Open Letter Dated 2/14/07, Re: Access over Lake

As you are aware, Comal County has been experiencing heavy growth during the last ten years.  This growth has had serious impacts to all aspects of our Comal County lifestyle.  Our school systems are struggling to keep pace with the increased student population as they seem to add new schools around the county and continue to plan for more.  Water systems are being developed and expanded to provide drinking water to new subdivisions throughout the County.  Our emergency services are being forced to expand and add additional stations and responders.  Every public entity in this County, in one way or another, is involved in the management of this growth.

Of all the changes we’ve experienced, probably the most obvious and important to our Comal County way-of-life has been the strain on our existing transportation system.  Comal County and TxDOT are moving forward to make improvements to SH46 and US281.  These are important projects; but, I believe we have one major transportation problem that has been overlooked.  We need to explore the feasibility of providing westward and northerly connection of FM2673 to FM306.  This “loop” connection along the west side of Canyon Lake has been discussed, off and on, since the creation of lake in the 60’s.  It is time to seriously consider this matter.

The reason this connection has become relevant is due to following;

• The Comal County population has increased over the past ten(10) years at a rate of 20%.  The future growth will exceed 120,000 by the year 2015

• The focus of this growth is in the SH-46 corridor, US281 corridor, Spring Branch, and Canyon Lake areas

• From Southside to Northside of Canyon Lake is a long and congested drive.  From the FM-3159 area to Hwy-306 north is as much as 40 miles one way.  Emergency vehicles, Law Enforcement, postal carriers, deliveries, construction, School Buses, and personal commutes are taxed daily for their time, effort, and costs.

• With the New Canyon Lake High School on Ranch Road 12, in northeast Comal County, near the Blanco and Hays County lines, the transportation costs for buses and the early and late pick-up’s/drop-offs will be excessive costs and time delays for students and parents.

• As development continues around Canyon Lake, corridor options will close or become exceedingly costly.

A new alternative transportation access across the Guadalupe River/Canyon Lake is feasible and warranted at this time. The dream of many Canyon Lake residents has now become a necessity and the need has become a creditable obligation.