GRAND PAIN: STATE SLATED TO REMOVE FUNDING FOR AREA PORTIONS OF HWY 99

THE STATE’S TRANSPORTATION COMISSION’S DECISION
to remove segments of State Highway 99 (Grand Parkway) from its 2020 funding list have caught many by surprise. The reasoning behind the move – which is slated to run through Galveston, Brazoria and Fort Bend Counties — has left many wondering why a plan that would have eased congestion
throughout the area was pulled with no reason. Officials from the Texas
Department of Transportation have declined to comment on the decision, leaving only a notice that the public still has an opportunity to voice its opinion before an August 29 vote. At the very least, the decision will lead to an extended delay of the project. “Construction of Grand Parkway’s
Segments B and C is essential as an evacuation route, a critical corridor for citizens’ daily use, an essential means to reduce traffic congestion and to support on going economic development in Galveston, Brazoria and Fort Bend Counties,” said Bob Mitchell, President of the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership. Time is running short for the public to let its voice be heard, as the public comment period ends on August 12. Segment B would run from Highway 288 to I-45. Segment C would run from Highway 59 to Highway 288. Segment A would run in League City from I-45 to Highway However, according to the TxDOT website, the segment has not been regarded as a viable project for a considerable amount of time.
Along with Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership, Galveston County Commissioners Court and the League City City Council have been at the forefront of attempting to get the parkway developed. “There is no doubt in my mind that these delays will negatively affect mobility and will stifle commerce and economic development,” said Mitchell. “More importantly, however, the delays will put the citizens of Galveston, Brazoria and Fort Bend Counties at greater risks as they attempt to evacuate from future
hurricanes that will strike the upper Texas gulf coast.” Residents can respond by submitting comments at www.txdot.gov; in person at TxDOT’s local district offices; email at tpp_utp@txdot.gov; by phone at 800-687-8108 or by mailing Texas Department of Transportation, attn: Peter Smith, PO Box 149217, Austin TX 78714. Residents can also attend or watch online a public hearing for the UTP on August 6 at 10:00am at the Environmental Affairs Division, 118 E. Riverside Drive, Austin.