Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Citizens for a Better Waller County / CBWC?
The Citizens for a Better Waller County is a grassroots, nonpartisan organization that exists to "promote the protection and wise use of Waller County's natural and rural resources to ensure a healthy quality of life for all residents".
2. When was it established and for what purpose? And, aren't there already other organizations that can address such issues?
The origins of the Citizens for a Better Waller County began during late 2004 and into the spring of 2005 when a small circle of neighbors began organizing to oppose the proposed general aviation county airport in north Waller County between Waller and Prairie View. The name for the group, Citizens for a Better Waller County, was adopted in the summer of 2005. The Waller County Commissioners' Court voted in July 2005 to put these airport plans on "the shelf."
CBWC has since been focused on educating the public and communicating our opposition to the Trans Texas Corridor (TTC) to the governor who "envisioned" it, our representative and senator who voted for it, the Texas Transportation Commission, and TxDot and other government agencies involved in this massive public-private project. Citizen help is needed to inform others and to continue to develop ways to protect our collective rights. Citizen apathy will insure that the TTC will be built and operated as "envisioned".
No, there is no other nonpartisan group which has emerged to take on the variety of issues that might be of concern to citizens all over the county.
3. Are there dues to belong to the CBWC?
No, there are no dues, but without contributions we cannot operate.
4. What are the CBWC goals and objectives?
It is our goal to help inform the citizenry on issues that might result in decisions, policies, practices, and projects that will affect us in our lives and livelihoods in Waller County. It is our objective to determine and recommend courses of action to follow to achieve those goals. That might include investigations resulting in a better understanding of some issues, support for some projects, recommendations for modifications of others, and opposition to some which threaten our quality of life.
5. How does CBWC keep Waller County citizens informed?
We ask that members allow us to add their names and contact information to our database. We believe that necessary to alert and inform citizens scattered over a large geographical area without a major communications outlet to rely upon. We believe that we must use technology where we can to overcome the isolation and communication limitations that are a part of the rural landscape... and our largest challenge.
6. How will the CBWC know if it is successful?
- attainment of stated goals
- a better informed and involved populace
- citizen trust and confidence in the willingness of CBWC to take on issues in a responsible and competent manner
7. What was the CBWC position on the proposed Waller County Airport?
Citizens asserted that there was no justification for the pursuit of a municipal airport by the County based upon:
no economic justification from studies of small private and municipal airport statistics in Texas
broad environmental and pollution concerns
safety concerns with the site selection near schools and a densely populated area
8. What is the CBWC position on these issues?
Trans-Texas Corridor? CBWC is opposed to the building of the TTC through Waller County because of its abusive use of eminent domain to seize unwarranted and excessive amounts of private property to be "rented" to a foreign company. The 50 year long, secret, non-compete terms of the contracts also violate free enterprise and open government principles. Established need (based on feasibility studies and projections from an impartial source) and public input should be fundamental determiners for major transportation projects.
eminent domain? CBWC supports efforts for a strong, genuine Eminent Domain Amendment to the Texas Constitution
condemnation? CBWC will campaign for "replacement value" instead of "fair market value" in appraisals and will support legislation to overturn Hubenak v. San Jacinto Gas Transmission Co., a 2004 Texas Supreme Court case which allows state governmental entities to offer less than "fair market value" in condemnation proceedings, and thereby placing the burden of proof (and expense) on the landowner to show otherwise. (A fuller Condemnation Handout is available and is posted online at www.wallercountycitizens.org)
9. What other organizations/affiliations does the CBWC align with/support?
CorridorWatch.org
Blacklands Coalition
Grimes County Citizens group
Tx Toll Party
SA Toll Party
IndyTexans.org
multiple citizen organizations along the TTC I-35 and the TTC I-69
10. What other issues is the CBWC currently investigating and/or addressing?
water rights and Ground Water Districts (GWD)
roles, powers, and membership of RMAs (Regional Mobility Authorities),
roles, powers, membership of EDCs (Economic Development Councils),
monitor the process underway in the projected US Hwy 290 expansion between IH 610 and FM 2920
support of Initiative and Referendums as a reform tool to carry grassroots issues directly to the voters
support a "Vote of Record" for ALL votes cast in the Texas Legislature and available online within a day
the need to identify and endorse candidates who support our positions at the ballot box
11. Is the CBWC a non-profit organization?
Yes, it is a non-profit political action committee (PAC). It is nonpartisan but has the ability to endorse candidates who have stated positions in keeping with the objectives of the group. Education and issue advocacy are the fundamental tools of the CBWC.
12. How can I participate in the CBWC?
Be a volunteer;
Contribute financially or with "in-kind services" to CBWC;
Be the "eyes and ears of the community" and inform CBWC about issues that you think should be investigated;
Attend meetings and events and stay informed;
Invite the CBWC to address your community group;
Inform your friends and neighbors by forwarding the website and email alerts;
Contact your county, state and federal government representatives and express your concerns;
Support and vote for candidates who support the issues that are important to you;
Encourage others to do the same;
Consider yourself to be a Citizen for a Better Waller County. TOGETHER we can make a difference.
13. Where can I get more information on the CBWC?
basic handouts on relevant topics
from officers and directors and committee chairs (outlined on the website)
14. What is the current status of the Trans Texas Corridor I-69?
The TTC I-69 (the route presently proposed to come through Waller and Grimes Counties) has been identified as a high priority corridor of the Trans-Texas Corridor.
TxDOT is presently working on the draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and expects to release a map of a narrowed 4 mile wide study area sometime in the Spring of 2007. Further hearings will be held then.
Final Federal environmental approval for the preferred TTC I-69 route could come as early as the Winter of 2007-2008. Typical right of way acquisition / condemnation would begin at this stage.
Two international consortiums (coalitions of banks and corporations) have submitted initial proposals to TxDOT asking to develop the TTC-69 (details remain proprietary secrets).
__"Bluebonnet Infrastructure Investors" Cintra [a company based in Spain] (Equity Owner),
Citigroup, Earth Tech, Blanton & Associates, Maunsell, Othon, W.W. Webber, LLC,
Ferrovial Agroman S.A.,
__"The ZAI ACS TTC-69 Team" Zachry American Infrastructure Inc. (Equity Owner), ACS
Infrastructure Development Inc. [a company based in Spain] (Equity Owner), Steer Davies Gleave,
UBS Securities, LLC, Dannenbaum Engineering Corporation, ACI Consulting, Sociedad Iberica de
Construcciones Electricas, S.A. (SICE), Dragados, Williams Brothers Construction, Inc. (WB),
Zachry Construction Corporation, Inc.
These two consortiums will now provide TxDOT with more detailed plans/proposals.
TxDOT says they could choose a partner (to acquire, design, develop, finance, construct, maintain and/or operate the I-69/TTC) and could sign a comprehensive development agreement (CDA) by late 2007. (A fuller handout is available and posted online at www.wallercountycitizens.org)
15. Can TxDOT or any other State government entity come on my property without my permission?
Prior to Condemnation proceedings, TxDOT must obtain the permission of the landowner to enter upon the property and conduct a survey. If the landowner refuses to give permission and TxDOT enters the property, they are trespassing.
Once a Condemnation proceeding begins, then TxDOT may enter the property WITHOUT the owner's permission. The landowner should receive notice prior to the beginning of a Condemnation proceedings.
