Hearing to Address Highway 45 Extension
The southwest Texas 45 route goes over the Edwards Aquifer. Image courtesy Wikimedia user SPUIThe Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization is holding a public hearing tonight about its long-term transportation plan. The part of the plan that has gotten the most attention is State Highway 45 Southwest, which would provide a route from South MoPac to FM 1626.
Supporters say the long-planned highway is necessary to relieve traffic congestion in southwest Travis County and northern Hays County.
But critics say it would pose a big environmental problem because it would go over the Edwards Aquifer.
Travis County Judge Sam Biscoe, who is on the CAMPO Policy Board, says he’s been hearing both arguments for over 20 years.
“In my view, though, we have committed to construct the project, we have spent public money to get it done,” Biscoe said. “We ought to do it the right way, but I’m convinced that we can, and so that’s why I support leaving it in the long-term plan.”
Tonight’s public hearing starts at 6 in the Lady Bird Johnson Auditorium in the LBJ Library on the UT campus.
