While the plug may have been pulled on the Trans Texas Corridor, there is still plenty of work ahead for Katy area residents. No official designs or plans have yet been released, but it will be interesting to see what TxDot has in mind when they opt to use existing highways for the I-69 route through Houston. Based on TxDot's recent behavior, Katy residents would be wise to keep an eye on Austin.
TxDot tried tolling the Grand Parkway in Katy after if was mostly completed. They abandoned that plan after residents voiced their displeasure. Now TxDot has scrapped the Trans Texas Corridor because of even more vocal opposition. TxDot has already stated that future extensions of the Grand Parkway will be toll roads, but will they try to work I-69 into those plans?
Fort Bend County Judge Bob Hebert was quoted in today's Chronicle stating that he will work to prevent TxDot from using existing portions of the Grand Parkway for any Houston I-69 by-pass. I certainly hope he is successful. The climate of the Katy community depends on it. Instead of steamrolling the I-69 concept down Texans' throats, maybe TxDot officials should read Houston City Council member Peter Brown's recent article on mass transit. It's time for TxDot to pull their collective heads out of the sand and start working on real transportation solutions for Texans. More concrete and tollways will not solve our energy problems or our need for viable mass transit.
For more information about real estate and mortgage issues contact Aaron Layman. He is a licensed real estate broker and mortgage broker. You can contact him directly at 281-994-5190. You can also visit him on the web at www.AaronLayman.com.