County votes for FM 1387 southern alignment

After about two hours of discussion during its Dec. 13 meeting, the Ellis County Commissioners Court voted to recommend the Farm-to-Market 1387 southern alignment to TxDOT.

Following four hours of public comment Oct. 18, the commissioners and county staff created a study to better understand both the northern and southern alignments. They released a 26-page report that includes the history of FM 1387, pros and cons for both alignments, an analysis of their research and six meetings with key individuals from both sides and from TxDOT, explanations for residents’ concerns and more.

“The goal of this extension was to provide an additional east-west connection through the county and extend it to IH-35E to provide better mobility for future county residents,” according to the report, which noted the extension had been in the works since the 1990s.

While the other commissioners expressed their support for the southern route, Commissioner Kyle Butler expressed his support for the northern route, saying he thinks the north will be more beneficial and he did not want to disturb households with the southern route.

“When we talk about the number of people coming to our community, we are not sufficient east and west, and we are not making the connectivity,” Commissioner Lane Grayson said.

“I don’t like the fact that we are called to make this decision, and it’s really a suggestion,” Commissioner Paul Perry said. “We’re in trouble when it comes to east-west transportation in this county, and if we don’t do something about it … .”

Butler first made a motion for the northern alignment but failed to receive a second. Perry made a motion for the southern alignment, saying, “It’s better for all of us.” The court approved the southern alignment with a 3-1 vote.

While the total project will cost around $5 million, director of planning and development Alberto Mares said the county will only be responsible for 10% of right-of-way acquisition and utility relocation, which is estimated at about $350,000 with the southern alignment.

To view the county’s report, visit http://www.co.ellis.tx.us/DocumentCenter/View/16864/FM-1387-Report.

Originally published December 23, 2022 - https://www.waxahachiesun.com/business/county-votes-for-fm-1387-southern-alignment/article_bc33b1d4-8344-11ed-afbe-d7f4f5f5dee5.html