Spring may be host to a toll road
By: JESSICA WELLINGTON, 02/10/05, SPRING OBSERVER
Because of a decision at the Harris County Commissioner's Court, it looks like the F2 segment of the Grand Parkway project (a 12-mile freeway between Texas 249 and Interstate 45 that runs through Spring) may become a toll road.
During the Jan. 25 Commissioner's Court, under the heading of Harris County Toll Road Authority (HCTRA), a request was made and approved to negotiate engineering service agreements for a possible toll road through the northern part of Harris County, including the controversial F2 segment.
The Commissioner's Court authorized the HCTRA to spend $5.6 million dollars on a study to be completed by Kellogg Brown and Root, Inc. and Reynolds, Smith and Hills, Inc.
Residents, including those belonging to United to Save our Spring, an organization dedicated to keeping the parkway out of Spring neighborhoods, are concerned about this new development.
"Harris County seems like they are trying to fast track the project," said Connie O'Donnell with United to Save our Spring. "It looks like it is most definitely going to be a toll road."
According to Patricia Freeze with the HCTRA, the Commissioner's Court approved engineering service agreements to study three segments to determine whether it is economically viable to construct toll facilities and to possibly consider alternate routes.
"We have been asked by TxDOT to take over this project because of their economic restrictions and budget constraints," said Freeze. "They have one year in the contractual agreement to complete the studies."
State Representative Debbie Riddle is concerned about this development because the HCTRA isn't required to consult the public on decisions.
Riddle ensures concerned citizens that she is still looking out for them in regard to this issue.
"I will continue to have the voice of my constituent's heard, even though the Harris County Toll Road Authority can pretty much do what they want to do when they want to!" Riddle said. "They don't have to hold public meetings; they are not required to listen to me or anyone else."
Although the HCTRA is not required to hold public meetings, Freeze encourages citizens to seek information about the project.
"Anytime the community has interest in the status they are more than welcome to talk to us," said Freeze. "Our open forum is Commissioner's Court."
Riddle hopes that everyone can work together and come up with a workable solution.
"I believe if the toll road authority will agree to work with us then we can find some solutions that will benefit everyone," said Riddle. "Mobility is important but we must not forget that the lives of people, their homes and their schools are also important."
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