Will Wildlife Corridors Be Part of TxDOT's Long Range Plans?

As part of its effort to update its Statewide Long-Range Transportation Plan, TxDOT is holding a second series of public meetings across the State. The El Paso meeting will be this coming Monday, May 24th from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the El Paso Greater Chamber of Commerce, 10 Civic Center Plaza.

Here is the announcement that they emailed:

The El Paso District will hold a second open-house public meeting on Monday, May 24th at the Greater El Paso Chamber of Commerce.

As previously noted, we at the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) are updating our Statewide Long-Range Transportation Plan, and are asking for your help in developing this blueprint for how Texas addresses its future transportation needs.

This plan will provide a framework for developing and implementing a multi-modal transportation system through 2035, including highways, rail, water ports, airports, pedestrian and bicycle facilities, pipelines and Intelligent Transportation Systems. The Statewide Long-Range Transportation Plan is the foundation for many planning efforts underway at TxDOT.

Next Monday's meeting is designed to give you an informal venue for viewing informational videos and exhibits outlining the statewide initiative. Participants may ask questions and provide written comments on the direction of the plan is scheduled to be completed and ready for public hearing and Commission adoption this fall.

We hope you will be able to participate in this important planning process. Your input is vital for TxDOT to fulfill its mission of providing safe, effective and efficient movement of people and goods throughout Texas.

Please let your co-workers and friends know about the meeting, as well.

Again, the open-house public meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 24th from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the El Paso Greater Chamber of Commerce which is located at 10 Civic Center Plaza.

To read about the Statewide Long-Range Transportation Plan and how you can get involved go to:

http://www.txdot.gov/public_involvement/transportation_plan/default.htm

For more information on where and when open-house meetings will be held, go to:

http://www.txdot.gov/public_involvement/transportation_plan/public_involvement.htm

And if you would like to receive future updates on the Plan, please sign up at:

http://www.txdot.gov/public_involvement/transportation_plan/default.htm__

Ecologist, Kevin von Finger asks: "Shouldn't this plan include 'transportation' for wildlife - wildlife corridors?

Comments were made about such a corridor at a recent meeting in El Paso regarding the Trans Mountain Road expansion. The answer that TxDOT made was that it was too expensive. Texas Parks and Wildlife Urban Wildlife Biologist, Lois Balin, has not heard differently as of today.

Perhaps the Monday meeting will be a good time for many to re-raise the issue of wildlife corridors not just along Trans Mountain but throughout the State of Texas.