Henderson County commissioners vote 3-2 to tell TxDOT the county is interested in FM 1667

HENDERSON COUNTY

Henderson County Commissioners Court voted 3-2 to inform the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) that the county is interested in acquiring TxDOT—s interest in Farm-to-Market Road 1667 (FM 1667), after more than a dozen residents and several outside representatives urged the court to preserve public access to the Cutoff and Cedar Creek.

Supporters of county interest, including Trinidad city administrator Lindsey Patterson and local residents, stressed safety concerns and said the road provides the only southern evacuation route for parts of Trinidad. "Closing it would hinder first responders from safely and efficiently moving our residents away from harm's way," Patterson said during the public-comment period.

Speakers in favor argued the road also supplies long-documented public access to an important waterway known locally as the Cutoff, a tributary of the Trinity River used for fishing and recreation. Multiple speakers cited historical petitions, decades of maintenance and use spanning many decades as evidence of a public interest. "This road is not a road to nowhere; it is a road to an important water," said Eric Ullman, who represented the group Save the Cutoff.

Opponents and county-fiscal advocates urged caution. Blake Beckham, representing Iron River Ranch, told commissioners that counties must prioritize existing road responsibilities and weigh the long-term maintenance and liability costs before taking on new infrastructure. "All of you have probably received or will hear comments... make decisions with the fiscal stability of the county in mind," Beckham said.

Court discussion focused on two central issues: whether accepting TxDOT's interest would create a new, open-ended maintenance obligation for county taxpayers, and whether the crossing and bridge near the road constitute a public-safety imperative. The county judge repeatedly emphasized the bridge over Cedar Creek as the court—s primary concern, calling it "the only crossing of Cedar Creek south of the Trinity" and saying that preserving that crossing for emergency access weighed heavily in the court—s deliberations.

Commissioners clarified the motion: to tell TxDOT the county is interested in acquiring TxDOT's interest in FM 1667, not to immediately assume county maintenance. Commissioner McCam moved to express interest; Commissioner Toole seconded. The motion passed 3-2.

What the vote does and does not do: the court—s resolution notifies TxDOT of county interest and allows further evaluation and negotiation; it does not automatically transfer maintenance responsibility to the county or obligate immediate county spending. Commissioners noted additional steps remain, including TxDOT—s valuation and further administrative processes in Austin.

Background and litigation: Several speakers and attorneys referenced a multi-year litigation history over public access and navigability of the Cutoff; at least one attorney said litigants in the "Save the Cutoff" group have lost multiple lawsuits in federal and state courts. Commissioners and commenters noted the question of whether the waterway is legally navigable remains before the courts, and that litigation outcomes could affect future access and responsibilities.

Next steps: Staff will continue communications with TxDOT and monitor the agency—s valuation and process. The court made clear the item is an expression of interest only and that any transfer or maintenance decision would require separate action and likely additional public discussion.