Jan Ruppel’s column about the 105 Toll Road hit the nail on the head. Too many questions go unanswered and a toll road is not needed between Vidor and Beaumont. Lives, lifestyles, livelihoods and iconic natural resources would be negatively impacted by the proposed toll road.

Families may be forced to move from land their families have occupied since the 1800’s. Since the 1920’s, legions of citizens have worked diligently to protect a small remnant of the Big Thicket, a once expansive wilderness and one of the most biologically diverse places on earth – an out of doors laboratory for scientists, students and naturalists and a recreational bonanza for visitors and residents.

As recent events have shown, severe floods can quickly destroy homes and businesses, devastating families and disrupting lives. The Big Thicket National Preserve protects floodplains and wetlands which provide clean water, flood protection and groundwater recharge. Wetlands also provide habitat for our fish and wildlife resources.

The 105 Toll Road threatens land that protects our access to clean water and the opportunity to be physically connected to our natural and cultural heritage.

Please help us protect the Big Thicket and keep Texas, Texas. Oppose the 105 Toll Road.

Ellen Buchanan

President, Big Thicket Natural Heritage Trust