The proposed US 77 Odem Relief Project in San Patricio County is generating tension among local residents as plans for a new freeway could result in the displacement of families. The project aims to improve US 77 by constructing a freeway from I-37 to FM 1945, but the chosen route has sparked concerns about its impact on homes and the community’s way of life.
Impact on Local Families
For residents like Odem native Pete Cordova, the project has brought uncertainty and fear about the future of their homes. Cordova and his family have lived in their light blue house on County Road 2289 for 25 years. The home, purchased as a “forever home,” now faces the possibility of being demolished to make way for the freeway.
“We bought here because it was our forever home. And for us to try to move, we could never replace our home compared to what we can go and look somewhere else. It’s not the same,” Cordova said.
Cordova and several of his neighbors were informed recently about the route proposal, which would curve southeast of Odem and connect to FM 1945 near Sinton. For many, this notification came as a surprise and raised questions about the transparency of the planning process.
Questions About Route Selection
Community member Manuel De Leon noted inconsistencies in the decision-making process. He referenced past studies from 2022 and 2023, which explored multiple potential routes for the project.
“The study was finalized in September 2023 and showed three routes: A, which would have gone right behind us; B, near Odem High School; and C, over to Edroy,” De Leon said.
The selection of the current route, which directly affects residential areas, has left residents frustrated and searching for answers.
TxDOT’s Position
According to Kimberly Amy with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), the project is still in its early stages. She emphasized that the proposed route has not yet been finalized.
“Right now, we’re in the environmental study phase, which also includes schematic design, a preliminary engineering design. We’re at the beginning of that process, so this is the first of several meetings,” Amy explained.
Amy also noted that TxDOT is hosting a public virtual meeting on January 30 to address residents’ concerns and gather feedback.
Residents Advocate for Alternative Solutions
Cordova and his neighbors have been proactive in proposing alternative routes that they believe would minimize disruption to families and reduce costs. According to Cordova, the alternative routes would avoid homes, require fewer bridges, and result in a less invasive overall impact.
“We have solutions and we have other options to look at. Let’s sit down and talk and go over your plans and what we’ve come up with and help each other instead of just putting a freeway through here,” Cordova said.
Cordova and his neighbors plan to present their ideas at the virtual meeting in hopes that TxDOT will reconsider the current route proposal and explore more community-friendly options.
The US 77 Odem Relief Project reflects the growing need for infrastructure improvements, but it also highlights the challenges of balancing development with community concerns.
For families like the Cordovas, the stakes are deeply personal, involving their homes and way of life. As the project moves forward, open dialogue and collaboration between TxDOT and local residents will be crucial to finding a solution that benefits both progress and the community.