Bait and Switch Scheme by TxDOT?

Is TxDOT planning to do a bait and switch scheme with the new entrance to the Franklin Mountains State Park? Rumor has it that they are.

A plan favored by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, the Franklin Mountains State Park and conservationists and environmentalists may now be doomed by TxDOT.  The plan for a new and safer entrance to the Tom Mays Unit of the FMSP, a wildlife corridor, and hike and bike trail connections was presented earlier to the public and El Paso City Council.  The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission voted to give 8 acres of land to TxDOT for the project.

We are now hearing that TxDOT is planning to renege on the deal, pull a bait and switch scheme and do so with the excuse of lack of funds.  Instead of an underpass which guaranteed the protection of the view shed, TxDOT may be planning an ugly OVERPASS and NO ANIMAL CORRIDOR.  If the rumor is true, we have to ask whether this was the intention by TxDOT all along once they had the land in their control.

The new entrance is part of the project to widen Transmountain Road from the State Park entrance to Interstate 10.  

A public meeting about the proposed entrance is scheduled for April 10 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Canutillo High School. (Map)

If indeed a bait and switch is in the works, let's hope that public outrage will be loud and clear.