By Mark Bauer/editor-in-chief

TCC is moving toward the next construction phase of its downtown campus regarding the controversial pedestrian bridge that will require building onto the Trinity River levee system.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reported last week that “with proper implementation of the proposed action,” the school’s building plans would not result in any major environmental upset.

The next step requires TCC officials to submit an application to finalize the go-ahead for the project, but only after the public has been given time to comment on the report.

The opportunity for public comment is open through March 17.

After that date, the school will address any comments that merit a response, as determined by the Corps, and submit a formal application to the local Corps office.

After approval by the local office, the application is forwarded to the District Corps office, and finally forwarded to Washington, D.C., for a review on the national level, David Wells, vice chancellor of operations and planning services, said.

In addition to the many levels the application must face for final approval, TCC officials may be called on at any time to provide information and respond to questions.

“This is a very complicated project with a complicated solution set and, I have been told, this is the first such application being processed post-Katrina, and is the first such application many in the Corps have had to deal with,” Wells said.

Experts concluded that faulty levee systems were to blame for the flooding and subsequent destruction in New Orleans and along the Gulf Coast during Hurricane Katrina.

TCC officials said they will work with the Corps of Engineers to maintain the integrity of the Trinity levee.

“We have an agency responsible for the protection of life and property, and I would not want them to shortcut any safety measures,” Wells said. “We will begin construction on the bridge and the north side of the levee only after we receive final approval from Washington.”