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Economic development efforts drive Texas budget

13 states face total budget shortfall of $23B in 2009

BudgetThirteen states are facing a combined budget deficit of about $23 billion for fiscal 2009, according to a recent report by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP). The good news is that Texas is not among the states struggling with revenue shortfalls, not even close.

However, in 2003 Texas had a $10 billion budget shortfall. The state weathered the tough fiscal time by strengthening its economic development policies to attract new industries and the hundreds of thousands of new residents that followed. For example, the Texas Enterprise Fund and the Texas Emerging Technology Fund (TETF), both secured by Gov. Rick Perry, have helped to improve the state's business climate and accelerate jobs creation by investing in new businesses interested in relocating to Texas.

In May 2006, CardioSpectra was awarded $1.35 million from the TETF. It was the fund's first investment. The company recently was bought by Volcano Corporation. As a result of the acquisition, the TETF received $1.9 million, netting $633,929 for an immediate total realized return of 46 percent.

"Investing in these ground-breaking technologies is higher risk, but it is also higher reward," Perry said.

David DewhurstBy leveraging lucrative economic development projects across the state, Texas not only very quickly grew out of its budget deficit, but also established a solid sales tax revenue stream that continues to strengthen each year, said Texas Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst (pictured).

"In just four short years we went from a $10 billion shortfall to a multi-billion dollar surplus by keeping taxes low and knocking down barriers to economic growth and adding nearly one million new jobs, so that today, the Texas economy is stronger than the national economy and we have more Texans working than ever before in our state's history," Dewhurst said.

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Senate spending bill includes $1.5M for military bases

The 2008 Omnibus Appropriations Bill passed by the U.S. Senate on Wednesday includes $1.592 billion for Texas military facilities and veterans programs. The bill next goes to the U.S. House for concurrence and then to the president to be signed into law.

The overall bill provides $8.9 billion for active duty military construction. It also provides $2.9 billion for family housing construction and operations and $201.4 million for the NATO Security Investment Program. The legislation also would provide more than $87.5 billion to fund the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, including $44.4 billion for mandatory veterans' benefits and $43 billion in discretionary spending.

Texas military projects included in the Senate legislation include:

  • Fort Bliss: $458 million for operations facilities, $71 million for family housing, barracks, fitness and youth facilities, $58.5 million for health and dental clinics, and $47.5 million for combat training facilities.
  • Fort Sam Houston: $156 million for alterations to the San Antonio Military Medical Center North and $96.4 million for Medical Education and Training Facility dormitories. Under the Veterans Affairs section of the bill, Sen. Hutchison also secured $29.4 million for Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery gravesite development.
  • Fort Hood: $92 million for barracks, $46 million for operations facilities, $7.4 million for a child development center, and $18 million for a CH-47 maintenance hangar.
  • Houston: $36 million for an Armed Forces Reserve Center Building in East Houston and $31.9 million for an Armed Forces Reserve Center Building in Northwest Houston.
  • Lackland AFB: $37 million for the Base Realignment and Closure Commission Headquarters Administration Center, $14 million for the Basic Expeditionary Airmen Skills Training Facility, and $900,000 for a Security Forces Building.
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Strategic Partnerships salutes Texas' Lone Stars

Robert Scott

This week's salute is to Robert Scott, Texas Commissioner of Education

Career highlights and education: Bachelor's degree and law degree from The University of Texas; congressional aide to U.S. Rep. Gene Green; senior policy analyst to Gov. Rick Perry; interim commissioner of education twice; served in various jobs at the Texas Education Agency under four commissioners.

What I like best about my job is: Coming up with creative new solutions or policies that positively impact the 4.6 million schoolchildren in Texas.

The best advice I've received for my current job is: Make sure that you love what you do.

Advice I would give a new hire in my office: Remember the children. It is imperative that we focus on the core mission of this agency, which is to provide the best possible public education to the children of this state.

If I ever snuck out of work early, I could probably be found: Shuttling my two children to their after-school activities.

People would be surprised to know that I: Have been sky diving. They'd probably also be surprised to know that I worked as a cook at Schlitterbahn.

One thing I wish more people knew about my agency: I wish people understood how hard our employees work and how dedicated they are. Our agency oversees the $40 billion public school system and many new initiatives with fewer employees than we had at the turn of the century.

Each week, the Texas Government Insider profiles a key government executive or decision-maker. If you would like to suggest a "Lone Star," please email us at editor@spartnerships.com.


Security upgrades slated for Texas Capitol grounds

Capitol

To provide optimal safety for the historic Texas Capitol building, lawmakers, staff and visitors, perimeter security for Capitol grounds will be improved beginning later this month. Traffic flow on the grounds will be redirected with all vehicles entering on 15th Street. The one-way, north-to-to-south traffic flow will create two exits at 11th Street. These exits will be linked with the city's traffic signal system.

The east and west gates will also become exits. Upgrades will include retractable bollards at all entrances and exits and the construction of a gatehouse for Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) personnel at the North entrance.

The security measures also will eliminate the need for posting DPS troopers in their cars 24/7 at each entrance and exit. Additionally, the state is working with Capitol Metro to address relocation of their bus stop on 11th Street adjacent to the Capitol Grounds.

The project, estimated to cost $3.3 million, is funded by legislative appropriations made to the State Preservation Board, which is charged with caring for the Capitol and surrounding grounds. Construction will take place in phases so as not to disrupt transportation on the grounds and is expected to be completed in fall 2008.


Perry names Nedelkoff new TYC conservator

Richard Nedelkoff

Richard Nedelkoff (pictured), the former head of the federal agency that oversees criminal justice statistics and a career youth-services and corrections worker, has been selected as the next conservator of the troubled Texas Youth Commission (TYC). Gov. Rick Perry announced the appointment earlier this week.

Nedelkoff replaces Ed Owens, who left the job almost two months ago and has since gone to work for a private corrections firm. With more than six decades of experience in youth and family services in Ohio, Kentucky, Virginia and Florida, Nedelkoff most recently worked in executive posts as a corrections consultant and for a nonprofit youth services organization.

Nedelkoff served in Texas during the 1990s under then-Gov. George W. Bush as head of Bush's criminal justice division. He then served as director of the federal Bureau of Justice Assistance in Washington. He received a bachelor's degree from Bowling Green State University, a master's degree from the University of Louisville and a law degree from Capital University Law School.


November sales tax revenues in state reported up

Susan Combs

The state collected $1.8 billion in sales tax in November, up 9.5 percent compared to November 2006, Texas Comptroller Susan Combs (pictured) said earlier this week. Local governments were sent $447.3 million in December sales tax allocations, up 10.8 percent compared to last December.

State sales tax collections through the first three months of fiscal 2008 are up 6.6 percent compared to the same period last year. Growth is substantially slower than the vigorous 12 percent and 10.9 percent seen in fiscal 2006 and 2007, respectively. As the pace of the U.S. and Texas economies continues to cool, we expect the growth in Texas sales tax collections will continue to moderate," Combs said.

Combs sent Texas cities December sales tax allocations of $300 million, up 9.9 percent compared to December 2006. Counties' December sales tax allocations were $27.5 million, up 11.1 percent compared to December 2006. Ten local transit systems received December sales tax allocations of $104.4 million, an 11.9 percent increase over December 2006.

To view the allocations by city, click here.

To view the allocations by county, click here.


Austin set to name new city manager next month

Toby Futrell

The Austin City Council will meet with representatives of an executive search firm on Jan. 3 or 4, 2008, to narrow a master list of city manager applicants to a manageable number of the top semi-finalists. That list, which will be released to the public, will automatically include the three internal candidates who are interested in replacing City Manager Toby Futrell, who in May announced plans to retire in 2008. They are Assistant City Manager Laura Huffman, Austin Energy General Manager Juan Garza, and Assistant City Manager Rudy Garza.

On Jan. 8 and 9, the council will interview all the semifinalists and narrow the field to two finalists. They will be interviewed on Jan. 16, and the council will name the next city manager on Jan. 17.


San Antonio Airport nearing port of entry status

Officials with the San Antonio International Airport are anxiously awaiting word from Washington, D.C., about whether it will become a permanent port of entry, a move that would allow private aircraft to fly to San Antonio from Mexico and other foreign countries without first clearing U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at another port of entry.

In September, U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff signed off on the proposal, initiating a 60-day comment period that expired in November. But San Antonio aviation officials, who are eager for the new rule to go into effect, have not heard a word from CBP, despite a letter sent to the federal agency signed by U.S. Sens. Kay Bailey Hutchison and John Cornyn and U.S. Reps. Lamar Smith, Charlie Gonzalez and Ciro Rodriguez of San Antonio.


TxDOT delays Highway 281 improvement key to I-69

Mario Jorge

The planned $63 million improvement to Highway 281 through Falfurrias, a prerequisite to building the I-69 interstate, has been indefinitely postponed because of the Texas Department of Transportation's (TxDOT's) financial crisis. Pharr District Engineer Mario Jorge (pictured) confirmed that the planned expansion of Hwy 281 to a controlled-access facility in Falfurrias was South Texas' biggest casualty in cutbacks discussed at a meeting of the Texas Transportation Commission in Austin last week.

Jorge said that because of TxDOT's cash flow problems, mobility projects like the one in Falfurrias had to be among the first to go in his district. He said 11 road expansion projects worth $164.9 million would likely be cut in his district. Another casualty probably will be a $15 million project to expand South 23rd Street to six lanes between the Hidalgo-McAllen-Reynosa international bridge and FM 1016.

Planned TxDOT cuts statewide include a 57 percent reduction in the consultant engineering budget for this year, worth $250 million, and a cut in this year's right-of-way acquisition budget from $500 million to $275 million.


TDA offering disaster grants to catfish farmers

The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) is accepting applications for the Catfish Feed Grant Program. Producers who suffered catfish feed losses due to natural disasters between Jan. 2, 2005 and Feb. 27, 2007 are eligible to apply for the program. Disasters include: drought, excessive heat, wildfires, hail, tornadoes, high winds and severe rainstorms.

Payments are limited to $80,000 per person and cannot exceed actual feed losses. Completed application materials and supporting documents must be received by Jan. 15, 2008. Materials should be mailed to the TDA at 2007 Catfish Feed Grant Program, P.O. Box 12847 Austin, Texas 78711 or faxed to (888) 203-5567. For more information click here.


FutureGen Alliance won't build power plant in Texas

Michael Williams

The FutureGen Alliance, a collective of some of the world's largest electric and coal companies, Tuesday announced that it has selected Mattoon, Ill., as the site for its federally funded cleaner coal plant. Other sites considered by the FutureGen Alliance included two Texas cities: Odessa and Jewett. The alliance of companies also passed on a proposed site in Tuscola, Ill. Texas spent $5 million to help bolster proposals from Jewett and Odessa.

Michael L. Williams (pictured), chairman of the advisory board of FutureGen Texas and of the Texas Railroad Commission, said the state's efforts to win the plan will not go to waste. He said the hard work the state invested to lure FutureGen will pay off in the future by attracting similar projects to Texas.

The FutureGen Alliance plant will cost more than $1.5 billion to construct. It's being jointly funded by federal, state and local government, plus a $400 million capital injection by the companies. FutureGen has been touted as key to developing carbon-free coal-burning power plants. It is supposed to be virtually pollution-free and produce both electricity and hydrogen - while its carbon dioxide, a leading greenhouse gas, is to be captured and stored deep underground.


Corps of Engineers to open mouth of San Bernard River

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers said Thursday it will open the mouth of the San Bernard River so that it flows directly into the Gulf of Mexico. The river's mouth has been closed off by a sandbar. The Corps' project is aimed at making the Brazoria area safer for commercial navigation.

Officials offered no details on the cost of the project or when it might begin. It will supersede a $300,000 plan by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to connect the river to the Gulf by way of a canal. TxDOT will offer assistance to the Corps' plan.


TxDOT creating advisory committees for input on TTC

Ted Houghton

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) will establish two advisory committees to provide public input on where the Trans-Texas Corridor (TTC) should be located and what it should look like. Committee members are expected to be named early next year.

Separate committees will be established for both TTC-35 and I-69/TTC and will each have up to 24 members, including property owners, business owners, representatives of local governments, technical experts and other interested citizens.

"Through the advisory committees, local officials and citizens can be more involved in the planning process than ever before. They will have a huge say in shaping the Trans-Texas Corridor," said Ted Houghton (pictured), a member of the Texas Transportation Commission.

The proposed TTC-35 would run from Laredo to Oklahoma and include or parallel Interstate-35. The I-69/TTC project is being considered in a 650-mile long study area stretching from far South Texas to extreme Northeast Texas.


'Grow the Force' plan to add troops to Texas

A government plan to boost military forces means at least 14,000 more troops for Texas over the next four to five years. The "Grow the Force" plan signed by President Bush on Monday would boost Army, Marine Corps and National Guard ranks by more than 92,000 over five years. The troops' growth would occur between 2009 and 2013.

That means two new combat brigades for Fort Bliss, for about 7,000 to 8,000 more troops. Fort Hood will get two more brigades, adding 7,000 to 8,000 troops to Texas. That will keep Fort Hood troops at 50,000.


Fort Worth selects Dale Fisseler as new city manager

Dale Fisseler

The Fort Worth City Council voted unanimously Thursday to hire Assistant City Manager Dale Fisseler (pictured) as the next city manager. After salary negotiations are completed, he will replace Charles Boswell, who announced his retirement in May. Fisseler and Boswell will determine when the new city manager begins.

Fisseler won over two external candidates and Fort Worth Assistant City Manager Joe Paniagua. He worked for Dallas Water Utilities for about eight years and went to Fort Worth in 1990 as a water production superintendent and became director of the water department in 1999. He became a troubleshooter, serving as an acting assistant city manager on some occasions. In 2004, he became an assistant city manager, overseeing economic and community development. He earned a bachelor's degree from Texas A&M University.


Victoria may become home to nuclear power plant

Chicago-based Exelon Corp., one of the nation's largest electric utilities, this week announced it has picked a site near Victoria as the location of a new nuclear power plant. The company had been looking at sites in Victoria and Matagorda counties. The Victoria site won as it is "best suited to satisfy NRC requirements," according to a statement from Exelon.

The company plans to submit a license application with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission in September that will name the Victoria County site. Once it files an application, the company may be locked in a race with CPS Energy and its partner, NRG Energy of New Jersey, to build the first nuclear reactors in the U.S. in three decades. CPS and NRG filed an application in September to add two reactors to the South Texas Project, a nuclear plant near Bay City, southwest of Houston. CPS, NRG and the city of Austin are now partners in the plant.


Three candidates make short list for TSU presidency

John Rudley

Anthony Hall

Ivory Nelson

Three candidates have the inside track as Texas Southern University's next president, according to people familiar with the search process. They include interim University of Houston President John Rudley (right); the city of Houston's chief administrative officer, Anthony Hall (center); and Ivory Nelson (left), a former Texas A&M University System administrator who now leads Lincoln University in Pennsylvania.

The university's governing board will receive a recommendation from an advisory search committee at a specially called meeting today - more than 18 months after the firing of former President Priscilla Slade. It's unlikely that the regents will make an immediate decision because not all of them will be able to attend today's meeting. If the regents do name a finalist today, state law requires them to wait 21 days before voting on the appointment.


Texas cities win DHS funding for equipment, training

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) this week announced $1.5 million in Commercial Equipment Direct Assistance Program (CEDAP) grants to 76 Texas cities to help provide equipment and related training to law enforcement and emergency responders.

The DHS funding can be used for personal protective equipment, thermal imaging, night vision and video surveillance equipment, chemical and biological detection equipment, information technology and risk management equipment and interoperable communications equipment. The following organizations will receive funding:

  • Abilene, Abilene F.D., $30,935.80
  • Alamo Heights, Alamo Heights P.D., $11,500.00
  • Andrews, Andrews Volunteer F.D., $21,274.10
  • Lufkin, Angelina County Sheriff's Dept., $21,274.10
  • Austin, Austin F.D., $8,499.00
  • Austin, Austin P.D., $30,935.80
  • Baytown, Baytown F.D., $30,935.80
  • Beaumont, Beaumont Police Dept., $11,500.00
  • Bells, Bells P.D., $11,794.00
  • Benbrook, Benbrook P.D., $11,794.00
  • Burkburnett, Burkburnett P.D., $24,175.00
  • Lockhart, Caldwell County Sheriff's Office, $11,794.00
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A&M University creates Nuclear Power Institute

Kem Bennett

Texas A&M University at College Station is launching the Nuclear Power Institute to train students for careers related to nuclear power. The institute will help train staff needed to operate new reactors and generating plants. It will also revamp curriculum for junior high, high school and college students who are interested in pursuing careers in the field.

"The Texas A&M University System is uniquely configured with the ideal combination of education, research and service agencies and universities to lead this effort. The institute will make a significant impact upon the workforce and economy of the state and nation," said Vice Chancellor and Dean of Engineering Kem Bennett (pictured).

The institute was established in a joint effort by the Dwight Look College of Engineering and the Texas Engineering Experiment Station (TEES). The Look College is one of the largest engineering colleges in the nation, with nearly 9,000 students and 12 departments.


UT-Tyler to provide computer security training

The University of Texas at Tyler will offer research and first-responder training in computer security and emergency preparedness for the state with a new institute to open on the UT-Tyler campus next year.

UT-Tyler has formed a partnership and collaboration with Mississippi State University's Center for Computer Security Research to start the Texas Emergency Preparedness and Cyber Security Institute. The institute is scheduled to open February 2008.


Sanchez family foundation awards $10M to TAIMU

Tony Sanchez

The Texas A&M International University College of Business Administration in Laredo has received a $10 million gift from the A.R. "Tony" and Maria J. Sanchez Family Foundation. The gift will be used to establish an endowment fund to provide support, programming, activities and improvements for the college.

Tony Sanchez (pictured) said the gift exemplifies the foundation's commitment to influencing social change and improving the quality of life for residents of South Texas and the border.

"Our family has deep roots here and a great affection for our hometown. Through our foundation, we're able to return some of our good fortune to the people and place that we truly cherish. We are delighted to be able to give the College of Business Administration the ability to grow and excel further," Sanchez said.


Purchase for Richland College campus approved

Dallas County Community College District trustees earlier this week approved the final land acquisition for the Richland College Community campus in Garland. The district agreed to pay the city of Garland $632,245 for the 3.8-acre site. In May 2005, the district paid $2.4 million for just over 20 acres adjacent to the soon-to-be acquired property.

Phase 1 of the Garland campus, which is already under way, is the construction of 33,000 square feet of classroom space and other college buildings. It is scheduled for completion in December 2008. The total construction cost is estimated at $12.3 million.

Classes are scheduled to begin in March 2009 and will focus on career-related education, training and services. The Garland campus is one of five authorized as part of a $450 million college district bond election in 2004. The others will be in Pleasant Grove, West Dallas, Coppell and Irving.


UT Southwestern wins $5M for lupus research

Lupus Team

The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas has won a five-year, $5 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to study lupus. The medical center's division of rheumatic diseases will lead work on the project.

"There are a limited number of these centers around the country, so this is a major accomplishment for UT Southwestern," said Dr. David Karp (center), chief of rheumatic diseases.

The research into systemic lupus erythematosus will be led by Drs. Chandra Mohan (right) and Nancy Olsen (left). Researchers from the Baylor Institute of Immunological Research will also be involved in the effort.


Bexar County commissioners field $400M civic wish list

The Bexar County Commissioners Court at a daylong public hearing Wednesday heard proposals for $400 million in civic improvements, including a new performing arts center, $75 million in upgrades to the AT&T Center including $43 million for building infrastructure and new technology, several new sports facilities and renovations to the Freeman Coliseum.

Commissioners asked staffers to determine if the county has the debt capacity to issue bonds for all of the proposed projects. The court plans to finalize its recommendations in January and plans to seek voter approval to extend the venue tax in May.


DPS increases enforcement for the upcoming holidays

Thomas Davis

All available troopers with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) will be on patrol for the Christmas and New Year's holidays in an effort to make the roads safer for all travelers. They will be on the lookout for drunk drivers, speeders and seat belt violators from Saturday, Dec. 22, through Tuesday, Dec. 25, and again on Monday, Dec. 31, through Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2008.

DPS is especially concerned about drinking and driving during the holidays, said DPS Director Col. Thomas A. Davis Jr. (pictured).

"Your chances of getting arrested for DWI or receiving a traffic citation nearly doubles during increased enforcement periods like Operation Holiday. Traffic crash death notifications are never easy, but they are even more difficult during the holidays. Our hope is that our efforts, combined with other law enforcement across the state, will save some people from needless traffic deaths during the holiday season," he said.


USDOT seeks input on fighting traffic congestion

State and local governments, private industry and research organizations are being asked to provide information to the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) on commercially available technology applications that will help fight traffic congestion and improve safety on the nation's roadways. Once the information is received, USDOT's Research and Innovative Technology Administration will identify partners for its SafeTrip-21 program aimed at building research regarding using technology to prevent accidents and curb traffic congestion through the use of real-time safety warnings, traffic and transit information and navigational tools. Operational tests are already under way among automakers, equipment suppliers and state and local governments in seven states. For more information, click here.


Texas demographer named new U.S. Census director

Steven Murdock

The U.S. Senate has confirmed Steven Murdock (pictured), the state's demographer, to head the U. S. Census Bureau as it steps up preparations for the 2010 national count. Murdock replaces another Texan, statistician Louis Kincannon, who resigned 13 months ago.

Murdock is director of the Institute for Demographic and Socioeconomic Research at the University of Texas at San Antonio. He earned a doctoral degree from the University of Kentucky. He was nominated by President George W. Bush in June.


Fort Worth ISD selling ads to support newsletter

This year, for the first time, the Fort Worth school district is selling advertisements to pay for the cost of producing and mailing its newsletter to parents. The most recent issue of Parentlink contains ads for tutoring companies, home security systems and an acne-fighting solution.

The publication is produced through a partnership between the district's Parent and Public Engagement Department and a communications company based in Colorado. The printing and mailing of the newsletters is paid through corporate sponsorships that the company brings in. The district writes the copy, designs the layout and approves the advertising.

Nancy Ricker, the district's executive director of parent and public engagement, said the ads allow them to get information directly to parents who don't have access to the Internet or to a newspaper. Ricker said the district opted for this service after researching the company, which works with about 100 mostly urban school districts. A past effort to print and send newsletters cost the district about $27,000. Producing and mailing four editions would cost about $108,000.


Lewisville leaders allocate funds for new trail

The Lewisville City Council approved $1.7 million in expenditures for the new Timber Creek Trail project that will offer an additional 1.2 miles for hikers, cyclists, joggers and skaters, creating the longest hike and bike trail in the city. Fort Worth-based construction and architectural firms have been hired for the project.

The new trail is slated for completion late next year. The city has been approved for an 80 percent reimbursement grant from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). This means the state will reimburse the city $1,429,563, leaving the city's total cost at $351,120.


Big Sandy names lone finalist for superintendent

Scott Beene

The Big Sandy school board has named Scott Beene (pictured), superintendent for the Murchison school district, as the lone finalist to replace Superintendent Tonya Knowlton, whose resignation was effective Nov. 30. Knowlton has remained as acting superintendent while the board completed a two-month search for her successor.

Beene has been an educator for 13 years. He started as an agriculture/science teacher and worked as a principal before becoming superintendent at Murchison. State law requires that the school board wait 21 days after naming its lone finalist to offer Beene a contract. He is expected to assume his new duties in late January.


San Antonio program for homeless veterans wins grant

A San Antonio program that helps homeless and economically disadvantaged veterans was awarded a $1.35 million federal grant earlier this week to build a jobs training and work therapy center. The grant, awarded through the Economic Development Administration, is expected to help create about 115 jobs and serve 500 to 600 veterans annually.

The grant will fund construction of a training center in the 35,000-square-foot basement of the American GI Forum's Residential Center for Veterans in downtown San Antonio. The 110-bed facility opened two years ago as a temporary haven for homeless and transitional veterans.


TxDOT plans Interstate 69 town hall meetings

Starting on Jan. 15, 2008, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) will hold 11 town hall meetings followed by 46 public hearings beginning on Feb. 4, 2008. The agency has scheduled the public forums to give residents numerous opportunities to ask questions and get answers about the I-69/Trans-Texas Corridor (TTC) project and other transportation issues.

A panel of TxDOT staff, led by a member of the agency's administration, will answer questions at the forums. Each meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. For a complete listing of the town hall meetings and public hearings click here.


Marble Falls fire chief now assistant city manager

Marble Falls Fire Chief Ralph Hendricks this week was promoted to assistant city manager. City Manager Judy Miller, the city's former assistant city manager, appointed Hendricks to the post. He will begin his duties as assistant city manager immediately, and will continue serving as fire chief until a replacement is found.


Asbestos halts Matagorda County's Jail project

A $4.8 million renovation of the Matagorda County Jail came to an unexpected standstill this week as construction workers discovered asbestos in the glue in floor tiles and some plumbing pipes. Crews were working on the demolition of the jail facility built in 1982.

The general contractor for the project has applied for an asbestos removal permit from the state. Also, the county is in the process of hiring a certified asbestos removal contractor. The estimated cost of removing the asbestos is $70,000. Construction on the jail project is not expected to resume before Jan. 20, 2008.


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Interim committee charges are worthy of watching!

Mary Scott Nabers

By Mary Scott Nabers, CEO of Strategic Partnerships, Inc.

As 2008 approaches, Texas House members are gearing up to begin hearings on the recently announced interim charges. Even if you're not heavy into politics, don't let this activity slip by you.

There's more to interim committee hearings than meets the eye. The results of these hearings often lead to legislation. And, it is common for some of the legislation to open up contracting opportunities for vendors and service providers who contract with the state.

Interim "charges" are submitted to House committees by the Speaker of the House and the lieutenant governor submits charges to the Senate committees. They address issues, problems, previous legislation and possible solutions to problems.

The House charges were released last month and the Senate charges are expected to be released soon.

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TGI will not publish on Dec. 28

There will be no issue of the Texas Government Insider on Friday, Dec. 28. Strategic Partnerships, Inc. will be closed Monday and Tuesday, Dec. 24 and 25, so that our employees can enjoy the holiday season with family and friends.

We will resume publication on Friday, Jan. 4, 2008.

Have a safe and happy holiday!

Lennox leaving Fort Bliss
for Washington, D.C.

Robert Lennox

Maj. Gen. Robert P. Lennox (pictured), commanding general of the U.S. Army Air Defense Artillery Center and of Fort Bliss, will be leaving the Texas military installation to become assistant deputy chief of staff, G-3/5/7, U.S. Army, Washington, D.C.

He will be replaced by Maj. Gen. Howard B. Bromberg, current chief of staff of the U.S. Strategic Command, Offutt Air Force Base, Neb.


Houston ISD offers
flexible school day

In an effort to slow its dropout rate, the Houston school district will offer a flexible school day at all of its high schools that allows struggling students and dropouts to attend classes part-time and on Saturdays. The district's board of trustees recently approved the program to fight the dropout epidemic.

Houston school officials noted that flexible scheduling is a growing strategy among urban schools. Today's administrators must juggle the complex needs of students with jobs and with state and federal demands for graduation rate improvements. State records show 18 percent of all HISD students who should have graduated in 2006 dropped out. That's double the statewide dropout rate for the same period.


SPI announces two new information-sharing features

The latest expansion of SPI's state and local news offerings is now available on the firm's Web site. Readers can find news that is updated daily that addresses best practices, trends, innovations and initiatives and successful public/private partnerships.

The SPI Web site has begun posting breaking news that changes daily and many Texas organizations, agencies and associations are contributing materials which will be promoted in TGI each week and then published on the Web site.

SPI also is seeking contributions of news, articles, case studies, whitepapers and research that are of interest to others involved in government. Organizations, agencies, associations and individuals are contributing materials that will be promoted in TGI and then published on the SPI Web site. This week, the "Eye on Government" section features information on the country's first statewide citizen evacuation management system, a document relating to the challenges of managing untrained private citizens who respond to disasters and a brief released this week on a state Homeland Security directors survey. For more details on how to get published, click here.


Red light cameras
coming to Baytown

Red light cameras will be installed at seven intersections around Baytown by February. The Baytown City Council recently voted in favor of the action, following the revelation that red light runners caused three accident fatalities in the past year.

Once the system is up and running, citizens will have a 30-day warning period before citations begin arriving in the mail. After the warning period, violators will be fined $75 for running a red light in Baytown.


Silsbee's McGowan retiring as school superintendent

Mike McGowan

Silsbee ISD Superintendent Mike McGowan (pictured) has announced that he will retire at the end of the current school year. His final day at the helm of the East Texas school system will be June 30, 2008.

McGowan has been superintendent of the Silsbee ISD since 2001. He is a graduate of the University of Akron in Ohio, and began his teaching career in Ohio in the 1970s. He later moved to Texas and was intermediate principal for special education in the Aransas Pass schools, where he also served as a principal and later as administrative assistant. He was assistant superintendent in Aransas Pass from 1996 until he moved to Silsbee.


Governor's appointments

Gov. Rick Perry has made the following appointments:

  • Larry Kellner of Houston, the Select Committee on Public School Accountability
  • Sandy Kress of Austin, the Select Committee on Public School Accountability

SPI's large, diverse consulting team ready to assist clients

Strategic Partnerships, Inc. has been blessed with much growth in the past few years. The Consulting team is large and diverse and all SPI consultants are available to assist companies or organizations. Watch this space in the coming weeks for a brief overview that describes consultants and their expertise. For more details check the SPI Web site (www.spartnerships.com) or call Reagan Weil at 531-3900.

Richard Butler
Senior consultant Richard Butler brings to the SPI consulting team a wide-ranging background in both higher education and healthcare. As a former senior vice chancellor of the Texas Tech University System, he was responsible for two major operational divisions of the University System office. He also previously served as vice president for operations at the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center.

Butler's health industry expertise comes from having served as Associate Commissioner for Operations for the then-Texas Department of Health, as chief of staff to the Texas Health Commissioner, as chief of the Bureau of Long-Term Care, director of programs for a state public health region, as a certified health facility surveyor supervisor and a medical social worker.

Butler's background in both public health and higher education are unique. He brings to clients 30 years of experience managing complex public health programs as well as an extensive knowledge of the budgetary, programmatic and legal issues surrounding healthcare. His higher education expertise includes contract negotiations, intergovernmental responsibilities and development of relationships with public and private sector partners.


Leander ISD picks superintendent finalist

Bret Champion

The Leander school trustees have named Bret Champion (pictured), the district's assistant superintendent for administrative services, its lone finalist for the district's superintendent position. He will replace Tom Glenn, who is retiring Jan. 31 after serving for 20 years.

The district must wait 21 days, as mandated by state law, before offering a contract. In the meantime, trustees are negotiating the contract terms. The selection caps a yearlong national search to find Glenn's successor. Champion is a former Leander Middle School principal and has been with the district for 14 years.


Lubbock studies $104 million bond proposal

The Lubbock City Council is pondering a $104 million bond referendum next May that would include $10.2 million to build 54 new soccer fields and $90 million for street improvements.

Other projects the council is considering include $2 million for playground renovations and $1 million for irrigation system. The council is expected to decide the amount of the bond proposal in the next 60 days.


Mullen added to SPI
as senior consultant

Carl Mullen

Carl Mullen (pictured) brings a long history of working with state government to his new role as senior consultant with Strategic Partnerships, Inc. Mullen has worked in Texas state government for nearly 25 years and at all levels. His state career includes having worked for two former governors and at three state agencies. He is a former policy researcher with the Texas General Land Office and a former budget policy analyst with the Legislative Budget Board.

From 1991 to 2000, Mullen served as deputy executive director of the Texas General Services Commission, where he managed and coordinated all of the divisions in the agency and participated in agency functions that included building and maintenance operations, facility design and construction and purchasing. From 2000 to 2004, he was director of business process and improvement for the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. He was part of the team that reviewed administration functions of selected agencies that resulted in legislation leading to the consolidation of some of those functions under the supervision of a single agency.

Dallas highway scheduled
to install new lights

The 8-mile section of Spur 408 from Loop 12 to I-20 is one of the darkest stretches of highway in Dallas. But the Dallas City Council recently took action to ensure that the highway is brightly lighted by June 2009.

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) will spend $2.5 million to install the lights and the council has agreed to cover the $88,000 annual cost for maintenance and electricity. The concrete pilings where the overhead lights will be mounted are already in place.


SPI job openings

K-12 public education consultants

SPI has immediate need for individuals with well-established credentials who are interested in assisting its consulting teams throughout Texas. SPI has immediate openings for subject matter experts who can assist part-time in the K-12 education arena in Texas, particularly in the Dallas area. Applicants should have a strong background in public school education, either as a former top-level decision-maker for a school district, or through experience in other venues such as regional service centers or statewide public education associations. To apply for these part-time consulting positions at SPI, please send a brief cover letter and a copy of your resume to J. Lyn Carl at jcarl@spartnerships.com and put "Application for K-12 Consultant" in the subject line, or for more information, send an e-mail to the same address.

Healthcare consultants

SPI is in need of individuals with subject matter expertise and well-established credentials in the healthcare arena (particularly in the Dallas and Houston areas) who are interested in part-time work assisting its consulting teams throughout Texas. Applicants should have well-maintained relationships and a strong background in healthcare, either as a former top-level decision-maker for a hospital (such as an administrator, CEO, CFO, COO, etc.), or through experience in other venues such as statewide hospital or healthcare associations or agencies that deal with healthcare entities throughout the state. To apply for these part-time consulting positions at SPI, please send a brief cover letter and a copy of your resume to J. Lyn Carl at jcarl@spartnerships.com and put "Application for Healthcare Consultant" in the subject line, or for more information, send an e-mail to the same address.

Federal government consultants

SPI has immediate need for individuals in Texas with well-established credentials who are interested in assisting its consulting teams throughout the state. SPI has immediate openings for subject matter experts who can assist part-time in the federal government procurement arena. Applicants should have a strong background in federal procurement practices and be prepared to assist private sector companies in understanding how to do business with the federal government. To apply for these part-time consulting positions at SPI, please send a brief cover letter and a copy of your resume to J. Lyn Carl at jcarl@spartnerships.com and put "Application for Federal Government Consultant" in the subject line, or for more information, send an e-mail to the same address.

Cypress Creek EMS begins work on $7.3M complex

Construction recently began on a $7.3 million complex that will enable the Cypress Creek EMS to better serve a rapidly growing community. The agency covers a 250-square-mile area in northwest Houston, where the population is between 400,000 and 450,000.

The project involves the construction of three new buildings on a 6.5-acre tract. One structure will house a spacious communications center. Another new building will serve as an additional ambulance station. The new education center/administration building will provide additional space for more training. Completion is expected by January 2009.


Transportation commission approves three loans

The Texas Transportation Commission recently approved three state infrastructure bank (SIB) loans. The loans are used to help fund more than $1 billion in transportation projects in Texas. To date, the commission has approved 75 SIB loans totaling $327 million.

The city of Pottsboro will receive a $1 million loan to help fund utility relocation along Farm to Market 996 and the proposed expansion of SH 289. The City of Baytown won a $2 million loan to construct a direct-connector ramp from Spur 330 to State Highway 146. The Caddo Basin Specialty Utility District was approved for a $2 million loan to relocate utilities necessary to expand US 380 in Hunt County. The expansion will widen US 380 to a four-lane, divided highway.


La Feria names new
school superintendent

The La Feria school board this week selected Nabor Cortez, currently the executive director of the secondary division for Edgewood ISD in San Antonio, to be the district's newest superintendent. He would replace Superintendent Luis Garza, who will retire in February.

Cortez has until Jan. 10 to accept or reject the position. In the upcoming weeks, the board and Cortez with negotiate salary, the length of the contract and other terms. State law requires that the school board wait 21 days after naming the lone finalist to offer Cortez a contract.


Montgomery County OKs new $9.9M radio system

The Montgomery County Commissioners Court earlier this week approved a new, $9.9 million public safety radio system that will allow law enforcement agencies to communicate directly with surrounding counties in the Houston-Galveston area. The new system could be operational within 18 months.

In the past, the sheriff's office has encountered communication problems during cross-county police chases and disasters because they had to use a "patch" to link Montgomery County with surrounding areas. The patch took additional time and sometimes did not work. The county will finance the radios through a lease-purchase agreement with the Houston Galveston Area Council.


Huntsville city manager
accepts position in Arizona

Kevin Evans

Huntsville City Manager Kevin Evans (pictured), who has accepted a similiar position with the City of Maricopa, Ariz., this week submitted his resignation, effective Jan. 20. He has been city manager for Huntsville for four years.

The City Council expects that the selection of a new city manager will take at least six months. Evan has recommended that the council appoint Assistant City Manager Victor Pena as interim city manager.


Ore City ISD board ponders May 2008 bond election

The Ore City school board is considering calling an $8 million bond election in May 2008 to build a new elementary school to accommodate the district's student enrollment growth. The district's existing elementary school was built in 1968 and has been remodeled and added on to numerous times, but it is outdated and needs room for more students. A steering committee has been formed to study the possibilities of a May bond proposal.


Recent Reports


Event Links

Texas Government Insider Archives

Volume 1 - 5 Archives · 11/7/03 - 12/14/07



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The Texas Government Insider is a free weekly e-newsletter detailing important happenings throughout the state and summarizing current political issues relevant to individuals interested in government.

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The Insider is published by Strategic Partnerships, Inc. (SPI), a research and consulting firm. Founded in Texas in 1994 by former government executives and public sector experts, SPI has developed a national reputation as the premier marketing partner dedicated to helping companies secure contracts in the $1.5 trillion state and local government marketplace.

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