Lower-than-expected highway bids mean more projects funded

Transportation Commission distributes surplus funds to four additional projects

Lanier resigns as director of Council on Competitive Government
Dustin Lanier, who has served since 2007 as director of the Council on Competitive Government (CCG) housed within the Texas Comptroller's Office, has submitted his resignation, effective Nov. 2.  Lanier said he plans to start his own business.

Barbara Ritchie will serve as interim director until a new full-time director is hired.

Before joining the CCG, Lanier served as Director of Strategic Initiatives at the Texas Department of Information Resources from 2004-2007 and was special assistant for technology in the Governor's Office from 2002 to 2003.

SPI-LBJ School co-host results-oriented procurement workshop

Event draws state, local government purchasing officials from throughout Texas

 

State and local government procurement officials from throughout the state who attended this week's "Results-Oriented Procurements" workshop walked away with a better understanding of private sector firms and how they approach the procurement process.

WORKSHOP - SPI's Vice President for Public Affairs Gay Erwin (standing left) offers expert information on procurement issues for those attending the recent 'Results-Oriented Procurements' workshop.

The workshop, a partnership between Strategic Partnerships, Inc. (SPI) and The University of Texas at Austin's LBJ School of Public Affairs, drew a full house of participants interested in what they can do to both increase competition in the bid process and ensure that bid proposals address procurement requirements more effectively.

 

Attendees drew on the experiences of SPI experts who have decades of experience in partnering public and private entities. The SPI workshop participants also include former executive-level decision-makers in state government. The curriculum for the course incorporated input from corporate vendors, government procurement experts and sales executives who sell to government. 

 

Among the topics covered in the workshop were methods for attracting quality competition on every procurement, attributes of vendor culture, methods for overcoming procurement obstacles, reasons vendors are reluctant to bid, vendor communication preferences, factors that affect procurement processes and more.

 

For more information on future training sessions, contact Reagan Weil at 512-531-3917 or rweil@spartnerships.com. 

DISCUSSING EXERCISES -''Results-Oriented Procurements' workshop attendees participated in exercises to help them better understand what is necessary to attract quality competition on every procurement.

TEF makes investment in bedding products manufacturer
An investment of $1.06 million from the Texas Enterprise Fund has been made in Latex Foam International Holdings, Inc. The firm is expanding its manufacturing operations in Wichita Falls. 

Latex Foam International manufactures bedding products, including Talalay latex pillows and mattress cores. It recently consolidated some assembly operations from California and Georgia to Wichita Falls. The company also plans to expand its latex manufacturing operations in this location because of lower operating costs and providing a central distribution area for its products. The move is expected to create 190 new jobs. 

Wichita Falls is an ideal location for our operations and will help Latex provide more consistent and improved on-time delivery to our customers in the West, Central, and Southeastern parts of the U.S.," said Latex Foam International COO Dave Fisher. 

TSLAC building rededication to feature H.W. Brands

After nearly two years and $20 million, renovations of the historic Lorenzo de Zavala State Archives and Library Building on the State Capitol grounds in Austin are complete and ready for public showing.

State officials will celebrate Nov. 12 at a rededication ceremony, where author and historian H.W. Brands (pictured) will speak on the front steps of the building. After the ceremony, visitors can take tours of the de Zavala building, one of four national Literary Landmarks in Texas.

Renovations to the 50-year-old building include glass walls that let natural light into the lobby and reading areas, a new conservation lab, new digital recording studio and infrastructure improvements like updated wiring and plumbing.

Comptroller's office, TABC work together to collect delinquent taxes

If bars, restaurants and other alcohol-serving businesses are not paid up on all taxes, the businesses could soon have their mixed beverage and private club permits suspended.

The new tax-collection measure - created by a partnership between the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission and the Texas Comptroller's office - will go into affect after other tax collection efforts have failed and the taxpayer receives written notice.

At that point, TABC will suspend the permit and the business must stop selling alcohol three days after the order is served. The suspension is lifted when a payment plan is established or delinquent taxes are paid.

LSC-Tomball welcomes new dean of college relations

Andi Atkinson (pictured) of La Feria has been named dean of college relations at Lone Star College-Tomball.

Most recently, Atkinson worked in public relations for the South Texas Independent School District, a magnet district comprised of five schools in the Rio Grande Valley. District enrollment increased 88 percent since Atkinson took over the one-person marketing department.

Atkinson has a bachelor's degree from Texas State Univerrsity and a master's degree from The University of Texas-Pan American in Edinburg.

Cook resigns as dean of Texas A&M University Libraries
Colleen Cook (pictured) recently resigned as dean of Texas A&M University Libraries to accept a post as dean of libraries at McGill University in Canada. University Libraries oversees the university's five libraries with a collection of 3.9 million volumes.

A&M officials selected Charles Gilreath, the executive associate dean of libraries, as the interim dean until a new dean is hired. Jorge Vanegas, dean of the College of Architecture, will head the search advisory committee. The goal is to have a new dean of University Libraries selected by fall 2011, Vanegas said.

Starr appoints Tommye Lou Davis VP for Constituent Engagement
Baylor University alumna, professor and leader Tommye Lou Davis (pictured) was recently appointed vice president of constituent engagement, a position on the Baylor executive council. In her new role, Davis will oversee Baylor's relationships with people away from campus - such as parents, government officials and the alumni. 

Davis, associate professor of classics and associate dean of the Honors College, has a bachelor's and master's degree from Baylor. In her 35-year career at the university, Davis has served in a multitude of roles that include member of the Faculty Senate, chair of Faculty Athletics Council, faculty advisor for Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority, advisor for Alpha Chi Honor Society and more. 

"I look forward to engaging alumni and friends around the globe," said Davis, who begins the new job in January.

Sul Ross celebrates grand opening of student services building
Sul Ross State University officials are inviting the community to come by campus next week for the grand opening of a new student services buildings and the Lobo Den, home to a new advising center and faculty-mentoring program.

The Lobo Den, located on the first floor of Lawrence Hall, will work closely with faculty to provide advising to first-year students and undeclared students. The center was financed with U.S. Department of Education Title V funds.

The student services building - The Center for Enrollment Services - will house several inter-related departments such as Recruiting, Admissions, Financial Assistance, Cashiers and Registrar. 

Havidan Rodríguez picked as new provost at UTPA
Havidan Rodriguez (pictured), deputy provost at the University of Delaware, will begin work Jan. 1, 2011, as provost and vice president of academic affairs at The University of Texas-Pan American in Edinburg. As provost, he will oversee instruction, curriculum, the study abroad program and undergraduate research. 

Rodriguez, a sociologist with training in statistics and human populations, has held several administrative positions during his career as well as continuing to teach and conduct research on the social science aspects of disasters. 

Rodriguez has a bachelor's degree from the University of Maryland, a master's from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and a Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

TAMU-Corpus Christi hires new director of media relations
Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi officials recently hired Texas newcomer Matt Brady to head the Athletic Media Relations Department.

Brady, who begins Islanders promotion Nov. 8, will leave his current post at Indiana University as assistant director of Athletic Media Relations. At IU, Brady's duties included fund raising, selling tickets and publicizing Hoosiers football, baseball and men's basketball programs.

Brady has two bachelor's degrees from The University of Massachusetts-Amherst and is on schedule to complete a master's from IU next spring.

Business center at TAMU-Corpus Christi awarded grant

The Coastal Bend Business Innovation Center at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi was recently awarded a three-year, $337,000 grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration to start up a new program to strengthen local industry.

The grant was awarded through the EDA's University Center Program, which provides federal funds to colleges and universities for the support of regional economic development with an emphasis on economically distressed communities.

Business professor Dr. Jim Lee (pictured) will oversee the creation of an online database of economic information about the Coastal Bend region. The information will be used to help new, local businesses succeed and bring high-paying jobs to the area.

Pappas joins Texas A&M Wind Energy Center as director
John Pappas (pictured) recently took over as director of the Texas A&M Wind Energy Center, which cultivates wind-related research within The Texas A&M University System.

As director, Pappas will work to make the university a leader in offshore and onshore wind power technology.

Pappas, who has worked in private industry, education and government, holds a master's degree from The University of Texas at Austin.

Gulf Coast counties win $3.75 million for economic development
The Partnership for Sustainable Communities recently awarded a $3.75 million grant to foster economic development to 13 Gulf Coast counties that comprise the Houston Gulf Coast Planning Region.

The funding will be used for development of a regional plan for sustainable economic development, said a spokeswoman for the Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC).  Participating in the federal partnership are the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Transportation.

More than 20 organizations formed a consortium to apply for the funding, the spokeswoman said. Stakeholder groups will meet to coordinate efforts, share ideas and review recommendations. The recommendations will be forwarded to the Governmental Advisory Committee comprised of elected officials, who will take further action.

UNT Dallas adds two new faces to key senior staff positions
The University of North Texas at Dallas recently named two staff to the senior leadership team. Doug Smith (left) has been named interim vice president of institutional advancement and Ronald Hy (right) is the new associate provost for academic success.

Smith, who has led nonprofits such as the Leukemia Society of America, was most recently vice president for university advancement at Bowling Green State University in Ohio.

Smith earned a bachelor's and a master's degree from the University of Toledo in Ohio.

Hy previously served in a bevy of positions at Texas A&M University-Kingsville: professor of political science, interim provost, vice president for academic affairs and dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.

Hy holds a bachelor's and master's degree from Central Michigan University and a Ph.D. from Miami University.

Paulette Jones, first director of policy, joins UNT Dallas
Paulette Jones (pictured) has been named director of policy at the University of North Texas at Dallas, the city's first public college.

Jones has previously worked for the Kentucky Housing Corporation as an analyst and as state program coordinator for Kentucky's welfare-to-work employment program.

Jones, who comes to the position with more than seven years experience, has a bachelor's and master's degree from The University of Kentucky.

San Antonio's Convention Center expansion on radar of city leaders
A design firm, hired by the San Antonio City Council and aligned with much of the city's hospitality community, was brought in to identify short-term needs of the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, but recently threw weight behind a plan for more extensive improvements.

Hospitality leaders and proponents of the expanded upgrades say San Antonio needs changes - possibly a new wing to the east - to stay competitive with other cities that are paying to renovate their own convention centers.

The city, which has invested millions in recent years for improvements at the center, would be challenged to complete the overhaul without losing money while sections are closed.

Members of City Council recently received preliminary concepts showing why this long-term plan for the center, the backbone of San Antonio's $11 billion tourist industry, makes more sense than smaller renovations.

Noe selected as city manager in Colorado
Former Corpus Christi City Manager George Noe (pictured) has been named the new city manager of 315,000-resident Aurora, Colo.

Noe, a management consultant, was chosen from a pool of 45 applicants that included the current Aurora interim city manager.

Noe goes to Aurora with more than 30 years of city management experience, including nearly 10 years in Corpus Christi, as well as time in San Antonio, College Station and Kingsville.

Noe earned a bachelor's degree from St. Mary's University in San Antonio.

City of Borger accepts federal grant from National Park Service
The Borger Fire Department will receive a federal grant for up to $12,200 in fire safety equipment.

The National Park Service grant must have a 10 percent local match - $1,220 for BFD - and is paid after purchase of equipment from an approved list.

Chief Bob Watson (pictured) plans to buy Nomex pants, high-quality radios, backpack pumps and smaller items such as chainsaws, helmets and hose.

12 projects vie for remaining $3.4M of county bond money
Hays County officials, who are now examining 12 proposed recreation projects, will soon decide which of the plans warrant a piece of $3.4 million, the remainder of a $30 million park development bond passed in 2007.

The Hays County Parks and Open Space Advisory Board is hearing presentations from the 12 applicants and will offer funding recommendations to county commissioners by late November.

The 12 applicants are asking the county for a combined $13 million.

"It's going to be rather stiff competition," Hays County Grants Administrator Jeff Hauff said. "It certainly demonstrates a need out there for additional park bond monies."

Kilgore ISD eyes $50 to $70 million estimate to build new schools
Architects recently provided the facilities committee of the Kilgore Independent School District with a $50 million to $70 million estimate to build two new schools or to remodel existing campuses.

The estimates include $25 million for a new middle school and $20 million for a new elementary school and includes some features that could be eliminated to reduce costs, said Superintendent Jody Clements (pictured).  Architects looked at the cost of building new campuses and the cost to fully remodel five of the six campuses the district currently uses, Clements said.

The estimate includes the cost of a full renovation, including new air conditioning, flooring, painting and expanded classrooms, but does not include any renovations to the Elder Alternative School campus. The estimates are a starting point and allow community members to better discuss available options, Clements said.

Mesquite ISD looking at rainwater harvest system
Trustees for the Mesquite Independent School District recently began considering installation of a system to harvest rainwater on the roof of a new elementary school to save on utility costs and keep the lawn green.

The proposed rainwater harvesting system will be the first installed at a school district, said Mike Coffey, assistant superintendent for administrative services. The proposal calls for a system where rainwater would flow down enclosed gutters into an underground tank that could be pumped into the irrigation system to water lawns and playgrounds, Coffey said. The system also would capture condensation from air conditioning units.

Estimates are that the system would pay for itself within 10-15 years, Coffey said. He also noted that the Dallas County Community College District and the University of North Texas are using similar water harvesting systems and finding success. District officials also are exploring other methods such as insulated windows, low-mercury light fixtures and using recycled materials to make the building more energy efficient.

Canyon eyeing old county courthouse for city offices
Canyon city officials recently met with Randall County officials to discuss a plan to move City Hall into the newly renovated Randall County Courthouse.

Under the plan being discussed, the county would maintain ownership of the historical courthouse built in 1909, said Randall County Judge Ernie Houdashell (pictured). He also suggested the city could seek funding from the Texas State Historical Commission to restore the interior of the building. The Historical Commission provided funding for the recent exterior restoration, Houdashell said.

Canyon city officials will need to carefully consider whether to move city hall to the courthouse, said City Manager Randy Criswell of Canyon. The 36-year-old city hall is becoming overcrowded and city officials already planned on budgeting some funds for the city hall, Criswell said. If it would cost less to move to the courthouse than to expand the current building or build a new city hall, the courthouse would appear to be a good option, he said, especially if the city receives a grant to help with the project.

Clear Creek ISD delays proposed plans for new middle school 
Clear Creek Independent School District trustees recently agreed to delay plans to convert a ninth grade center into an intermediate school. Voters in 2007 authorized district officials to spend $3.5 million to convert the ninth grade center at Clear Lake High School into the district's 11th middle school.

Decreasing enrollment combined with the additional $2 million cost of additional staff salaries and the $3 million cost of upgrading ROTC and athletic facilities prompted the decision to delay the middle school project, said Ron McPherson (pictured), associate superintendent of operations. Those additional costs would come from the general fund rather than bond funding, he said.

The district growth has shifted to west of I-45 and is declining in the northeast area near the Space Center, he added.

Feds grant $5.6M for Texas-Oklahoma high-speed rail
The Texas Department of Transportation recently captured a $5.6 million federal grant, which will go toward an 850-mile high-speed rail connecting Texas and Oklahoma.

The grant, which comes through the new High-Speed Intercity Passenger Rail Planning Program, will pay for studies of the designated rail corridor along Interstate 35 from Oklahoma City to Dallas-Fort Worth with a potential extension to Austin and San Antonio.

The rail program, partially funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, was launched in June 2009 to help create a national network of high-speed rail corridors.

Wichita County officials aims to redo courthouse 2nd floor
The frequently remodeled Wichita County Courthouse, where just one fourth-floor courtroom dates to the original 1916, is again the inspiration for renovation plans.

County commissioners recently took steps to upgrade a section of the second floor, which now houses a fines and fees department, early voting and an extensive junk pile of worn furniture and empty boxes.

Commissioners want to put in offices for two justices of the peace and a conference room for jurors.

The $1 million to $3 million project, which could begin by early 2011, will be paid for out of the county's permanent fund, said County Judge Woody Gossom (pictured). 

McKinney ISD planning

to expand two high schools
McKinney Independent School District trustees recently agreed to expand the two smallest high schools in the district to equal the 3,000-student capacity at McKinney Boyd High School.

Expansion of McKinney North and McKinney High is the most cost-effective option for handling an expected growth in high school enrollment, district officials said. Building a new high school would cost about $30 million more than expanding the two existing campuses. The new campuses also would not have an auditorium, indoor athletic facilities or practice and game fields for extracurricular sports. Trustees are expected to ask voters in May 2011 to approve bonds to pay for expanding the two high schools.

Manvel looking at hiring

part-time city manager
Manvel City Council members recently discussed hiring Paul Feazelle as a part-time city manager during a recent workshop meeting. Council member Gary Garnett (pictured) explained that the city is interesting in hiring a city manager who will work only two to three days a week.

Feazelle said he has previous municipal experience in Big Spring, La Mesa and Angleton.

Rusk County ESD to spend $788,707 for new tanker trucks
Board members of the Rusk County Emergency Services District (RCESD) recently approved a cost-sharing arrangement to buy three tanker trucks for three area fire departments at a cost of about $788,707.

The Henderson Fire Department, the Church Hill Volunteer Fire Department and the Eastside Volunteer Fire Department will each receive a new tanker truck. The Texas Forest Service awarded a $173,000 grant to each department and the RCESD provided the remaining funding through the Grant Cost Share Program.

Gunter EDC wins $99,900 grant for economic development
The U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Program recently awarded the Gunter Economic Development Corporation with a $99,990 grant to provide loans to help attract businesses to the area. The loans must be used within two years, city officials said.

Alamo Heights terminates McGlone as city manager
City council members in Alamo Heights recently voted to terminate the contract of City Manager Ann McGlone. Council members gave no reason for the termination and made no announcement regarding an interim city manager.

Carruth suspended as city manager in city of Paris
Paris City Council members recently took their first step in terminating the contract of City Manager Kevin Carruth (pictured) by voting to suspend Carruth from his duties as city manager.

Council members plan to lay out their reasons for seeking to terminate Carruth's employment as city manager and to vote on the suspension in a public meeting, Carruth said.

Oak Ridge North selects new municipal court clerk
After terminating the contract of its current municipal clerk, Paul Rex, Oak Ridge North City Council members selected Michelle Buchanan to fill the position of municipal court clerk.

Buchanan, who currently serves as deputy court clerk, agreed to serve as municipal court clerk for the remainder of the term that expires in May 2012.

Odessa approves $160,000 to upgrade Odessa College lab
Odessa City Council members recently agreed to provide $160,000 to Odessa College to help pay for building improvements and new equipment for a technology training laboratory. The Odessa Development Corporation will provide the funding for the upgrades.

Once the training lab is completed, the process instrumentation technology program at Odessa College will offer a Level 1 certificate, a Level 2 certificate and an associate's degree in the instrumentation and automation field, which should help train and keep residents in the community, said Odessa City Manager Richard Morton (pictured). Odessa College also received a $195,926 grant from the comptroller's office for the training program.

Pharr, school district,

club to partner in project
Officials of the city of Pharr, the Pharr-San Juan Independent School District and the Boys and Girls Club of Pharr recently announced a partnership to open an aquatic park, a sports complex and a new site for the club's facilities.

School district officials will donate a track of land between Pharr Elementary and Liberty Middle School and the city will develop the land to create a one-stop facility for the community, a spokesman for the club said. Planning for the facility is still under way, he said.

Crawley to serve as economic development officer in Bowie
Bowie city officials recently selected Janis Crawley to serve as the economic development officer. Crowley previously served as the economic development director for Whitesboro and as president and chief operating officer of the Whitesboro Chamber of Commerce.

The city previously combined the duties of the economic development officer and the Main Street coordinator, but recently decided to split the duties between two employees. City officials appointed Shannon Skiles as the Main Street Coordinator.

Daingerfield-Lone Star  tags Quarles interim superintendent
Board members for the Daingerfield-Lone Star Independent School District recently selected Sandra Quarles (pictured) as the interim superintendent effective Jan. 1, 2011.

Quarles, who retired from Daingerfield-Lone Star ISD in May 2008, previously served 11 years as an elementary principal and as a teacher for the district. She will replace Superintendent Pat Adams, who announced his retirement in September.

Texas City Secretary

Lawrence fired by letter
Pam Lawrence, city secretary of Texas City for 11 years, was recently fired due to a "performance issue," Mayor Matt Doyle said. Lawrence didn't know much about the termination, which she learned about from a letter.

Nick Finan, director of management services, has been named the new city secretary. He will continue to lead management services while he assumes the city secretary responsibilities, which include managing municipal elections, maintaining city records and keeping minutes of city commission meetings.

Hico ISD names Tarleton lone finalist for superintendent
Bill Tarleton (pictured) has been named the lone finalist for superintendent of the Hico Independent School District in North Central Texas. The Hico school board is scheduled to hire him on Nov. 4. Tarleton, who began his career as a special education teacher, has spent 29 years in public education with 19 of those in administration.

He will leave his current job as superintendent of the Abbott school district, which has one school of about 300 students. The Hico district has about 700 students and three schools. 

Metro applies brakes

to 120 light-rail contracts
In Houston, Metropolitan Transit Authorities (Metro) officials suspended all light rail projects - and warned the projects would be completely scrapped if federal funding doesn't arrive soon.

The Federal Transit Administration is withholding a grant after learning that Metro bought rail cars from a Spanish firm, a violation of the "Buy America" procurement rules.

Without that money, Metro would have to end all rail contracts, which would cost millions in termination fees and millions more to repave torn up streets. The city has already spent about $600 million on light rail.

NCTCOG Awards $1.26M for Green Transportation Options
Four taxi cab and limousine companies in the Dallas-Fort Worth region will receive a combined $1.26 million for the purchase of 277 "green" vehicles.

The initiative, funded by North Texas Green & Go Partnership, will help the area reach federal ozone standards by putting high-mileage drivers into low- gas and low-pollution cabs and limos. Vehicles release more than half the region's ozone-forming pollution.

The new vehicles are expected to save owners almost 2.7 million gallons of gas and save the environment 2.42 tons of nitrogen oxides.

Rockwall ISD approves $5.2 million to purchase 173-acre site
Rockwall Independent School District trustees recently approved the purchase of a 173-acre "multi-use site" with a $5.2 million price tag.

The district has no firm plans for using the land, but according to Greg Carver (pictured), executive director of facilities, planning and construction, the acreage could be used as a site for a high school, academy or middle school or for a combined services facility for transportation, maintenance, custodial and other services. The land is near three major highways - FM 549, SH 276 and the SH 205 bypass.

Emergency Services District approves $1.4M for fire stations
Board members of the Emergency Services District No. 2 recently approved $1.4 million to pay for two new fire stations.

The board approved $514,000 to build a three- bay, 4,000-square-foot commercial metal building in Jackson Heights for Station No. 2. Board members also approved $996,000 to build an eight-bay, 9,600-square-foot building in Troup for its Station No. 2.

Strategic Partnerships seeking additional outside consultants

SPI is seeking additional outside consultants who have experience in county/city government in Texas.

Currently, there is a need for procurement consultants who are retired or former county or municipal elected officials, experts in healthcare, K-12  in the DFW, Houston and El Paso areas. If you are interested in this opportunity, contact Ashley Nauert at anauert@spartnerships.com

New technical training now available in Pearland
Texas State Technical College (TSTC) is partnering with Alvin Community College to expand workforce training programs at the ACC Pearland Campus, said Dr. Elton E. Stuckly, Jr. (pictured), president of TSTC.

The new technical courses include classes in diesel, preventative maintenance and machining, he said. The ACC Pearland campus now offers 46 TSTC courses in fields ranging from biotechnology, wireless communications, fuel cell technology, gaming, industrial electrical technology and programmable logic control specialization.

Pine Tree ISD approves

bond election for May 2011
After experiencing the defeat of a $19.99 million bond proposal in May of this year, Pine Tree Independent School District board members agreed to form a committee to study facilities with a goal of calling another bond election in May 2011.

The bond proposal most likely will contain plans for a new or renovated stadium. Trustees temporarily closed the stadium earlier this year because of noncompliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Board members eventually rented seating and restrooms to bring the stadium into compliance.

Building a new stadium on the same site would carry about a $17.5 million price tag, while renovating the stadium would cost about $13.7 million, a consultant said. The cost of building the stadium at three other sites that were considered would range from $23 million to $27 million, he said. The consultant recommended the board appoint to the facilities committee about 30 members who represent a cross-section of the community and that the group meet at least twice a month to study the district's facility needs before reporting their findings back to board members.

Woden ISD wins $177,000 technology grant from TEA
The Texas Education Agency recently awarded a $177,000 grant to Woden Independent School District.

The grant will allow the district to buy new laptop computers, train teachers, upgrade technology and buy educational software, said Superintendent Brent Hawkins (pictured). The district also plans to upgrade its network and increase wireless access points, he said.

Missouri City outlines $82M

in capital improvement for 2011
City Manager Frank Simpson (pictured) recently outlined $82 million in capital improvement projects planned for 2011 in Missouri City. The projects will require only $18 million in property tax revenue as utility user and capital recovery fees, funding from special districts, two counties and the federal government provide the remaining $64 million for the capital projects, he said.

Included are a $1.8 million project on Texas Parkway to add sidewalks, upgrade drainage and improve landscaping. A project to raise medians, improve intersections and upgrade traffic signals on SH 6 is scheduled to begin in early 2011, Simpson said. Other projects for 2011 include synchronizing 52 traffic signals as part of the Intelligent Transportation System, extending the Oyster Creek Hike and Bike Trail, replacing the old clubhouse and the tennis and recreation center at the Quail Valley Golf Course as well as expanding a wastewater treatment plant.

Bangs names Leo Smith

as new city administrator

Terrell County judge Leo Smith (pictured) was recently named the new city administrator of Bangs, located about 60 miles southeast of Abilene in Brown County. The Bangs City Council OK'd a two-year contract that will begin Nov. 1.

Smith, an Abilene native, was elected Terrell County judge in 2003 and re-elected in 2006.

Ten miles of bike lanes

being planned for Austin
The City of Austin and the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) have inked a deal that will result in 10 miles of new bicycle lanes in Austin. The city and the state agency will both pay half of the approximately $1.139 million project.

The state funds come from the federally funded Transportation Enhancement Program. The Austin project was one of 54 winners chosen from some 200 projects nominated for funding.