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Saturday, March 8, 2008
State Rep: Expect Legislative Fireworks
The Lufkin Daily News reported on Angelina County’s chamber luncheon, where State Rep. Jim McReynolds said the legislature is likely to clash with TxDOT over TTC-69 when sessions begin next year.
According to McReynolds, the legislators are “not too happy” with the Texas Department of Transportation, which has been under fire for its proposed I-69/TTC plans.“This (the I-69/TTC) is something we never dreamed of, thought about, or wanted,” McReynolds said. “I have attended all the meetings in my district, and I have not heard a single person that spoke in favor of it.”
McReynolds also noted that TxDOT has hired five lobbyists, an act that agencies are restricted from doing. Phillip Russell, assistant executive director of innovative project development for TxDOT, did comment late last month that the project “can be stopped,” and that he believes the state transportation agency will build additional lanes on U.S. 59 instead of the huge superhighway. TxDOT will have a showdown with the state legislature next January, according to McReynolds.
“They will get their time in January of 2009,” McReynolds said. “Be looking out, because there may be some explosions.”
TxDOT will be undergoing “sunset review” by the legislature when sessions begin again. The process is used to determine the usefulness of state agencies. While’s chances are slim that the state transportation agency will be dissolved, there’s likely to be some pointed discussion about TxDOT and its least-admired project, the TTC.
The Lufkin Daily News also hosts a video, with McReynolds explaining a bit more.
