RANCHO VIEJO, TEXAS – Cameron County Regional Mobility Authority hopes to have environmental approval to build a 2nd Causeway to South Padre Island within the next 24 to 36 months, now TxDOT is involved.
The Texas Department of Transportation will be the new reviewing agency for the environmental assessment statement. The Federal Highway Administration used to handle this work.
CCRMA Executive director Pete Sepulveda, who was interviewed immediately following a recent CCRMA board meetings, told Ron Whitlock reports and the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service that the board approved a working authorization to proceed with environmental phase. The scope of work authorization should include the environmental clearance needed to construct a second causeway linking South Padre Island with the mainland.
Sepulveda was asked how long it would take to clear the environmental permit. Sepulveda replied that it could take anywhere from 24 to 36 month. We hope to be able to shorten this. The good news is that the work authorization has been approved. A consultant can now develop, update and modify the various reports and schematics to allow us to get environmental clearance from Texas Department of Transportation.
Sepulveda was asked if it would be better to have TxDOT handle the environmental approval process than having FHA in charge. Sepulveda replied: The Texas Department of Transportation is now the reviewing agency. They will be responsible for reviewing the EIS and giving the environmental approval. We think that this is a positive thing. We believe that we have a good working relationship to TxDOT, which will allow us more time to complete the environmental phase.
Recently, Pete Alvarez from TXDOTs Pharr, stated that he believed that a 2nd Causeway could easily be completed in seven to eight years. Sepulveda was asked if he agreed with that assessment. Sepulveda stated: Yes, I believe that although that may seem like an aggressive schedule, it is achievable. The environmental phase is the only thing we have no control over. As long as we get environmental clearance, we can speed up the design and construction. That is our goal. To remain focused on the environmental phase. Once the environmental clearance is obtained, we can move on to the design phase and then begin construction. I agree with his comments.
Sepulveda answered no when asked if he had anything else to add. As we update the reports during the environmental phase, we will post updates.
Board Meeting
Sepulveda, a member of the CCRMA Board, reported that local funding had been obtained for the environmental impact report. The fee is $3798,887 He explained that the partnership is between the county and us as well as the City of South Padre Island.
Sepulveda stated that CCRMA is beginning to receive calls from elected officials wishing to help.
Chairman Canales called me to ask how he could help, once the session begins. There are many opportunities right now, I believe. Part of this will also include funding plans. We will be looking at other funding options. There are many federal funding opportunities right now. This was discussed with Representative Vicente Gonzalez of the county and Senator Cornyn. So, we are thrilled.
The Chairman Canales Sepulveda was referred to as state Rep. Terry Canales from Edinburg. Canales is the Chair of the Texas House Committee on Transportation.
We have a good sense of belonging. I am pleased with the scope. We will collaborate with every state agency and federal agency that will be affected. We will again go to TxDOT. TxDOT will coordinate these efforts for us because they are the reviewing agency. Sepulveda informed the CCRMAs board that Sepulveda said so.
We will be able to provide an additional draft of the environmental impact statement once we have defined the scope. We will likely be required to hold a public hearing. In 2012, we held a public hearing. We had a public hearing in 2012. It includes coordination with federal and state agencies.
Three years have passed since the 2nd Causeway project was halted by state leaders who won’t allow new toll projects. Frank Parker, Jr., Chairman of the CCRMA Board, asked if the cost of building the 2nd Causeway is now $1.5 billion, compared to the $850 million estimate.
It is possible, but I am not certain. It should still be in the $400-$500 billion range. Sepulveda said that we will see.
Within the next 36 months, we will be looking at funding opportunities at the TxDOT level for design, engineering, construction, as well as federal funding opportunities. This applies to any design, right of way acquisition, or construction.
Sepulveda stated: One important difference is that TxDOT is now the reviewing agency, and not the FHA. This will be driven by TxDOT. They said that it was our project, so I am assuming that it is TxDOTs. When it comes to funding, they will be the biggest partner.
Sepulveda was asked by a board member whether TxDOT taking over environmental work is a big deal. Sepulveda replied: I think so. The consultant is well prepared. We are prepared. I know there will be difficulties. We have the support locally, regionally and state for every project.
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