The Texas Department of Transportation is working with cities and counties across the state to design ways to allow Texans to have a say in Interstate 35 construction projects. Right now, TxDOT is developing a survey that will allow Texas citizens to do just that.

"It's always better to go out to the citizens first, I think we've heard that lesson before, we ran through that issue once before. And they've told us they want to have a greater role, a greater voice," says TxDOT Representative Gaby Garcia.

The article discusses the opinions that two Texas citizens, Suzanne Teague and Cheryl Morgan, have about I-35 development plans. Some of these plans include expanding the highway to four lanes and using high-speed rail services. However, all of these projects will need to be funded and this is where issues often arise. 

"Money. No it's a money issue. And that's also a big part of the issue here. Where do you get the money to improve any of these things," says Bell County Commissioner Richard Cortese.

Citizens will also be able to indicate how these projects should be funded in the TxDOT survey. One idea is to raise gas taxes. Another idea is to pay more for vehicle registration and license plates. Teague and Morgan were able to voice their opinions on these ideas - as will many other Texas citizens.

TxDOT will be handing out these surveys at public meetings in September. Surveys will also be made available online.

Click here to read the full article.
For more information on the plans for I-35, visit www.my35.org.