City joins anti-TTC forces
Resolution encourages U.S. 59 development
By SHANNON CRABTREE scrabtree@leader-news.com

El Campo City Council joined in the protest cries against the proposed Trans-Texas Corridor Monday night advocating an improved and expanded U.S. 59 instead.

Possible economic impacts from the proposed TTC corridor caused concern with draft versions of the roadway limiting access, cutting through family farms and bypassing many cities completely.

"The city of El Campo has for many years supported the I-69 initiative, which is designed to seek Federal government assistance to transform U.S. Highway 59 into Interstate status, utilizing and or expanding the existing right of way and therefore minimiz(ing) the need to take and condemn new right of way," the resolution approved unanimously Monday reads.

The Wharton County Commissioners Court and El Campo school district have approved similar resolutions, City Attorney Ronny Collins told Council.

There are differences, however, he said.

"We wanted to put more teeth in it," Mayor Philip Spenrath said.

Although the resolution doesn't require the state to take any action, it does officialy record the view of El Campo city leaders.

During three recent Wharton County meetings seeking input on the proposed Trans-Texas Corridor, residents packed halls in El Campo, Wharton and East Bernard to express their outrage over the plan. Meetings in Rosenberg also drew large crowds, including many from Wharton County.

Although still in early draft stages looking at possible environmental impacts, the state proposal to create a new toll transportation corridor with a private business operator has drawn heavy opposition.

Locally, the proposal calls for a road corridor north of El Campo and Wharton potentially affecting hundreds of land owners.

Wharton County will consider a new resolution at an upcoming called meeting.