Calling questions by state senators at a recent legislative hearing "tough, but fair," Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Executive Director Amadeo Saenz (left) this week advised his employees that the agency had "made mistakes and miscalculations" regarding the agency's cash flow projections.

At a joint meeting of the Senate Finance and Transportation and Homeland Security committees last week, TxDOT officials drew fire for what was described as an "accounting error" that led the state's transportation agency to predict a freeze on numerous current and future roadway projects throughout the state.

TxDOT officials now are revising their figures to determine available funding. Saenz pledged to continue to "work with local officials to determine which projects best meet their community needs." Texas Transportation Commission Chair Hope Andrade (right) last week said that although contracts and projects will not be canceled, TxDOT will take a hard look at how many contracts are approved in the future to avoid obligating the agency for payments in future years that it will not be able to make.

Texas Youth Commission acting director Pope resigns

Craddick names three new members to agency's board

Dimitria Pope (pictured), the acting executive director of the Texas Youth Commission, resigned under pressure from state officials this week. Her chief of staff, Mickey Neel, also resigned. Pope was among several state prison officials brought in last year to sort out a number of problems at the agency.

Several top TYC officials were forced out last spring following allegations that sexual abuse of incarcerated teenagers was not properly investigated. Members of the governing board were also fired as the agency was placed in conservatorship, a form of receivership.

Pope was named TYC's chief of staff in April and was promoted to acting executive director in June. She had been criticized for an order allowing pepper spray to be used more frequently to control unruly youths, and for paying for expensive office renovations with money appropriated to hire guards.

In other developments, House Speaker Tom Craddick has named Joseph Brown of Sherman, Douglas Matthews of Vernon and Larry Carroll of Midland to the Advisory Board of the Texas Youth Commission. The board is made up of nine members, three appointed by the House Speaker, three by the lieutenant governor and three by the governor. The board is responsible for advising the TYC executive commissioner on matters concerning the agency.

Strategic Partnerships salutes Texas' Lone Stars

This week's salute is to Larry Soward, commissioner, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality

Career highlights and education: Doctor of Jurisprudence degree, University of Texas at Austin, 1974; Bachelor of Arts degree, mathematics major, University of Texas at Austin, 1971. Appointed by Gov. Rick Perry on October 17, 2003, to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for a term expiring August 31, 2009. Appointed by the governor to serve on the Texas Energy Planning Council in 2004. Executive assistant to Texas Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst during the 78th Legislative Session and two special legislative sessions held during 2003; deputy land commissioner of the Texas General Land Office and Veterans' Land Board; deputy commissioner of the Texas Department of Agriculture; deputy executive director of the Texas Public Utility Commission; executive director, general counsel, chief hearings examiner and assistant chief hearings examiner of the Texas Water Commission; hearings examiner with the Texas Water Quality Board. Also two separate and brief stints in private practice.

What I like best about my job is: The true importance of my job - knowing that the decisions I routinely make or actions I routinely take as a TCEQ Commissioner not only affect the lives of most, if not all, Texans today, but very likely generations of Texans to come, as well. That's a very sobering fact that has instilled very deep senses of responsibility and commitment in me as I serve in this position.

The best advice I've received for my current job is: Actually, it was advice I received from my dad almost 40 years ago as I left home for college, but valuable advice which I have tried to apply to every aspect of my life, especially in all my professional/public service roles. He said that integrity, honesty, loyalty, character, respect, common decency, fairness and just plain ole' hard work are traits that will always allow you to succeed, no matter what you are doing.

Advice I would give a new hire in my office: In addition to passing on the sound advice I got from my dad that I just mentioned, I would advise new agency employees to truly be public servants. I believe there can be no greater calling than serving the people of this great state. To me, "public servant" literally means what the words say...a servant to the people of Texas - all the people of Texas. They are who we work for. A true public servant is someone who listens to all, and takes actions and makes decisions that take into full account all thoughts, issues, interests and goals from all who want to be included. Texas' proud heritage and current way of life is founded on a strong diversity of people and their backgrounds, experiences, philosophies, views and interests. I believe that in all our efforts at the TCEQ, we must continue to value and encourage that diversity of interests, views, issues and solutions. As we address the issues and challenges facing us ahead - whatever they may be - only when we have openly discussed and deliberated all the various and diverse viewpoints, philosophies and positions that stakeholders and other interested parties hold will we really make the most informed decision we can on a given issue.

If I ever snuck out of work early, I could probably be found: spending time with my 3-year-old godson, Charles, or watching college sports - almost any sport - and especially the Texas Longhorns.

People would be surprised to know that: I'm really a sentimental softy about most things.

Book, magazine or newspaper article I've read recently that really influenced my thinking: An article in the September 23, 2007, edition of The New York Times Magazine entitled "The Dissenter," about Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens, the oldest and arguably most liberal justice, appointed by President Gerald Ford to the Court in 1975 as a moderate Republican. This in-depth article about Justice Stevens' personal, educational and judicial life was truly enlightening and interesting. The article spent a lot of time outlining the development of his role on the Court, and how his ideologies and philosophies have factored into the Court's decisions, past and present. And the article focused on a number of fascinating aspects about Justice Stevens. One being his character - his engagement, curiosity, combination of toughness and vision, strong internal compass and refusal to go along with the crowd, his decisiveness, analytical power, modesty (but not false modesty), devotion to the court as a steady institution and sense of wonder and gratitude for the remarkable opportunities that have come his way. The article also highlighted the fact that ever since he joined the Supreme Court, he has written more dissenting and separate concurring opinions than any of his colleagues. Justice Stevens embraces the Jeffersonian view that separate opinions in which individual justices make their disagreements clear should be encouraged. He doesn't believe in suppressing dissent, stating instead, "If you disagree you should say so...I just feel I have an obligation to expose my views to the public." And even though his philosophies and opinions have made him a model for liberals around the country, Stevens is more interested in demonstrating his intellectual consistency and temperament as a judge's judge. "You write what you think is correct and important," he says. I guess I saw a lot of myself - my philosophies and my ideologies - and how I try to approach my role and responsibilities as a commssioner when I read this article about Justice Stevens.

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.

Wilson launches statewide voter education program

Secretary of State Phil Wilson (pictured) has launched a statewide voter education program called "VOTEXAS - You Count. Texas makes sure." Wilson will lead the yearlong, public education program that will focus on educating Texans about their rights as voters.

"It's time to get back to the basics of voting," said Wilson. "My goal this year is to make sure that Texans not only know when, where and how to vote, but that they also understand their rights as a voter. My office is dedicated to protecting voters' privacy and ensuring that every Texan can cast a secure, private ballot no matter their language, education or physical capacity."

Travis County Clerk Dana DeBeauvoir and Jared Dunten, a Texas voter, joined Wilson. Jared, whose message focuses on the rights of voters with special needs emphasized the importance of voting and reminded the audience of the state's promise to provide a secure and accessible polling place for each registered voter.

VOTEXAS is a federally funded voter education program developed in response to the significant sweeping reform to the elections processes throughout the state and nation as a result of the Help America Vote Act of 2002. Through the improved VOTEXAS.org Web site, and revised, comprehensive brochures, Wilson believes that Texans will be better prepared than ever before to cast their ballots.

Whitley to serve as senior advisor to comptroller

Sarah Whitley (pictured), a member of State Comptroller Susan Combs' advisory team for the last seven years, has been named Senior Advisor to the Comptroller. She will advise Combs on state issues and agency policy while also serving as external relations liaison with associations, business groups, advocacy organizations and business leaders in Texas.

In the external relations role, Whitley will ensure that the policies and programs of the Comptroller's Office are clear as she monitors customer service and business relations. She also will be involved in strategic planning and in driving external relations initiatives.

TDA Food, Fiber Pavilion wins unprecedented awards

The Texas Department of Agriculture's Food and Fiber Pavilion at the State Fair of Texas won an unprecedented six awards at a recent statewide competition. TDA won the top prize in each category entered.

"We're very honored to receive this recognition," said Commissioner Todd Staples (pictured). "The Food and Fiber Pavilion at the State Fair of Texas is proof TDA employees are dedicated to promoting all things Texan. The diversity of these awards reflects their commitment to our industry."

TDA's awards in 2006 and 2007 included: Best Other Merchandise: The GO TEXAN Store grocery bag; Best Newsletter: March 2006 GO TEXAN Infoletter; Best Miscellaneous Printed Materials: Food and Fiber Pavilion recruitment folder and inserts; Best Promotional Poster: Commemorative poster; Best Agricultural Education Program: Kitchen Craft Texas 4-H "Heat it Up!" Cook-off; and Best Sponsorship Follow-up Report: Food and Fiber Pavilion Review binder.

In addition, TDA's Food and Fiber Pavilion has been recognized with a first-place award from the 2007 International Association of Fairs and Events in the "Best Printed Material to Promote Agriculture Programs" category for the Food and Fiber Pavilion Commemorative Poster.

Texans vote, choose new Lone Star license plate

Texans cast more than 1.2 million online votes to decide the new design for the state's general-issue license plates. The week-long vote - which ended last Friday - offered visitors to the Texas Department of Transportation's Web site the choice of keeping the current plate or choosing one of four new designs.

A design called Lone Star Texas (pictured), a red, white and blue plate that features a mountain range, blue sky and a white Lone Star, was the top vote getter. Natural Texas, which features a meadow of wildflowers, was second place.

After the winning plate is verified, it will be presented to the Texas Transportation Commission on Feb. 28 for final approval.

TEA announces student heart screening pilot program

The Texas Education Agency this week announced a contract has been awarded to begin screening of sixth-graders in Texas for heart conditions that can cause sudden and unforeseen death. The contract was made possible as a result of legislation during the 80th Texas Legislature that set aside $1 million for the Early Cardiovascular Detection Pilot Program.

"Sudden death due to an undetected heart condition is rare among school children," Commissioner of Education Robert Scott (pictured) said. "Yet there have been cases - tragic cases in which students died after some kind of strenuous physical activity. We want to do everything possible to protect our young people, and this screening program is a part of that effort."

The program targets more than 12,000 sixth-grade students in the state's public schools. The contract awarded to Championship Hearts Foundation represents a collaboration between the Foundation, Children's Medical Center of Dallas, Texas Children's Hospital of Houston, Children's Cardiology of Austin and other medical professionals.

Pest Control Advisory Committee members named

Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples has announced the appointment of the inaugural members of the Structural Pest Control Advisory Committee. A bill from the 80th Legislative Session, which abolished the Texas Structural Pest Control Board and transferred the responsibilities for licensing and regulation of structural pest control to TDA, created the committee.

Members include Thomas Kezar of Austin, Gregory Orr of Houston, Peggy Caruso of Katy, Johnny Hibbs of Carrollton, William Roberts of Plano, Dr. Michael Merchant of Dallas, and William Stepan of Houston. Commissioner of State Health Services, Dr. David Lakey (pictured), is also a member of the committee.

State sales tax collections up 5.2 percent in January

Texas Comptroller Susan Combs said the state collected $1.85 billion in sales tax revenue in January, up 5.2 percent compared to January 2007. Combs sent $640.8 million in local sales tax to Texas cities, counties, transit systems and special purpose taxing districts, up 5.1 percent compared to sales tax distributions to local governments in February 2007.

"State sales tax collections through the first five months of the fiscal year, September 2007 through January 2008, are up 6.8 percent compared to the same period last fiscal year," Combs said. "While growth remains firm, it is slower than that of the past two years. This moderation is consistent with the slowing economy."

Chertoff announces levee-fence compromise

Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff has endorsed a plan for an enhanced levee proposal that would eliminate the need for miles of border fencing in Hidalgo County. He said the concept satisfies U.S. security demands without permanently encroaching on private property.

Chertoff credited state and local leaders for the compromise, saying they made the initial proposal and put up the money to see it through. Current plans call for 22 miles of concrete levees that would reach as high as 18 feet. At $5.1 million per mile of levee, the entire project is expected to top $112 million in federal and local funds.

Because the levees lie on land owned by the U.S. Section of the International Boundary and Water Commission, construction can begin without the drawn-out land seizure proceedings that many private property owners feared.

Four new faces on UH System Board of Regents

Four individuals were recently appointed to the University of Houston System Board of Regents

Jacob Monty (top left) is the managing partner for the Monty Partners LLP law firm. Monty is a graduate of the University of Texas at Arlington and received a law degree from the University of Houston Law Center. Monty replaces Leroy Hermes. His term expires Aug. 31, 2013.

Carroll Robertson Ray (top right) is an attorney with Andrews and Kurth, LLP. She received a bachelor's degree from Northwestern University and a law degree from the University of Houston. Ray replaces Morgan O'Connor. Her term expires Aug. 31, 2011.

Nelda Blair (bottom left) is the president and owner of the Blair Law Firm, PC. She serves as chairman of the Board of Directors of The Woodlands Township. Blair received a bachelor's degree from Baylor University and a law degree from the University of Houston. She replaces Michael Cemo. Her term expires Aug. 31, 2013.

Mica Mosbacher (bottom right) is a Houston-based fundraiser, philanthropist and former journalist. She attended Hollins University and The University of Texas at Austin. Mosbacher replaces Raul Gonzalez. Her term expires Aug. 31, 2013.

Border fencing could start in spring; suits filed

The addition of some 400 miles of new fencing, part of which will be along the Texas border, is expected to begin in late spring or early summer, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials. The fencing will be built along the border of Texas and three other states that border Mexico.

The fencing is part of the Secure Border Initiative, which also includes erecting radars, camera and other high-tech surveillance equipment that will be used to help secure the nation's borders.

The federal government has sued the Texas Southmost College District and the chancellor of The University of Texas System over access to land along the path of the proposed border. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is seeking access to 37.52 acres of land on the UTB-TSC campus that follows the Rio Grande for about half a mile.

DHS has the ability to seize land by exercising the right of eminent domain. After receiving an ultimatum from DHS in December, UTB-TSC President Juliet Garcia and other members of the TSC board refused to give consent to surveyors, citing both a risk to property investment and the likelihood that a fence would jeopardize campus security.

The UT Board of Regents unanimously adopted a resolution that pledged support for homeland security but asked the government to explore other options.

UTMB-Galveston plans $90 million research building

The University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston is planning to build a $90 million research building across from the school's Primary Care Pavilion. It will house offices and laboratories for medical branch researchers.

The building, along with the school's $167 million, federally funded National Biocontainment Laboratory, should help attract scientists from around the world to the island, said Garland D. Anderson (pictured), dean of the School of Medicine.

Construction on the five-story, 140,000-square-foot building is expected to begin in early 2010. The building - recently approved by UT System regents - will be funded by $30.5 million from the system's Permanent University Fund, $29.5 million from revenue bonds and donations.

Juarez resigns as Texas A&M-Kingsville president

Dr. Rumaldo Z. Juarez (pictured), recently resigned as president of Texas A&M University-Kingsville, effective June 30. Juarez, who has served as president since August 2002, will assume a newly created position as associate vice president for research and graduate studies on July 1.

Texas A&M University System Chancellor Dr. Michael McKinney credited Juarez with his work in expanding research at the Kingsville-based university. It currently ranks 13th in the state in research expenditures, with $12.4 million. Juarez also was active in establishing the Irma Rangel College of Pharmacy, the first professional school in South Texas.

McKinney said that an interim president of the university, if needed, would be announced later and a national search will be undertaken to fill the position on a permanent basis.

Sweetwater mayor speaks at wind conference in Berlin

Sweetwater Mayor Greg Wortham was the keynote speaker at the Germany-USA wind energy conference this week in Berlin, Germany. The event was designed to recruit German wind energy companies to the United States and specifically to Texas.

Wortham, who also serves as executive director of the West Texas Wind Energy Consortium, replaced Texas Secretary of State Phil Wilson at the conference due to a schedule conflict.

The German Wind Energy Association, the American Wind Energy Association and the German-American Chamber of Commerce's new Houston office sponsored the Berlin conference. Germany is the world's largest nation in terms of wind energy operations, with the United States in second place.

TWU uses grant to offer weekend nursing program

Texas Woman's University will offer a weekend nursing program to help alleviate the nursing shortage through a grant from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. TWU, already the largest educator of new nurses in Texas, will implement the $250,000 grant to collaborate with the Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas to create the "Reinventing Nursing Education: An Education and Practice Partnership."

Dr. Susan Chaney (pictured), TWU nursing professor and a co-director of the project, said the collaboration between TWU and Baylor would increase the number of registered nurses in Texas by making it easier for those individuals who have a degree and are currently working weekdays to become nurses.

Baylor University Medical Center will provide the weekend clinical experiences and the clinical instructors for students. The six-semester program will be offered through TWU's Dallas campus at Parkland Hospital.

Wimberley trustees agree to 'Robin Hood' payment

After a public battle with state education officials, Wimberley school district officials backed away from their refusal to turn tax revenue over to the state as required under the state's school finance system. Wimberley ISD trustees voted 6-1 Tuesday to pay the minimum first installment of the $2.4 million share to the state by today.

Under what has been called the "Robin Hood" plan, the state makes districts with high property values relative to their enrollment share local tax revenue with property-poor districts. Texas Education Commissioner Robert Scott had said that if Wimberley did not pay $349,422 by the deadline, he would consolidate them with a nearby, property-poor district like Hays or San Marcos. The board voted to mark the payment "made under protest."

The meeting came four months after trustees announced that the district was not going to pay its share to the state, saying it could not afford to do so and should not have to. In the end, board member Dave Williams said they were not willing to gamble with the district.

UH College of Architecture gets $1 million grant

The University of Houston College of Architecture has received $1 million in grants to support green building and boost sustainable design programs at college. The grants are from the Houston Endowment and the Meadows Foundation.

Dean Joe Mashburn said UH is in a unique position to make an impact not only in teaching sustainable design, but also in developing sustainable building components for commercial use. He said it is not enough to design "green" buildings - the building materials and components themselves need to reflect "green" vision.

The grants, disbursed over the next three years, will enable the college to create partnerships with industry professionals who will bring their expertise into the classroom, guiding students in the latest technologies and grooming the next generation of architects and designers. In addition, funds will be used to purchase state-of-the-art digital fabrication equipment and hire new faculty.

Texas State to establish Education Research Center

Texas State University-San Marcos, in partnership with three other universities, has received a $1 million grant from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to establish a research center on critical education issues in Texas. The grant will establish the Center for Collaborative Education Research and Policy.

Larry Price (pictured), associate dean for research and director of the Division of Education Research at Texas State's College of Education, has been named co-director of the collaborative. The University of Texas at Austin has been designated as fiscal agent and research hub.

The initial one-year grant will fund 13 projects that will examine effective curriculum and instruction programs, components of exceptional teacher preparation programs, school finance and allocation of resources at the district level, academic achievement of English Language Learners and developmental education courses that successfully prepare minority students for college.

Baylor approves new Carlile Geology Research Building

Baylor University's Board of Regents has approved construction of the $1.3 million Carlile Geology Research Building, which will be built adjacent to the Baylor Sciences Building. The university plans to break ground this spring, with construction expected to be completed in fall 2008.

The new 5,400-square-foot building will include six faculty labs, a small teaching classroom for use with lab sections and storage space for soil, sediment and rocks. The building also will provide a location for the Department of Geology to process samples and stage field activities.

The building will be named in honor of Quinton and Mildred Carlile of Marshall. Funds for Baylor's first geology facility, also named in their honor, were provided by the Carliles' three sons, David, Kenneth and Steve, and other supporters of the Baylor geology program.

Waco's three-phase plan means updates, additions

Waco Independent School District officials are studying a three-phased facilities plan that would require three separate bond issues. The first phase, which school officials hope to begin within the next year or two, would require $105 million in bonds to be issued, according to Superintendent Roland Hernandez (pictured).

The board is expected to decide on March 6 whether to call for the $105 million bond election to pay for the improvements. The first phase of the proposed plan calls for the district to:

Moran to begin new job as UTHSC-Tyler counsel

The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler has named Lisa Mary Moran general counsel and executive director of legal affairs. Moran is an experienced attorney in the field of health care law.

Before coming to UTHSCT, she was an associate general counsel at FAIRPAY Solutions in Addison. Moran was also an associate general counsel with Scott and White Memorial Hospital in Temple and an associate in the medical malpractice litigation section of Strasburger & Price, LLP, in Dallas. Moran received her law degree from the South Texas College of Law.

Kerr officials create economic development panel

Kerrville and Kerr County leaders are looking for ways to create economic development incentives such as tax abatements and workforce training to spur business growth and to shift the property tax burden off homeowners. Kerr County Judge Pat Tinley (pictured) said the tax base between residential and commercial is out of balance, and the major goal of the initiative is a better distribution.

Officials last week formed the Economic Development Incentive Committee, which will draft development proposals. The nine-person group, comprising representatives of Kerr County, Kerrville, Ingram and the business sector, also will field inquiries from prospective applicants seeking incentives.

A 124-page consultants' study was released last month that outlines plans to allow Kerr County to improve its economy. Kerrville currently lacks incentives such as those used by other communities to attract new business and industry.

Klein ISD closer to finalizing $640 million bond proposal

Superintendent Jim Cain of the Klein Independent School District said he will continue to gather input from district staff and community before bringing his final and formal bond proposal to trustees at their March 4 meeting. A citizens bond committee has recommended the district ask voters to approve $640 million in bonds.

State ends funding for plants along Dallas Expressway

State transportation officials have informed Dallas city officials that they will no longer pay to maintain the leafy medians and planter boxes that once lined parts of Central Expressway. The Texas Department of Transportation has already cleared plants in the medians from the Woodall Rodgers Freeway to Mockingbird Lane.

TxDOT said that the agency never agreed to a permanent plan to maintain the vegetation. They said unless the city comes up with some money next year, plants would be pulled from the rest of the medians and the boxes that line the walls of the highway. Council Member Ron Natinsky (pictured) asked of the TxDOT official if they took care of the vegetation for as long as they did "out of the goodness of their heart?"

TxDOT's lead Dallas engineer, Bill Hale, said the city's options include: TxDOT will, at no cost, fill the medians with concrete or install metal railings; for $750,000 a year, TxDOT will maintain the medians and other green spaces as they were; or for $375,000 a year, the state will replace the landscaping with native grasses that will stand a better chance of surviving the summer heat. Council members are mulling their options.

Dallas Council to vote on land for convention hotel

The Dallas City Council this week voted to secure a prime tract of downtown land to build an attached Dallas Convention Center hotel. The council has authorized spending $500,000 in Dallas Convention & Visitors Bureau money to secure a contract for an 8.34-acre tract along Young Street.

The agreement would grant Dallas City Hall rights - through September 30 - to purchase the property at a fixed price of nearly $40 million, Assistant City Manager A.C. Gonzalez (pictured) said. Dallas Mayor Tom Leppert described the agreement as "an important step" toward building the hotel.

The move offers area political and business leaders renewed hope for a facility considered critical to energizing Dallas' flagging convention business. In recent years, Dallas has found itself eclipsed by cities featuring newer and larger convention amenities.

Lewisville ISD postpones vote on $779 million bond

Officials at Lewisville Independent School District recently postponed a vote to call for a bond election in May to further discuss the size and scope of the proposal.

A citizens committee had recommended the issuance of $779 million in bonds to pay for several new schools, renovate older schools, update technology, build a special events center, natatorium, career center and transportation facility. Board members called a workshop and special meeting for Feb. 20.

Sherman seeks to keep county jail within city limits

The Sherman City Council has voted to allow a private corrections firm access to land in southeast Sherman to study its suitability for a correctional facility. Council members approved an agreement on behalf of the county to have that access for 360 days. Several Council members expressed a strong interest in keeping the county's jail facility in Sherman.

The Grayson County Commissioners Court is being advised on the issues surrounding private parties locating, building and running a private correctional facility. The court has not decided how it will proceed in replacing the existing county jail.

County Judge Drue Bynum (pictured) thanked council members and told them it makes sense for the jail to remain in Sherman. However, he said the county would use the results of the study to determine the site for a new 1,500-prisoner correctional facility.

Abilene ISD moves forward on $83.7 million election

Trustees for Abilene Independent School District recently voted to move forward in asking voters to approve $83.7 million in bonds for new schools, including a professional and technology magnet school, renovations and technology upgrades. Voters will be asked to vote on four propositions:

Katy to address facilities, infrastructure updates

The Katy City Council this week approved the sale of $7.5 million in bonds for improvements to municipal facilities and street and drainage improvements.

Funds from the bonds will be used to build a new $1.5 million municipal courthouse and an additional $4.5 million for street and drainage improvements.

Hays County approves pass-through road deal

Hays County commissioners have approved a road package agreement with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) that makes building San Marcos loop east of I-35 a step closer to reality. Hays County Judge Liz Sumpter (pictured) sent a letter last week to TxDOT executive director Amadeo Saenz, seeking to amend a contract presented to commissioners by TxDOT.

The pass-through tolling agreement would reimburse the county up to $133 million over a 20-year period. The amended agreement would scrap the controversial $52.7 million RR 12 expansion in Wimberley and reallocated the money to improvements on I-35 in the Kyle-Buda area and US 290 West near Dripping Springs.

The package of improvements will cost $66.6 million. County Commissions must now figure out how to fund the construction. A November bond election is the most likely method, officials said.

Big Spring ISD calls for $34 Million bond election in May

Trustees for the Big Spring Independent School District on Thursday authorized a $34 million bond election in May to pay for a new elementary school, land acquisition, renovations at three elementary schools, building additional science labs and repairs to the high school roof.

Superintendent Michael Downes said the site for the new school, which will house students in grades two through four, has not been determined.

The district's two oldest schools, Washington and Bauer elementary schools, will be closed.

Dickinson ISD officials make $630,000 offer on land

Dickinson school officials could soon be spending $630,000 to purchase land to help alleviate the district's growing pains. At a recent school board meeting, trustees discussed in closed session making an offer on 13.47 acres of land.

The district administration has recommended ratifying the $630,000 purchase offer as part of $5 million designated for land purchases in the $107.5 million 2007 bond issue. Dowdy said officials are not revealing the property's location or its owner until a contract has been signed.

Dickinson ISD is growing rapidly. The district had 6,064 students enrolled at the beginning of the 2003 school year, but that number jumped to 8,124 as of Jan. 25.

Improvements to facilities studied by Beeville ISD

A 35-member committee has concluded that the Beeville Independent School District needs to spend between $10 and $12 million to renovate its campuses. However, District Superintendent Dr. John Hardwick (pictured) said the state could repay about 60 percent of that amount.

The recommendation includes numerous upgrades and improvements to campuses throughout the district, he said, adding that the elementary schools need plumbing and restroom work and many of the campuses needed electrical upgrades to accommodate the new technology, such as computers.

Hardwick said that the task force would present its recommendations to the Board of Trustees during the February meeting as an information item only. No vote is planned. If ultimately the board does decide to approve a bond election to complete all of the repairs, the district could receive about $6 or $7 million back from the state, Hardwick said.

New school could be in future for Cedar Hill ISD

Cedar Hill Independent School District officials are forming a comprehensive district plan that could include renovations to existing buildings and construction of at least one new school.

If the district decides it needs new construction and extensive updates, it could hold a bond election as soon as November, said Mike McSwain, the district's chief financial officer.

Trustees met recently with three architectural firms and will choose one of them to help assess the district's facilities. The firm also will help determine whether the district needs to build a new elementary school, McSwain said. That decision will hinge on enrollment projections and whether trustees decide to reduce teacher-to-student ratios. Trustees plan to name a committee this spring to study the district's needs and make recommendations.

Midway eyeing $40 million in new school construction

Trustees for the Midway Independent School District are studying a citizen's steering committee recommendation to ask voters to authorize $76 million in bonds.

The committee's plan recommends $40 million for new schools and $35 million for other improvements. Projects include expanding Panther Stadium, building a new administration building, new elementary and intermediate schools, a new bus maintenance facility and renovating existing schools to meet the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Superintendent Brad Lancaster said he expects trustees to vote on the proposed bond package at their Feb. 19 meeting.