I-69 study wants community info
TxDOT asks for help on corridor planning venture

Over the next two months, Texans will be able to offer opinions about the state's future transportation system during an unprecedented public comment period for Interstate 69.

Beginning January 15, the Texas Department of Transportation will hold 11 town hall meetings followed by 46 public hearings beginning on February 4.

"We want to hear the public's ideas and we want to answer their questions," said Ted Houghton, Texas Transportation Commissioner. "It is their comments that will help shape the final decisions."

To encourage a public dialogue, TxDOT will hold numerous town hall meetings in January and February. The first-ever town hall meetings are a direct result of public comment that citizens want more opportunity ask questions and get answers about transportation issues, including the Trans-Texas Corridor.

"We hope citizens will take advantage of these opportunities to have an open dialogue about the transportation issues that face our state and discuss solutions to the challenges," said Houghton. "The format will encourage more give and take discussion on issues, something not allowed by rules that govern the formal public hearings. We look forward to the exchange of ideas."

During the town hall meetings, the public will have an opportunity to ask questions about the Trans-Texas Corridor, comprehensive development agreements, I-69, toll roads and other related transportation issues. Answering questions will be a panel of Tx- DOT staff, which will be led by member of the administration. Each meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m.

One of those hearings will be in Lufkin, at the Lufkin Civic Center, on Thursday evening, January 17.

From Feb. 4 to March 3, Tx- DOT will hold a series of public hearings, which will specifically focus on the I-69/TTC Draft Environmental Impact Statement. The format for these hearings is designed to gather public comments solely on the document. Each hearing will begin with an open house at 5 p.m. followed by the official hearing at 6:30 p.m.

"This is the time for the public to have a say in transportation projects and participate in the decision-making process. We cannot solve the state's transportation problems without public awareness and public involvement," said Houghton.