Some Local Land Owners Jump for Joy; No TTC for Them
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Updated: 7:50 AM Jun 13, 2008
Some Local Land Owners Jump for Joy; No TTC for Them
It was going right through their yards. Now some landowners originally in the path of I-69, are breathing a sigh of relief.
Posted: 10:29 PM Jun 12, 2008
Reporter: Ashlea Sigman
Email Address: sigman@kbtx.com
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Texas Department of Transportation employees spent the last few months, getting an earful.

"Most of the people in Grimes County don't want it at all, don't want it at all," said a speaker at a Trans Texas Corridor hearing in February.

Now, it looks like all the opposition to the TTC/ I-69 project has paid off.

Initial studies had the super highway running right through Walker and Grimes County.

Those areas are no longer under consideration. Instead, TXDOT says it will use existing roads.

"Landowners said no we don't want this and we're not gonna take it," said Charlie Wendt.

Wendt's 280 acres were in the original study area.

"I think it wrangled some people, and I know it did me, is the arrogance of saying we're gonna take it," said Wendt.

Much of the land in Grimes County could have been in the TTC path, including historic Shiro Cemetery.

"That was one of the main reasons that we were worried to death about this corridor coming through this way, because that's where all of our family is buried," said Kathie Wendt.

Gravesites and a legacy would have been uprooted.

"Thank goodness someone listened, prayer works," said Kathie.

Grimes County Judge Betty Shiflett, says the decision proves democracy works too.

"It has renewed my faith in the democratic system. The people spoke and they listened. It's a great history lesson," said Shiflett.


Latest Comments

Posted by: Anonymous on Jun 17, 2008 at 04:58 PM

Looks like Navasota welfare fever is in most part of the county now. Some needs to call CDC.
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Posted by: Old Timer Location: Iola on Jun 17, 2008 at 03:50 PM

Wow, the people posting here either don't know what they are talking about are have real short memories. Jimmy are you forgetting about the brazos county district judge removed in the E-mail case for having an affair with the female lawyer,are the one fueding with district attorney. How about the jailer let go for allowing the inmates to drink beer with thier girlfriends.And G.G. for you're information only one school district out of four in Grimes county was unacceptable. Iola and Anderson was well above average. Exemplery or somthing like that. Many of us in rural Grimes county or proud of our schools and value education. My wife of 40 years and I made sure all 3 of our chidren went to college and all 3 recieved their masters. I think you are probably new to the area. Don't judge the county by what you see there in White Hall.
[ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: Anonymous on Jun 17, 2008 at 02:15 PM

"Grimes also does not understand that with a paved roads you need new local businesses to aid in things like Super gas staions, repairs for vehicles, shipping points, restaurants etc." And the TTC plan deliberately insures that NONE of the above will benefit the local population; Facilities along the toll corridor are required to be exclusively owned and operated by the Toll Authority BY LAW. These businesses will pay no local taxes BY LAW. ONLY State highways (no local, county, or FM roads) will have access to the corridor, insuring that the employees will come almost exclusively from major towns far from the facilities... Paved roads are one thing; this atrocity is something else.
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