MONTGOMERY CO. 249 PROJECT NEEDS GRIMES CO. PERMISSION
The Montgomery County Toll Road Authority has been ordered by the Texas Transportation Commission to ask Grimes County’s permission to enter the county before proceeding with the proposed State Highway 249 project.
According to the Navasota Examiner, the unanimous vote was made February 26th as the Commission approved requests between TxDOT and the Montgomery County Authority.
Montgomery County has committed to fund the project and to reimburse the department for $3.8-million for costs to acquire right of way. Payment would be waived if the value of the state right of way is less than the estimated value of the right of way the county transfers to the department for the construction of the TxDOT Project.
Montgomery County requested that it not become part of the state highway system, which was also approved by TTC.
Prior to the vote, Transportation Commissioner Jeff Moseley appeared to be under the impression that the Montgomery County segment of the project did not cross over into Grimes County. Project Officer Russell Zapalac clarified that the Montgomery County project does cross over the Grimes County line at FM 1774.
Prior to the vote and following public comments, Transportation Commissioner Jeff Moseley said that though the project fits with strategic transportation goals, if Grimes County is against the project, TTC might need to reconsider their options.