Copyright © 2009 Peel, Inc. Craig Ranch Gazette - September 2009 �

craig ranch gazette

Craig ranChCraig ranChnews for the residents of

Craig ranchSeptember 2009

Volume 2, issue 9

The County LineSubmitted by County Commissioner Joe Jaynes

Almost everyone in Collin County lives within 30 miles of US 75, a road that could be considered the spinal cord of Collin County's north-south mobility. Next year's expansion of US 75 to eight main lanes and two three-lane service roads will affect the daily commutes of thousands. Quite frankly, that commute will get worse before it gets better-but better it will get.

The good news is that the funding for the much needed expansion is in place, and after engineering and environmental studies are completed, the project will be ready to go. Below is a breakdown of segments of US 75 and when they are scheduled to be let, or awarded for construction. Please keep in mind that once a project is let it usually takes another 90 days before dirt begins moving. Also, all the projects below have a two- to three-year time period for completion.

US 75 from Legacy to SH 121: This segment is scheduled to let in fall 2012 and be completed by fall 2014;

US 75 at SH 121 Interchange: Already under construction, this new four-level interchange will be open to traffic by spring 2011 and fully completed by the following spring;

US 75 from SH 121 to US 380: This segment goes right through the heart of McKinney, and is scheduled to let in late 2010 with a scheduled completion in spring

2014; US 75 at US 380 intersection: One of the most congested intersections in Collin County, this

project is already underway and scheduled to be completed by fall 2010;

US 75 at Wilmeth: This segment will go through some major change as US 75 will be constructed over Wilmeth with an exit added at Bloomdale Rd. This segment will let next spring with completion

scheduled for fall 2011;US 75 from Bloomdale Rd. to

Telephone Rd: This segment will let in spring 2011, with construction scheduled to be complete by summer 2013;

Outdoor WaterConservation

Tips Even though we use water every day, it’s easy to take it for granted. Just imagine how you would function without clean water. It’s everyone’s responsibility to conserve and protect water resources. The decisions and actions you make today truly affect our water resources for the future. The following suggestions will help you get in the habit of saving water in the great outdoors:

Use mulch around landscape plantings. Mulch will help eliminate weeds and hold moisture in the soil.Select hardy plants that don’t need much water. Native plants that are well adapted to your climate and soils will survive well without supplemental watering.Water during the cool part of the day to avoid rapid evaporation.When watering is necessary, water slowly and thoroughly. If you notice puddles or runoff, turn water off and wait for water to soak in. Also be sure your sprinkler puts water where you need it—not on driveways or sidewalks.Wash cars efficiently. First give the car a quick rinse, and then turn the water off. Wash one section of the car at a time and rinse that section quickly. Turn the water off each time.

Visit www.auduboninternational.org for more conservation tips.

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2 Craig Ranch Gazette - September 2009 Copyright © 2009 Peel, Inc.

craig ranch gazette

A newsletter for Craig Ranch residents by Craig Ranch residents.

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craig ranch gazettethe county line - (Continued from Cover Page)

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US 75 from Telephone Rd. to Melissa Rd.: This project includes a new interchange at US 75 and SH 121 in Melissa. The project will be let in spring 2012 and is scheduled to be completed by fall 2014;

US 75 from Melissa Rd. to Foster's Crossing (the Outer Loop): The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT)would like to schedule this to begin in spring 2013, but we need to see how far we are on both the Outer Loop and how the schematic will look for the interchange at the Outer Loop and US 75;

US 75 from the Outer Loop to Grayson County: At this point, there is only funding for engineering. Hopefully, two legislative sessions will have passed by the time we need to move dirt on this project and new construction dollars will be allocated.

Even though US 75 is a TxDOT project, the majority of the funding for these project segments came from the SH 121 Regional Toll Revenues. The North Texas Tollway Authority paid the region $3.2 billion for the right to toll SH 121 for the next 50 years.

Of this $3.2 billion, $1.5 billion came to Collin County. Out of the $1.5 billion, $600 million of this money went to the construction of the SH 121 main lanes, which is moving forward aggressively now. Another $600 million is being put into US 75, with the remaining funds upgrading other major thoroughfares throughout the county.

Overall, Collin County is very fortunate because, while the state is going through a major transportation funding crisis, we are still able to move forward with these important projects. I look forward to keeping you updated on this issue. Please feel free to comment on this issue and others at my blog at www.joejaynes.com.

Back to school slow down for school zones, buses, and children walking

and riding bikes!

� Craig Ranch Gazette - September 2009 Copyright © 2009 Peel, Inc.

craig ranch gazettePeel, Inc.311 Ranch Road 620 S. Ste 200Lakeway, TX 78734-4775www.PEELinc.com

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PAIDPEEL, INC.

CA

Increasing water safety awareness and standards

FACTS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT DROWNING

For more information,check out our website at

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Drowning is the 2nd leading cause of unintentional injury-related death ages 1-14.

DROWNING WILL AFFECT YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW

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Children who drown do not scream, splash, or struggle. They silently slip beneath the water, even with adults & lifeguards present.

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Falls, entrapments, and injuries lead to drowning regardless of swimming level.

NO ONE is “drown proof” – no matter their level of swimming ability.

A majority of people overestimate their own and their child’s ability to swim, especially in a panic event.