Author(s):
H.G. Meuth
Publication Date
November 1970
Abstract
This study is concerned with how operators in a diversified farming area were affected by and how they adjusted to right of way acquisitions for Interstate 10 by the Texas Highway Department. Information was gathered by personal interview from operators in the study area along the new highway and also from operators located in an area nearby but outside of direct highway influence. These latter operators served as a control group. Information was obtained from both groups of operators covering their 1964, 1966, 1969 total farm operations. These years represent the periods ''before", "during" and one year after the completion of the new facility.|The objectives of the study were to determine the effects of right of way acquisition on the changes in kind and intensity of land use, changes in number of farm units, tenure and scope of operations. Other objectives dealt with the cost of adjustments to new farm operating conditions and changes in farm income caused by decreasing farm acreage and division of units into separate tracts.|The portion of the study dealing with right of way takings, changes in land tenure, land use and travel patterns is based on information from 21 study area and 19 control area operators. The analysis of agricultural production, expenses and net income of the two groups of operators is based on 18 study area and 19 control area operators who provided full cooperation throughout the study.|Information was gathered from each operator concerning his overall farming and livestock operations. Information included on all operating expenses and receipts, including the sale of crops, beef cattle, swine, dairy and poultry products covering the three periods of study.| It was found that the taking of right of way for Interstate 10 had a short term effect on farm operations, but after a few years to allow for adjustments, the operators as a whole made noticeable gains in the amount of income from agriculture. No major changes in land use or tenure could be attributed to the highway. Also, travel patterns of the local operators were changed very little by the limited access type highway.
Report Number:
58-6
Link(s):
Document/Product
http://tti.tamu.edu/documents/58-6.pdf
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