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Several members of the state’s largest farm organization will assist in the planning of future state highway projects following their selection to serve on the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) segment committees for the I-35 and I-69 highway corridors.

“It is very important that Farm Bureau members are present to give voice to the concerns of the farmers and ranchers who are affected by highway construction,” said Blanco County Secretary & Treasurer, Adrian Schulze. “Property owners should actively participate in this process.”

Texas Farm Bureau has fought since last summer for TxDOT to recognize the need to include those people who might lose their land to highway projects.

The segment committees-four for the I-35 corridor and 5 for the I-69-are designed to allow for citizen input and advice in the planning process in each of the major highway projects. They will also offer guidance in the development of a master plan for both highway corridors.

“These segment committees are an important opportunity for property owners and rural Texans to take action,” Schulze said. “My hope is that farmers and ranchers will get involved with TFB, and that together we can find a highway solution that is reasonable and fair.”

Texas Farm Bureau members selected for the I-69 committee include TFB District 11 State Director Tom Paben, a Waller County Farm Bureau (CFB) member; Michael Meador, Nacogdoches CFB; Stephen Gertson, Wharton CFB; Troy Nedbalek, San Patricio CFB; and Pearson Knolle, Jim Wells CFB. Serving on I-35 segment committee are Kenneth Sicking, Cooke CFB; Marc Scott, McLennan CFB; Marilynn Dierschke, Travis CFB; and Ray Pfannstiel, Guadalupe CFB.