Pinthouse Pizza
For Pete's Sake
RECEIVED Mon., Sept. 4, 2023
Dear Editor,
I appreciate the article in the Sept. 1 issue regarding the mess that is I-35 and its creator, TxDOT ["Rethink35 Is Suing TxDOT Over I-35 Expansion With Broad Community Support," News]. I also need to point out that the article has an error that should be corrected, but it also indicates a fact that should be recognized in the lawsuit.
First, Pete Buttigieg is the secretary of transportation, who by law (Title 23 U.S.C) has to approve all changes to interstates. The federal highway administrator works for Buttigieg.
In my time at USDOT and then subsequent decades working on issues involving Title 23 and interstate controversies, there have been only a few times the secretary exercised his or her authority over the interstate – that is to say, challenged state DOT decisions. Those actions are noteworthy, such as I-66 in northern Virginia. I have been surprised to see that this secretary, who has been more of an activist, has been unwilling to intervene to get a better outcome.
I appreciate the article in the Sept. 1 issue regarding the mess that is I-35 and its creator, TxDOT ["Rethink35 Is Suing TxDOT Over I-35 Expansion With Broad Community Support," News]. I also need to point out that the article has an error that should be corrected, but it also indicates a fact that should be recognized in the lawsuit.
First, Pete Buttigieg is the secretary of transportation, who by law (Title 23 U.S.C) has to approve all changes to interstates. The federal highway administrator works for Buttigieg.
In my time at USDOT and then subsequent decades working on issues involving Title 23 and interstate controversies, there have been only a few times the secretary exercised his or her authority over the interstate – that is to say, challenged state DOT decisions. Those actions are noteworthy, such as I-66 in northern Virginia. I have been surprised to see that this secretary, who has been more of an activist, has been unwilling to intervene to get a better outcome.
Sarah Campbell