09-Appoint Representative/I-30 Corridor

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Sunset Review for the second consecutive session. Is there a strong voice to advocate for the needs of the I-30 Corridor on these issues? On April 14, 2014 the greatly expanded and enlarged Panama Canal will be christened. This event will be as consequential to trade and commerce as the original opening of the Panama Canal in 1914. Will the elected and appointed officials and business leaders along I-30 be prepared to capitalize on these opportunities and to mitigate any potential downside of that expansion? These and many, many other issues need to be discussed and a vehicle needs to be established to move them forward. It is important that we identify the issues and advocate for them collectively and in unison, in Austin, Little Rock, and Washington, DC. Those of us that have signed this letter feel that it is time for us to take action. We are pleased that Rick Stopfer, TEX-21 Chairman and Deputy Mayor Pro Tem for the City of Irving, based on the strength of the existing TEX-21 members along this corridor, has agreed to help us utilize an opportunity to partner with TEX-21 as we seek to create a strong, sustained focus on trade and commerce along the 1-30 Corridor. If there is enough interest expressed from those of us within the Corridor, then Rick Stopfer will move to create a TEX-21 I-30 Corridor Task Force which will be formed to specifically address the issues and opportunities along 1-30. This could give us one voice, and a stronger presence, in Austin, Little Rock, and Washington at this critical time. On Friday, November 12 from 10:00 AM until 12:00 Noon in the City of Texarkana, Texas, Bowie County Judge James Carlow and Bowie County Commissioner John Addington, along with key stakeholders from across the I-30 Corridor will host and conduct a strategic planning meeting to begin this exciting initiative aimed at maximizing the myriad surface transportation opportunities available within the 1-30 Corridor. As a recognized leader in this region, your participation at this first meeting is of vital importance and would be greatly appreciated. Following this planning meeting, the Board of Directors of Transportation Excellence for the 21 Century (TEX-21 ) will conduct its Fall Quarterly Meeting over lunch and through 3:00 PM. You are invited and encouraged to attend and participate in this TEX-21 lunch and meeting along with stakeholders from across the State of Texas to discuss and determine the ways in which TEX-21's ongoing work can, and will, contribute to the development of sound transportation policies and a sustainable revenue source to ensure that these policies have the greatest impact. TEX-21 has also confirmed that TEX-21 Congressional Caucus member and long-time 1-30 champion Congressman Ralph Hall will attend and address those at this meeting and will keep in close contact with Congressman Hall's district leadership as the date nears. 0045