"I too would like to make an official correspondence for two purposes: 1) consider this a formal request that I be provided the draft NEPA document that evaluates this project so that I may provide public comment in accordance with 40 CFR 1500-1508; 2)I am hereby going on record as notifying TxDOT of the danger to public health & safety to the public that accrues from ignoring the hazards associated with not providing large mammal crossings across the proposed 4 lane expansion of loop 375."
"I am aware that the issue of an underpass that would accommodate safe passage of large mammals has been brought to the attention of TXDOT by a Texas Parks & Wildlife Urban Biologist, and also by myself at a city Open Space Advisory Board meeting. The comment from the TXDOT project engineers was that this wasn't in the plans since their staff didn't tell them that it was an issue. Note that in one month (February I believe) there have been 5 vehicle-deer collisions. I now understand that TXDOT says that a properly designed large mammal crossing is too expensive. What appears to have happened is that nobody at TXDOT did their homework regarding environmental & health & safety impacts so now the item may not fit in the budget.
TXDOT has been made aware of the dangers of vehicle-large mammal collisions. This is not only an environmental issue but one of health & safety. The state is liable if TXDOT neglects to remedy this danger and God forbid someone dies [which] happens all over the country & will sooner or later here if status quo is accepted. There will be one hell of a price to pay. If a human life is not a sufficient price to get a properly designed large wildlife crossing, then perhaps the guarantee of a future lawsuit should be motivation. Pay now or pay a hell of a lot more later.
Vehicle-wildlife collisions must be analyzed as an impact in the NEPA document and an argument can be made that this is a significant environmental impact as defined in the CEQ NEPA implementing regulations 40 CFR 1500-1508. The underpass must be properly designed or large wildlife will not use. I & others can provide guidance. Mary, sorry to burden you with this but it is serious. When I lived in Illinois I saw vehicle-mammal collisions actually happen & it wasn't pretty. There were horrible injuries & a death. Please provide me with the NEPA document when it becomes available for public review."
Perhaps many of you will want to write similar requests. TxDOT cannot and should not just ignore public comment at whim.
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