Private Toll Road to Utilize Agreements to Condemn Land

Weren’t private toll roads stripped of their eminent domain power by the 2015 Texas Legislature? Yes.

So, how is a private toll road near Beaumont building a new toll road? The private toll comapny asked local governments to enter into an intrerlocular agreement. If, eminent domain needs to be exercised, it will be through the local governmental entities.

What’s the reception to the private tollroad in SE Texas? SE Texas appears to have learned from 2014 Dallas area defeat of the Texas Turnpike Authority. A group, Citizens in Southeast Texas, has been organized to oppose the project. 

Is the issue just eminent domain? No, the proposed toll will also run through Big Thicket National Preserve, drawing concerns from conservationists.

Port Arthur The News | Big Thicket National Preserve threatened by proposed 105 toll road