I find it rather sad and a bit nerving when a coalition from overwhelmingly prosperous regions of the state of Texas will deliberately lobby to derail the economic opportunities of a less developed region (in this case, the Rio Grande Valley), to protect their own capital interests.
Below is an excerpt of an article from The Herald that will explain.
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Brownsville officials worried of coalition’s plans for I-69
By GILBERTO SALINAS
The Brownsville Herald
Nov. 30, 2004 — Local officials are concerned that a pro-Interstate 35 group is trying to derail the proposed Trans-Texas Corridor route, which includes a portion of the proposed Interstate 69.
Officials with the River of Trade Corridor Coalition want to reroute the corridor so it is in proximity to the existing I-35, which starts in Laredo and continues through San Antonio, Austin, Dallas and ends at the Canadian border.
“I haven’t studied this coalition, but it’s a concern to me because any organization that is against I-69 is not in the state’s or country’s best interest,” said Brownsville Mayor Eddie Treviño on Monday.
“I-69 is extremely important to the Rio Grande Valley and South Texas. … We’ve been ignored for decades and the fact that we’re the fastest growing region in the country indicates that this is not a wish list, but a necessity,” Treviño said.
To finish reading the article click here.
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Within two decades, the population of the Rio Grande Valley will grow by 260% and we are already the fastest growing metropolitan region in The United States; Brownsville alone is home to about 160,000. In the meanwhile, we also have the lowest per capita income rate in the nation, one of the lowest unemployment rates in the nation and many people living in third world conditions. With the maquiladora industry taking a strain and many jobs being lost overseas, it is my belief that a tourist industry can lift the economy of this region and I-69 would help stimulate such a market. I-69 would also help further affirmative development, quality of life and support the recognition the Rio Grande Valley deserves on national and state sectors. I know its only an interstate, but that's precisley the case...with a mentality like that, people will see the Valley as a more accessible location..thinking that the interstate will make it an easier destination, thus stimulating our economy. I can only hope that RGV delegates will lobby like hell against the River of Trade Corridor Coalition.
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2 comments:
Did I miss something? What I read in this paragraph "Officials with the River of Trade Corridor Coalition want to reroute the corridor so it is in proximity to the existing I-35, which starts in Laredo and continues through San Antonio, Austin, Dallas and ends at the Canadian border." is that the group wants I-69 re-routed and not abandoned. They just want it close to I-35. There are several major cities affected by the route including San Antonio where I live. I am a native Valleyite and want it to prosper. Even if the route starts in Laredo, the Valley can link up to it. I don't see the problem except the congestion and many accidents currently on I-35 with all the 18 wheelers. I think folks should look at the big picture and support progress for the state and then themselves. To stop the plan set all of us back. Why not support the plan and find ways to be included into the plan. There is not doubt the Valley need to be a part of I-69 but trying to stop it's development, is not the place to start.
Z
Want to share these links with you.
http://www.i69texas.org/News 8 Austin ArticleValley Morning Star OpinionROTCC ArticleI agree, I think people should look at the big picture and support progress for the state and then themselves. But the ROTCC is not looking at the big picture and looking for themselves first. The Valley is the only metropolitan area in the nation that does not have an interstate going through it. The current plans include spurs from McAllen and Brownsville that would link to the interstate from Laredo to Corpus, Victoria and Houston...but the ROTCC is trying to derail those plans and have it run closer to
1-35...diverting any infrastructural and commercial development from our region...which is in bad need of progress on those levels.
I am for the progress of the state, but I am more for DISTRIBUTARIES of trade...when you give commerce and trade options...you allow flexibility for innovation, growth and efficiency...there will be even more wealth to spread around and 1-35 would still have it's big piece of tha pie.
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