200 ATTEND TXDOT MEETING

(CAMERON)  Around 200 people attended a public hearing last night at the Cameron VFW hosted by the Texas Department of Transportation.  The hearing was in reference to the proposed widening project of US 190 from Hwy 77 in Cameron to 1.2 miles east of the Bell County Line.  Maps were on exhibit displaying proposed right-of-way lines for the 13.2 mile project that will include the purchase of 125 to 130 acres of new right-of-way.  TxDOT officials were on hand to present the proposed project which will be 80% funded by federal dollars and 20% by state dollars.  The state will pay 90% for right-of-way purchases while the state is negotiating with the county and city for the remaining 10%.  According to TxDOT officials, the Waco District is slightly ahead of the Milam County project with a proposed widening of US190 from Temple to the Milam County project including a loop around Rogers.  Officials reported that although their has been no funds allocated for the Milam County project, and the next allotment won’t occur until the year 2015, TxDOT is moving forward with the right-of-way purchase and will push for a speedier funding of the project based on its importance.  An alternative route to loop Buckholts has been shelved, with plans to proceed with a 5-lane section thru Buckholts and Cameron.  Officials said the plan was chosen as the alternative with the fewest effects.  The rural section will include four lanes with median separation.  Preliminary plans indicate that some 5 businesses and 10 homes must be relocated to accommodate highway construction. 

Sam Wilson, right-of-way specialist with TxDOT told the crowd that there will be some 160 parcels to be purchased for the project, with the process to take between 3 and 4 years to complete.  Construction would take another 3 years.  TxDOT said although no funds have yet been allocated for the project, the process to purchase right-of-way will proceed.  Construction will affect 88 acres of farmland, 37 acres of wooded habitat, and 15 acres of wetlands.  Construction will not affect historical or archeological sights.

Residents were first briefed on the proposed project back in May of 2000.  Residents were told during a public hearing 4 years ago that phase 1 of the project, the development process, was about half complete. (See story)  Currently phase 1 is nearing completion and phase 2, the purchasing of right-of-way, is next in line.  No estimate has been given on the timeline for Phase 3, which is the actual construction process.

Meanwhile, construction on the US 190 widening project from Hwy 77 in Cameron to the Hwy 77 intersection south of Cameron, including two new double lane mile long brides over Little River and a new railroad underpass in Cameron, is expected to begin within the next 60 days.  The Texas Department of Transportation has awarded a $26.4 million contract to James Construction Group of Baton Route, Louisiana for the 4-mile project   The new concrete pavement will be a 4-lane divided road with a 76-foot depressed grass median in the rural area, and a 5-lane urban highway with a continuous two-way left-turn lane.