Time for Vision

To the editor:

Fayette County is sacred land. From the time of Stephen F. Austin, our historical legacy was ingrained. For 200 years, men and women made sacrifices and even died for this land. Some of these heroes are buried at Monument Hill and are memorialized each year. It is our privilege to live and to work in a county with this rich heritage.

Agriculture is the foundational resource that attracts new residents and visitors. Pristine land is a treasured resource. Our land is irreplaceable. Once land is damaged or altered for commercial gain, the beauty cannot be restored.

The Bypass 77 option under consideration entails damage to 100s acres, much of which is generational land. Many of the property owners are families who have worked hard and long to preserve this land. Damage will include more than the significant property value loss from eminent domain of the generational land. There will be a farreaching ripple effect of pollutions – construction, trash and debris, noise and chemicals across even more properties.

It is upside down reasoning for us to jump through hoops to cater to transporters who drive unsafely through our community, litter our roads with debris, do not pay taxes, and do not have a vested interest in the future of La Grange and Fayette County.

Discerning another option that does not damage the land and mandates safety from the commercial transporters is paramount. Many communities have restrictions on the transport of dangerous chemicals and materials close to their populated areas. Several alternate options have been floated and surely there are others.

It is in everyone’s best interest to protect our irreplaceable asset, our unspoiled land. This is a pivotal time for vision and collaboration among our community, City, County and Texas Department of Transportation.

Kathy Schenck Houston