TxDOT EA Document "Not an Official Copy"

Mary Telles-Goins from TxDOT's Advanced Planning told me yesterday that the Environmental Assessment currently circulating is a "confidential work product" not ready for circulation. Here is her full email message to me:

Mr. Tolbert, I want to thank you for your call this morning to ask about the comment period for the environmental assessment for the Loop 375 Transmountain project. As I explained, the document has not been released by the Federal Highway Administration for further processing. In fact, we are still addressing comments and the document that you have was for coordination among state agencies and the Federal Highway Administration. Until FHWA releases the document, it is considered to be a confidential work product.

I don't want to put you on the spot and ask outright who has copies, but obviously, it is important to us that the public understand that the copy that was put into circulation by some unknown person/agency is not an official copy and is still being revised. If you could let the people you are aware of know that a revised copy will circulate later, when it is officially released for further processing, I would really appreciate it. The process I explained in an earlier email will still be followed, once we are authorized to release the environmental assessment. A legal notice will be published twice, 30 days and 10 days before the hearing, to notify the public that the document is available for review and purchase at the district office. The hearing would be held, with an opportunity for public comment at the hearing after the formal presentation of the information on the project. A ten day comment period would follow the hearing. Letters are mailed out to the elected officials, property owners and interested public letting them know the same information that appears in the legal notice for the hearing.

Thank you and you know how to reach me if you have any questions. I appreciate your help!

Mary Telles-Goins
Advance Transportation Planning
TxDOT - El Paso District

Ms. Telles-Goins has always been that exemplary kind of public servant who responds to public questions quickly. I've always known her to be upfront. I don't question Mary but I do question those above her and I wonder how much the document will change once "coordination among state agencies" is completed. I suspect that there will be plenty of public comment and plenty of dissent especially if there is a finding of no significant impact.

By the way, Mary Telles-Goins is retiring from TxDOT at the end of this month. Tomorrow (December 23rd) is her last full day at work. For 25 years she has been the epitome of a public servant. Elpasonaturally wishes her all the best and thanks her.