"We heard previously there was a push to keep the corridor in the U.S. 59 footprint, but that's not the language I want to hear. I want language that states it will use the highway 59 foot print period."

King added he also wanted an explanation from TxDOT officials regarding how they might better use some of the different road infrastructure in Houston to accommodate expansion.

"People in Wharton County have to understand that nothing is off the table regarding I-69 and the Trans-Texas Corridor," the commissioner said. "Any route they want can be chosen at the last minute and this will be the only meeting a person can question the wisdom and logistics of the project and talk directly to TxDOT officials. The meetings coming up in February are just to discuss the environmental impact study."

The other area townhall meeting is set for 6:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 28 at the Austin County Fairgrounds in Bellville.

Starting on Feb. 4, TxDOT will hold a series of public hearings to specifically address the I-69/TTC Draft Environmental Impact Statement. Each of the hearings will start with an open house at 5 p.m. with the official hearing starting at 6:30 p.m. Local meetings include Feb. 11 in Wharton, Feb. 21 in El Campo and Feb. 25 in East Bernard and Rosenberg.

More information on the meetings or meeting locations can be found on the Internet at www.keeptexasmoving. com.