Debate on West Parkway toll-road project continues

The debate on the West Parkway toll road project continued at Tuesday’s workshop of the City Commission, which could throw a monkey wrench in plans of the Cameron County Regional Mobility Authority.

The CCRMA is working on the West Rail Relocation Plan to move rail lines west of the city. A component calls for the construction of West Parkway, formerly known as the West Loop Project, from Olmito to the B&M International Bridge. The parkway would be constructed on Union Pacific right of way. The roughly 8-mile roadway would be virtually parallel to Expressway 77/83 and its cost would be offset by tolls charged to its users.

Past City Commissions have supported and rejected the project.

Discussions that Camarillo spurred Tuesday hinted that the city is researching if ownership of the railroad right of way would revert to the city when the rail lines are moved west of the city, thus preventing CCRMA from developing the parkway.

"It is very possible that the city has an interest on portions of the property that UP is now abandoning," City Attorney Mark Sossi said.

Commissioner Charlie Atkinson also voiced strong opposition to the project, which would divert traffic downtown to the B&M International Bridge, saying that the city should not divert traffic to a bridge that the city does not own.

Commissioners Anthony P. Troiani and Rose M. Z. Gowen questioned the practicality of the project and asked CCRMA representatives to present other alternatives to the toll road.

"How can we make a logical, thoughtful decision with just one solution in front of us?" Gowen said.

Mayor Pat M. Ahumada Jr. voiced support for the project, noting that "doing nothing should not be an option."

CCRMA consultant Robert Ridings said public input continues to be sought and that while some persons will not support the project "no matter what," others, he said, are now supporting it.

If the proposal continues as planned, the parkway could be completed in the year 2012.

Ridings’ update on the project was provided during a workshop and action was not required.

At the ensuing commission meeting, new appointments were made to the Brownsville Visitors & Convention Bureau.

The new members are voting members B.S. Wadhwani, P. K. Patel, and Rusty Berchot and non-voting member Connie Hensley. A second non-voting member will be appointed at an upcoming meeting.

In other business, the commission tabled action on adjusting bus fares.