People have many questions about I-69

The Covington Leader Online
September 30, 2005

Even on a night when the University of Tennessee was playing a key football game, around 300 people came to an Interstate 69 meeting in Brighton — and they had questions.

The Tennessee Department of Transportation had just announced last week the dates for the formal hearings about I-69, yet the people of Tipton County still came.

The format for the meeting was informal and Tennessee Department of Transportation officials took random questions from audience members.

One person asked what happens once a final route is chosen and the right-of-way “butts right up against” their property but it is not part of the what the state is going to take.

Ed Cole, chief of environment and planning for TDOT, said there are “various guidelines” when it comes to that issue.

Matters like access and convenience are considered, he said.

“There are no rules measured in feet,” said Cole.

Another person asked about where the exits will be in Tipton County.

“It depends on the route selected,” said Cole.

He did say exits are an “important” part of the original document which authorized the construction of I-69 from the Canadian border in Michigan to the Mexican border in Texas.

During the upcoming public hearings, the matter of exits will be part of the discussion. Officials in towns along the route have said for years where exits are located become a critical part of the economic future of their areas.

Another audience member asked about the current construction of subdivisions in the county, noting some of them are directly in the path of the proposed routes for the highway.

Steve Chipman of TDOT in Jackson said the state has no control over where development presently takes place.

“We are aware of development going on at this time,” he said. “And that’s why we’re trying to get the document.”

He was referring to the final document which will indicate the route of the road. That is expected sometime in January or February of 2006.

Once that route is set, Chipman said if there are new developments in the path, the state will have to treat it just like any other land which has to be acquired.

“We will have to look at it like acquisition, if necessary,” said Chipman. “At this point, we can’t because we are not there to buy the property ... but we will try to take the least impacted area.”

Cole encouraged residents to work with local government entities when it comes to planning and zoning.

“There’s no mystery about where the alternatives are,” said Cole.

Another person asked who makes the final determination.

Cole said the “ultimate decision” lies with TDOT Commissioner Gerald Nicely. However, he said many TDOT officials will be involved in presenting the alternatives. It has also been widely reported that Gov. Phil Bredesen will be consulted before the final decision is made.

The biggest laugh of the evening came when a man way in the back of the Brighton High School cafeteria asked, “I’m 29, will I ever see this highway done in my lifetime?”

Laughter turned to applause for this question.

“You sure will,” said Cole.

Cole said he did not want to “sugar coat” the cost factor. He said the total project for this segment will cost in the neighborhood of $600 million dollars. However, he also noted some funds have been authorized for the segment and that once a project is begun, it’s much easier and makes more sense to continue the funding.

Another person asked if the state will be working with local governments on projects which will be impacted by the new interstate.

Cole said once the final route is set, the state will work with all local entities on issues like new or improved county roads and possible tourist attractions.

One man said he was concerned the segment from Dyersburg to Millington would not be completed before the other two Tennessee sections and it would cause even more congestion on Highway 51.

“I don’t have an easy answer for that,” said Cole. “That is always a problem when you build roads in segments.”

A woman in the audience asked what guidelines the state uses for determining the value of property to be acquired.

Chipman said the state has appraisals for land and property done in the typical fashion.

“You are assured of a fair and equitable value,” he said.

Norris pointed out there is a mechanism available for persons to be able to take that money and still appeal if they feel like they didn’t receive enough funds. It is possible to get more money if a judge makes that determination, he said.

“We’re here to work with you,” said Chipman.

Another question centered around the recent disaster which struck the Gulf Coast and if the federal highway funds might be diverted from projects like I-69 to rebuild that area.

“There is no evidence now,” said Cole.

He did say that Transportation Secretary Leon Manetta did make comments recently the federal government will have to consider transportation funding for that area.

“But there is no indication now it will impact this project,” said Cole.

Another person asked about the impacts on the Hatchie River and Indian burial grounds along the route.

“Every protection will be taken for these resources,” said Cole.

Cole said one focus will be to construct bridges rather than large culverts because that better protects those kinds of resources.

Cole urged everyone in attendance to review the Draft Environmental Impact Statement to better prepare for the upcoming public hearings.