FMSP Corridor Project Lets!

It's official. TxDOT is now calling for bids for the FMSP connectivity project (animal corridor with a hike and bike trail). The corridor will be constructed near the entrance to the Tom Mays Unit of the Franklin Mountains State Park. The El Paso conservation community has long awaited for TxDOT to ask for bids and then begin and complete the project. Here we go.

Click image to enlarge.

To see the bid online go to http://ftp.dot.state.tx.us/pub/txdot-info/cmd/lettingschedule/2016/current-month.pdf and scroll to page 68.

State Park Animal Corridor to Let in September?

Although it's pretty certain that the City of El Paso's priorities and not TxDOT nor regional engineer, Bob Bielek, are to blame, the process for actually building the wildlife corridor with a hike and bike trail at the Tom Mays Unit of the FMSP has been a lengthy one.

In a July 30, 2015 email to Rep. Joe Pickett, Bob Bielek wrote: "I discussed how we are going to fund this project with staff today and we came to the conclusion that it makes the most sense to fund the project out of Category 11, which is essentially District discretionary funds.  We will likely have enough to fund this project with FY 16 funds and should be able to let in September or October. The reason for this is that we would not need to get the project into the TIP, STIP or have to go through all of the paperwork associated with conformity, etc. Depending on final estimates this could change, but as of right now we believe this is the fastest and cleanest approach."

Let in September or October? Let's hope it's finally true.

O'Rourke Gives Strong Support to FMSP Connectivity Proposal

In a letter to a TxDOT official, Congressman Beto O'Rourke supports the most recent entrance proposal because it offers safety and connectivity. He applauds TxDOT for working with "the community, environmental groups, and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department". 

Here is his letter:

O'Rourke Letter to TxDOT on FMSP Connectivity 

Click to enlarge.

See TxDOT Drawings of State Park Connectivity Project

TxDOT has published drawings of the connectivity project at the entrance to the Franklin Mountain State Park HERE.

Email and Facebook posts continue to be hugely positive. The only question seems to be whether there is a way to move the project along faster. I got this email from Terri Garcia's favorite EX-PSB member:

"One of the things that doesn't compute is not being able to use discretionary funds to build this feature ( either in whole or part ). After all, what monies were used to build the wildlife tunnel between Paseo and Plexxar?

"Why is there a distinction?

"I really like the design, it's very thoughtful, and needs to be expedited or risk being shelved.

"I'm glad the current Transmountain project is ahead of schedule, so any delays caused by doing this now probably would have little net effect on that benchmark.

"The public was promised by TxDOT, as a condition of approval by City Council to not only  look at but resolve these issues.

"TxDOT just issued a $3.5M change order at the City's request for cosmetic enhancements. If that's doable, then $1.5M for functional and safety improvements should not only be possible but a priority.

"Finally, this project is one of only a handful at most through out the entire country. It's a huge PR opportunity!"

Bob Bielek did say the other evening that the "cosmetic enhancements" were done at the request of the City. 

It's always good to see City leadership get their priorities straight.