Spenrath named to TTC advisory group

CHANDRA SPENRATH

The Texas Transportation Commission this week selected Chandra Spenrath, executive director of the El Campo City Development Corporation, to serve on the I-69 Trans-Texas Corridor Advisory Committee, one of two citizens' advisory committees for the TTC. The other is the I-35/TTC committee.

Each committee will advise the Texas Department of Transportation in the planning of the two proposed corridors.

The corridor advisory committees represent a cross-section of community and business leaders, land owners, local transportation experts and other interested parties.

"Our goal is to enhance the public dialogue and meaningfully involve more Texans in transportation decisions," said Texas Transportation Commission Chair Hope Andrade. "These committees will have an important seat at the table as we work together to shape the future of transportation for our state."

"My participation on the I-69/TTC advisory committee is essential to protect the economic impact of not only Texas, but the city of El Campo and Wharton County. A well planned I-69 route would protect and retain the current industries in El Campo and surrounding areas in addition to securing the future for potential businesses currently being courted," Spenrath said.

The committees will study and prepare reports on the impacts of corridor development, including economic, political, societal, population trends; the use of existing, new and upgraded facilities; road and rail solutions; and financing options.

Based on report findings, the committees will make recommendations to TxDOT's executive director and the Texas Transportation Commission on the development of these proposed corridors.

The committees are expected to hold their first meetings this spring. Each committee is scheduled to serve through Dec. 31, 2009.

Later this year, Corridor Segment Advisory Committees will be formed to specifically assist TxDOT in identifying a final route for segments of TTC-35 and I-69/TTC. The segment committees will be appointed by local entities.

Serving with Spenrath on the 1-69/TTC committee are: Nolan Alders, Nacogdoches; Will Armstrong, Victoria; James Carlow, New Boston; Alan Clark, Houston; Carbett "Trey" Duhon, Waller; Jim Edmonds, Houston; David Garza, San Benito; Jim Gonzales, Richmond; Jack Gordon, Lufkin; Judy Hawley, Portland; Cynthia Leleko, Marshall; James McAllen, Edinburg; Arnold Saenz, Alice; David Silva, Beeville; Steve Stewart, Houston; Bill Summers, Weslaco; and John Thompson, Livingston.