CC71 - Citizens for Change on 71

Latest News and Information

Updates from CC71
Thursday August 30th 2007

Updates from CC71
This document chronicles the history of CC71 and actions we have seen so far. Last updated: August 30th, 2007

1. August 12- The inception of our website and our e-mail launch announcing our existence. Since then we have received over 1000 signatures on the petition to TxDOT. Our officials also received many, many letters regarding your concern. Please visit the petition through a link on our website, www.cc71.org to sign if you haven't already!

2. August 14- We announced our existence at the weekly Travis County Commissioners' Court. This announcement, coupled with the amazing response of letters sent by you and those you forwarded, helped us obtain a meeting with TxDOT and Travis County Commissioner Daugherty.

3. August 16th- CC71 met with Commissioner Gerald Daugherty, TxDOT District Engineer Bob Daigh, TxDOT Area Engineer Don Nyland, and Travis County Transportation and Natural Resources Executive Manager Joe Gieselman. This meeting was arranged by Commissioner Daugherty, who invited us to attend. Five of our six core members attended the meeting, which was very educational as well as proactive in tone. We received information on the process of funding and jurisdiction so that we may better understand the issues of 71. TxDOT also shared their plans for 71 and assured us that action can and will be taken. We sited the S-curves near Bee Creek Rd and 71 as a top priority, and TxDOT assured us that they will work to see that the hill is resurfaced with porous friction course paving, which is designed to alleviate hydroplaning issues. There were many more topics discussed- too many to go into detail here- but the meeting was effective and cooperative. Keep checking back at www.cc71.org for more information as it becomes available.

4. August 23rd - a new sign was added to the S-curves near Bee Creek Rd asking drivers to slow down on wet pavement.

5. August 24th - We followed up with District Engineer Bob Daigh. Although TxDOT had said that the resurfacing of the S-curves at Bee Creek Road can be done-hopefully this fall- we wanted to make sure that some other action in the meantime was taken to prevent more hydroplaning. They promised to groove the road by the end of this week.

6. August 29th- As promised TxDOT started grooving the road- with good timing-right before a downpour!

7. August 29th -An update letter was sent by Senator Kirk Watson, State Representative Valinda Bolton, State Representative Donna Howard, Travis County Judge Sam Biscoe, and Travis County Commissioner Gerald Daugherty to the many people who had voiced concern over SH71 by writing a letter through our website.

To see it, please visit our website and click “Latest News”
It is listed as SH71 Update from Elected Leaders Letter, 8-15-07

In the Works:
Media
We are contacting members of the media to help get our group exposure. We are also linking with various websites and have prepared a press release for newspapers and newsletters. If you have any contacts, or would like to link us, please reply to this e-mail with information or e-mail info@cc71.org if you were forwarded this e-mail.

Please keep writing or calling your public officials. They do listen to us, and what you say makes a difference! Voice additional concerns or simply thank them for listening. More letters will ensure that they keep this issue on their radar. See the “E-mail Officials” link on our website to find e-mail addresses and websites.

Please check www.cc71.org periodically for updates, and drive safely!

Sincerely,
CC71
www.cc71.org
info@cc71.org