Texans face statewide water crisis

Omnibus water bill passes out of Senate committee

To address Texas' rapid population growth, state officials are warning of a future water shortage. The crisis is not solely at the state level - it's a real problem in counties and cities across Texas as well.

Finding new and alternative water sources has already become an issue for some communities. In the past five years, San Antonio, Boerne, Bulverde, Fair Oaks Ranch, San Marcos, Kyle, Buda and Blanco have begun buying Canyon Lake water. Last month, Wimberley also showed interest in utilizing that water source. Currently, the Wimberley area depends on the shallow Trinity Aquifer and uses about 1,000 acre-feet a year more than the aquifer recharges.

The possibility of restrictions on the amount of water Marion receives from the Edwards Aquifer has caused city leaders to consider other water sources. The City of Marion may receive less water if the state legislature doesn't allow the Edwards Aquifer Authority (EAA) to raise its pumping cap, which is set to go into effect next year.

In other parts of the state, there are major initiatives to increase the state's supply of fresh water. Last month, the Rio Grande Regional Seawater Desalination Pilot facility opened in Brownsville, as part of a desalination initiative launched in 2002. And, the El Paso-Fort Bliss Desalination Plant will begin production this year, eventually generating 27.5 million gallons of desalinated brackish groundwater per day.

Sen. Kip Averitt, pictured, recently filed an omnibus water bill, SB 3, outlining statewide initiatives that should strengthen and conserve the state's water supply. The bill was passed yesterday out of the Senate Committee on Natural Resources.

Averitt referred to the legislation as "take two" since it is similar to 2005's comprehensive water bill that failed to gain legislative endorsement during the last session. At the heart of each bill are conservation measures, and both include requirements for a science-based environmental flows policy to protect estuaries and bays.

Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst said lawmakers have yet to fund the estimated $675 million needed for water infrastructure over the next 40 years, but the $80 million needed in the next two years will come from General Revenue.

TYC board members offer resignations

After last week's "no confidence" vote by the newly appointed Joint Select Committee on the Texas Youth Commission and passage in the Senate this week of a bill that would remove them from office, the entire board of the Texas Youth Commission today, Friday, offered their letters of resignation to Gov. Rick Perry.

Their resignations, which will become effective later today, followed the board's recommendation of a proposed rehabilitation plan for the troubled agency. The members met this morning by teleconference to pass their powers to Ed Owens, deputy executive director of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, who on the recommendation of the governor last week was named by the board as TYC's interim executive director.

Perry on Wednesday proposed the appointment of a single full-time commissioner to lead the youth detention system, and announced that same day that the current board would approve the plan to rehabilitate the agency and then resign. Perry had proposed the appointment of a single commissioner whom he would appoint to a two-year term, with the appointment subject to Senate confirmation.

Perry previously demoted the agency's board chair following the resignation of the executive director, and moved the vice chair into the chairman's slot. The chairman subsequently resigned. Perry appointed Jay Kimbrough as Special Master to head an investigation of the agency and the allegations of abuse of youth inmates and the reported cover-up of those allegations.

In the meantime, the U.S. Justice Department said in a report Thursday that the constitutional rights of inmates at the TYC facility in Edinburg are being violated as a result of the problems related to insufficient staff-to-resident numbers. That issue, too, is addressed in the rehabilitation plan.

Strategic Partnerships salutes Texas' rising Lone Stars

This week we profile Ronnie G. Jung, CPA, Executive Director of the Teacher Retirement System of Texas

Career highlights and education: BBA in Accounting from UT Austin; MPA from the LBJ School of Public Affairs; Certified Public Accountant since 1976. Twenty years at the State Auditor's Office; two years at the Legislative Budget Board; more than 10 years at the Teacher Retirement System; Education Team Leader on the first Texas Performance Review; 2002 Administrator of the Year from the Texas State Agency Business Administrators Association.

What I like best about my job is: The ability to make a difference for all of the 1.1 million TRS members and annuitants.

The best advice I've received for my current job is: Keep your focus on the big picture and the issues that are important.

Advice you would give a new hire in your office: Do the best you can (i.e., 100 percent) no matter what job you are doing.

If I ever snuck out of work early, I could probably be found: At the gym.

People would be surprised to know that I: Like to chop cedar, fish, and bowl.

One thing I wish more people knew about my agency: How dependent our retirees are on their annuities and health care benefits.

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.

Cintra commits $2.1 billion to public-private road project

Cintra Concesiones de Infraestructuras de Transporte has won the bid to build, operate and maintain State Highway 121 toll lanes, which will run parallel to Interstate 35 from Laredo in Webb County to Gainesville in Collin and Denton counties.

A team led by Cintra was previously selected by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) in a public-private partnership to develop the first phase of the Trans-Texas Corridor paralleling I-35.

TxDOT recently recommended that the Texas Transportation Commission grant conditional award go to Cintra, based upon the TxDOT staff review and rating of the proposals.

The award is conditional until final environmental approval of the SH 121 segment in Collin County. If approved, Cintra will construct six toll lanes from the Dallas North Tollway in Plano/Frisco to U.S. 75 in McKinney. The project also includes full interchanges at the tollway and U.S. 75. Cintra is committing $2.1 billion up front for the complete construction of the Collin County portion.

Bill filed to move Angelo State into Tech System

"I don't want anyone to think it's going to be an easy road," said freshman legislator Drew Darby of his legislation HB 3564 filed this week that would transfer Angelo State out of the Texas State University System into the Texas Tech System. Darby (top), a member of the Texas House, and Sen. Robert Duncan (bottom) have filed legislation that preserves ASU's name and the jobs and status of students, faculty and staff at the campus. The university administration would remain intact and operate under the direction of Tech's board of regents.

When rumors of the proposed transfer surfaced, Texas State System Chancellor Charles Matthews said it would be difficult for ASU to move from the Texas State System, given that ASU is responsible for $7 million of the System's $540 million debt.

ASU is a four-year institution serving approximately 6,200 students. This is not the first time an alignment with Texas Tech has been proposed for ASU. Former Tech Chancellor John Montford proposed a similar plan a decade ago that failed.

Texas voters to decide billions in bond funding in May

When voters head to the polls in May to choose their city council members, school trustees and county commissioners, many will also be asked to approve bond funding for items such as new schools, major transportation and drainage projects, technology upgrades and infrastructure, new municipal facilities and security improvements. Across Texas, more than 100 different local entities will have bond issues on their ballots. These could potentially add up to $8 billion to city, county, school district and community college coffers.

Many school district officials are especially eager to get bond issues approved in May. Even with bond approval, current tax rates are not expected to be dramatically affected due to education spending reform which will reduce local property taxes next year. In addition, districts that make a bond payment before Aug. 31 may be eligible to receive state money through facility funding incentives such as the Instructional Facilities Allotment, New Instructional Facilities Allotment and Existing Debt Allotment. The possibility exists that lawmakers may opt to end some facility incentive programs this session.

To view the complete list of bond issues, click here.

Texas Supreme Court to broadcast on Web

In a joint effort with St. Mary's University School of Law, the Supreme Court of Texas will start broadcasting the Court's oral arguments via streaming Internet video on March 20.

Chief Justice Wallace B. Jefferson, pictured, said that the project would be of interest to lawyers and students as well as the general public.

"This represents not only a great service to lawyers around Texas, but an educational opportunity for law students, colleges, high schools and the public at large," Jefferson said. "Broadcasting these arguments over the Web will enable anyone, anywhere to see how an appellate court grapples with some of the toughest legal issues our state confronts."

The broadcasts will be available on the Web sites of both the Court and St. Mary's law school. The idea for the project arose last year in a meeting between Bill Piatt, dean of the law school, and Justice Paul W. Green, a St. Mary's law alumnus.

"The Court's initiative in bringing oral arguments to the people will greatly improve the understanding of the Court's work, thereby enhancing the administration of justice in this state," Piatt said.

The Office of Court Administration, which provides technical support for Texas courts, is managing implementation of the project.

State employees recognized as "Unsung Heroes"

The Texas Public Employees Association recognized outstanding state employees at the 2007 Unsung Hero Awards, held in Austin earlier this month.

The Unsung Hero Awards recognize "everyday workers" in state agencies who provide outstanding public and community service in Texas. The award categories are individual employee, group of employees, and a third award for an individual or group who provided outstanding volunteer outreach in their community. This year's winners were:

DSHS announces new deputy commissioner

Luanne Southern has recently been named deputy commissioner of the Texas Department of State Health Services by Commissioner David Lakey.

The agency's centers for Policy and Innovation, Program Coordination, and Consumer and External Affairs will report to the deputy. Southern will also serve as the executive point of contact for agency council members.

For the past five years, Southern has worked in the Washington D.C. area, where she served as senior director for Child and Family Research, Policy, and Practice at Mental Health America, the country's largest mental health advocacy organization. She holds a master's degree in social work from the University of Texas at Austin.

Southern will join DSHS in mid-April.

Bill would add cost to public information requests

Sen. Jeff Wentworth of San Antonio has filed a bill to charge additional fees for multiple and lengthy public information requests. The plan would allow a state agency or school district to add fees for locating, organizing and copying public information -- if the agency has already fulfilled one or more requests totaling at least 50 pages from the same person during a calendar month.

Wentworth said the goal of some request makers is only to create a jam in the system.

The Texas Public Information Act currently allows an agency to add charges for labor or expense if a request is more than 50 pages. The act does not permit an agency to add requests together.

Texas could be home to wind turbine research facility

Texas is a state finalist for a wind turbine research facility to replace the Department of Energy's existing test center in Colorado, Jerry Patterson, Texas General Land Office commissioner, recently announced.

Across the nation, Texas is the top generator of wind power, which has become the fastest growing source of energy in the world. And, Texas has built nearly a third of the new wind power installed nationwide.

"Texas has a deep industrial know-how based in our history of oil and gas development. Texas has the deep-water ports, strong gulf winds and political will to make our coast the perfect site for the new blade-testing facility," Patterson said. "The only hard part here will be deciding where along our 367-mile coast to place it."

Last May, the Department of Energy announced it is looking for partners to build a new facility capable of testing blades up to 70 meters long. In addition to Texas, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Ohio and Virginia submitted applications for the test facility.

Texas has formed a coalition of academics, industry leaders and public servants to focus on this bid, which was submitted to the Department of Energy by the University of Houston. The Lone Star Wind Alliance includes the University of Houston's Cullen College of Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Texas A&M University, Texas Tech University, West Texas A&M University, the Houston Advanced Research Center, Stanford University, Montana State University, New Mexico State University, Old Dominion University, the Texas General Land Office, the State Energy Conservation Office, the Texas Workforce Commission, Gov. Rick Perry and Good Company Associates.

Bordelon reappointed to OPIC

Longtime Public Counsel Rod Bordelon of the Office of Public Insurance Counsel (OPIC) has been reappointed by Gov. Rick Perry.

Bordelon, a Laredo native, was appointed to his post in 1995 by then-Gov. George W. Bush and was reappointed by Perry. Bordelon is a former deputy public counsel and acting public counsel for the Office of Consumer Protection, which eventually became OPIC. He also was a partner in the law firm of Bordelon and Fields, L.L.P.

Bordelon earned his bachelor's degree from The University of Texas at Austin and his law degree from the South Texas College of Law in Houston.

Pending Senate confirmation, Bordelon's term will expire in 2009.

TDLR's Denton reappointed to post

Frank Denton of Conroe, chair of the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation Commission, has been reappointed to his position by Gov. Rick Perry.

Denton, who has served on the TDLR Commission since 2002 and was named chairman last year, is president of his own investment corporation. He has been active in the Conroe community and in Montgomery County, having previously served as chair of both the Lake Conroe Area Chamber of Commerce and Leadership Montgomery County. He is also a former Executive Board member and chair of the Small Business Committee of the Texas Association of Business and a former board member of the Texas Certified Self Insurance Guarantee Association and the Texas Self Insurance Association. Denton is a graduate of Sam Houston State University.

If confirmed by the Senate, Denton's term will end in 2013.

TEA launches one-stop site for grants

The Texas Education Agency recently unveiled a new Web page that will serve as a central resource for state and federal grant opportunities. The TEA Grant Opportunities Page provides one-stop access to links for all available TEA grants - paper and eGrants - as well as resources for grant management.

The new TEA Grant Opportunities page also offers complete grant applications, a calendar of events for each grant program as well as progress reports and supporting forms that are often required. The new page has replaced the Division of Discretionary Grants Web page as well as Division of Formula Funding, Funding Opportunities and Grants Management and eGrants pages.

Each year, discretionary grants include approximately 2,500 individual grant projects and approximately $500 million in grant funds.

The Grantee Profile screen, coming in April, will offer a financial overview of grants awarded in eGrants; and access for education service centers to assist districts.

Rep. Ortiz named to national legislative panel

Rep. Solomon Ortiz Jr. of Corpus Christi was recently appointed by House Speaker Tom Craddick to a two-year term on the Labor and Economic Development Committee, a standing committee of the National Conference of State Legislatures.

The Labor and Economic Development Committee works with various areas, including employment, retirement issues, the minimum wage, workforce development, the Family Medical Leave Act, housing and international trade.

The NCSL committees, composed of legislators and legislative staff who are appointed by the leadership of legislatures, help develop policy on state-federal issues and guide the lobbying efforts of NCSL.

Grants fund energy, aerospace and defense education

The Texas Workforce Commission has granted $4 million to fund education and training programs for the energy, aerospace and defense industry clusters in Texas.

In the energy section, Texas State Technical College West Texas received $523,430 for wind energy technician training. WorkSource - Greater Austin Area Workforce Board received $628,420 to plan and create courses in solar and renewable energy.

In the aerospace and defense areas, the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership received $1,456,652 to develop aerospace engineering education opportunities to support employers in the Johnson Space Center area. Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County received $1,025,601 to provide entry-level aerospace training that will result in aerospace and manufacturing certifications. The University of Texas at Arlington received $364,141 to address training, education and certification issues in unmanned and autonomous systems technologies.

State, local entities gain access to federal contracts

The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) is taking steps to help state and local governments be better prepared for disasters and acts of terrorism. These governments will now be able to order supplies from federal contracts that were previously only open to federal agencies.

Any products or services ordered must pertain to disaster recovery or response to an act of terrorism, but the government entities don't have to wait until a disaster occurs to order supplies.

GSA Administrator Lurita Doan said, "Opening our Federal Supply Schedules means unprecedented delivery speed and best value for state and local agencies directly helping Americans who need it most."

The GSA contracts for Disaster Relief, Homeland Security and Wildlife Fire and Equipment will be among the first available to state and local governments. All goods and services on GSA Federal Supply Schedules, which number more than 10 million, will also be opened for state and local disaster relief.

Houston welcomes Digital Inclusion Project Director

As the City of Houston's new Digital Inclusion Project Director, Nicole H. Robinson will develop partnerships among business, philanthropic, education, health and nonprofit sectors to create technology-based opportunities for Houston's underserved residents.

As part of the city's initiative to create a citywide WiFi network, discounted Internet service will be available to 40,000 low-income residents. Robinson will ensure residents are provided training, computers and outreach programs.

With more than 12 years of experience in community development, Robinson has served as executive director and chief operating officer for The Technology Opportunity Institute (TTOI), a non-profit company that helped more than 10,000 underserved youth and adults gain a better knowledge of computers and digital technology.

A native Houstonian, Robinson earned a bachelor's degree from Sam Houston State University and a Master of Business Administration from the University of St. Thomas. She was recognized in 1997 as an Outstanding Young American for her professional achievement.

TxDOT awards grant to Rusk County Airport

Rusk County Airport will soon benefit from an automated weather observation system and runway improvements, funded by a Texas Department of Transportation grant.

The Texas Transportation Commission, TxDOT's appointed governing body, recently approved an $85,140 grant for the county-owned airport. The project will be funded through TxDOT's Aviation Facilities Grant Program and Rusk County. A contract for the project is expected to be awarded this spring.

Runway lights at Rusk County Airport, which attracts approximately 2,000 planes per year, have been out for more than a year. In addition to lights, the airport will receive a new system that collects and communicates local weather conditions to pilots, alerting them to changes immediately.

This year, TxDOT intends to provide $60 million in funding for planning, constructing and maintaining community airports. Approximately 275 community airports in Texas are eligible for funding.

DART Green Line stays on schedule

Construction of the DART Rail Green Line - which will extend 27.7 miles from Pleasant Grove in southeast Dallas to Carrollton - will push forward. However, the City of Dallas will abandon plans for a direct tunnel connection from the rail line in Dallas Love Field Airport.

The city and DART (Dallas Area Rapid Transit) authority will continue working on an alternative transit to connect DART's rail to the terminal area. While the City of Dallas claims a direct DART light rail connection into the Love Field terminal would benefit both airport passengers and surrounding neighborhoods, Dallas Mayor Laura Miller said the city does not want to jeopardize DART's expansion plans, which have been an economic windfall for the region.

Changes to the current route or station configuration could possibly endanger federal funds for the $1.4 billion Green Line. The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) is not in support of the project including a tunnel; officals concluded the tunnel would not generate enough passenger use or travel-time savings to justify the increased project cost.

Dallas officials asked DART to re-examine the Love Field tunnel option last month after residents near the airport along the rail line voiced concerns.

TEA awards $2.5 million in grants

The Texas Education Agency has awarded two grants totaling $2.5 million to create two new Texas-Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (TSTEM) centers, which will be located at The University of Texas at Tyler and The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston. The two new centers will supplement the efforts of the five existing T-STEM centers.

The centers are designed to assist school districts by improving student performance in math and science and by preparing students for college and entry into science, technology, engineering or math professions. To achieve these goals, T-STEM centers develop teaching materials to integrate engineering and technology into the curriculum and provide teachers training.

Each center operates in collaboration with a minimum of five partners: a college or university, a school district, a business, a nonprofit organization with an education or workforce focus, and an informal institution, such as a museum or zoo.

T-STEM is implemented through the Texas High School Project, a multi-million dollar public-private initiative committed to increasing graduation and college enrollment rates in Texas.

A&M's Perry finalist for Illinois university president

Texas A&M University senior administrator William Perry has been named a finalist for president of Eastern Illinois University.

Originally a math professor, Perry has been on the faculty of Texas A&M more than 30 years, and most recently served as executive vice president and vice provost. Texas A&M Interim President Ed Davis said this week that he had served as a reference for Perry.

Eastern Illinois University has about 12,000 students from 19 states and 40 nations, but nearly half of students hail from the Chicago area, according to the university Web site. Undergraduates make up about 85 percent of the student body.

Grants awarded to coalitions in rural communities

The Texas Health Institute (THI) will award grants to coalitions in three rural communities. The State Office of Rural Health, a division of the Office of Rural Community Affairs, served on the selection committee that chose the communities to participate in the statewide initiative to improve early intervention and synchronization of mental health services among state and local agencies.

Texas is one of nine states that received a five-year federal grant to fund the initiative. Mental Health Transformation Community Collaboratives from rural areas include: the Coastal Bend Rural Health Partnership, encompassing Kleberg, Jim Wells and Brooks counties; the Terrell County Behavioral Mental Health Collaborative in Terrell County; and the West Texas Community Coalition, which includes Hale, Lamb, Floyd, Briscoe, Bailey and Motley counties.

Twenty community coalitions representing 41 counties and 59 percent of the population in Texas submitted Mental Health Transformation Community Collaboration Project applications this year. Grants will be renewable September 1 of each year beginning in 2008, subject to performance and resources.

New statewide network to analyze crime

The North Central Texas Council of Governments has launched a Law Enforcement Analysis Portal (LEAP), a statewide crime analysis system designed to evaluate criminal activity and offender information from the more than 2,500 law enforcement agencies across Texas.

Created as a shared resource for all law enforcement agencies in Texas, LEAP provides officers with cross-jurisdictional information and analytical tools to recognize crime patterns.

LEAP will be available on an annual subscription basis and subsidized by fee-based services. NCTCOG is responsible for administering the network and has created the LEAP Advisory Committee of 11 police chiefs and sheriffs to oversee data sharing policy.

New TCEQ commissioner confirmed

The Texas Senate has confirmed the appointment of H.S. Buddy Garcia as a commissioner of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

Garcia, of Austin, previously served as the Texas deputy secretary of state. Prior to that, he also served as a Senate liaison for the governor's office and a special assistant to the governor on Texas border affairs with Mexico.

A native of Brownsville, Garcia received a bachelor's degree in political science from Texas State University. His term as commissioner will expire in August of 2011.

Houston works to standardize inventory coding

The City of Houston is improving its inventory management. The city's strategic purchasing division is implementing the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing's Community Coding system, which helps ensure that materials are properly identified.

"We recognized the need for material master descriptions and a unit of measure standardization in order to address the problem of long text descriptions and inconsistencies across city departments," said Calvin Wells, City Purchasing Agent.

The coding system was also applied to materials purchased by the city's aviation department. The new system has reduced the number of master codes to 20,000, compared to 88,000 under the old system.

West University Place discusses city facilities

The city council of West University Place, a suburb of Houston, this week discussed two options for improving city facilities.

Mayor Pro Tem Phyllis Cohen has said it's "clear" the current police station needs updating. Police Chief Ken Walker has said the station is too small, and has structural and roof problems.

One option, which would cost about $7.96 million, is to build a new, one-story 12,000-square-foot police station, or consolidate all of the city services into one complex with an additional 8,276 square feet added to the first floor and 4,364 square feet to the second floor of the existing City Hall, The second option, which would cost between $6.97 million and $7.59 million, also includes construction of showers and sleeping quarters, which the department has requested, for female fire department personnel.

Calculating a more detailed cost evaluation is the county's next step.

Fort Worth to build new jail

Tarrant County commissioners decided this week to build a new $91.4 million maximum-security jail in downtown Fort Worth.

The new 336-cell jail will be located across from the Tarrant County Corrections Center, and an underground tunnel will connect the new facility to the existing jail and courts. The jail will include 288 single cells for men, 48 single cells for women, and 96 medical beds for male prisoners.

The county will also have to build a new $8.3 million facility to house county court records, relocate Tarrant County Sheriff Dee Anderson's offices to the Tarrant County Plaza across the street from the Tarrant County Justice Center, and purchase new equipment and furniture. The project's total price is approximately $108 million.

Construction of the jail is set to begin in 2009 and be completed by 2012.

Celina announces new city manager

Jason Gray was recently announced as the new city administrator/city manager for Celina, which is located in Collin County.

Gray has worked as the assistant city manager in Frisco for eight years and will begin working in Celina on March 26. Since Frisco has tripled in population recently, Gray said he has experience with rapid growth, which is expected in Celina.

Gray completed his undergraduate degree in political science at Minnesota State University Moorhead and received a master's degree in public service administration from the George Bush School of Government at Texas A&M University.

City of Waco, schools go green

Baylor University officials plan to utilize wind power in hopes of saving $2 million per year on the school's $13.5 million electric bill, while helping save the atmosphere. The university recently signed a 10-year contract to buy power that will be generated primarily from Texas wind turbines, starting in 2008.

The City of Waco is taking a similar approach by using more energy efficient bulbs in streetlights and traffic lights and by running its sewer system on homegrown methane.

Midway Independent School District heats and cools two of its campuses with a geothermal pump system, in an effort to benefit from Earth's constant temperature.

Baylor officials estimate that since 2000, the school has saved $1 million through energy-efficient initiatives such as motion-sensor lighting, high efficiency electric chillers and thermostat adjustments during winter and summer breaks.

Economic development initiatives are paying off

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

Texas is known for many things . . . but cheese? Maybe so!

The largest single-site cheese and whey products manufacturer in the world is building a state-of-the-art cheese factory in the Texas Panhandle. That's right - a cheese factory in Texas. Hilmar Cheese Company's Dalhart Factory will soon have the capacity to process up to 5 million pounds of locally produced milk into cheese each day.

Construction of the Hilmar cheese plant in Dalhart is currently under way, and the first phase is expected to be completed this fall. The facility received a $7.5 million incentive package from the Texas Enterprise Fund (TEF) for rural expansion along with many other incentives including additional funding for workforce training, infrastructure and transportation improvements. The cheese manufacturer will create nearly 2,000 jobs in the area during the next decade and Hilmar will make a capital investment of $190 million to build the new processing plant.

Primarily used to attract new business to Texas, the TEF fund may be used for infrastructure, community development, job training and business incentives. The purpose of the state funding is to keep Texas competitive in attracting new industry to the state. In 2003, the Texas Legislature approved the $295 million grant funding to help create new jobs for Texans and recruit new employers.

For decades, Texas' economic philosophy has focused on recruiting business to the state to boost the market and create jobs. The TEF is one of two major grant programs administered by the Governor's Office. In June 2005, the $200 million Texas Emerging Technology Fund (TETF) was created to provide funding for emerging technology projects that demonstrate an economic benefit to the state.

The stated objective of the TETF is to accelerate innovation and commercialization of research, attract, create or expand private sector entities that will support high-quality jobs and increase higher education applied research capabilities. This fund provides capital for the development of start-up and growth stage technology companies.

Texas is divided into seven geographic regions and each has a Regional Center for Innovation and Commercialization (RCIC). These councils manage regional access to the fund. Projects eligible for grants include those that may result in a medical or scientific breakthrough, collaborate with Texas universities, or use other available matching funds from collaborating project partners.

The governor has appointed a 17-member ETF Advisory Committee made up of industry leaders and recognized researchers. These individuals review proposals and make funding recommendations. Since 2005, the ETF has received 532 applications, 208 have advanced to the committee, 62 have been recommended for approval, and 19 are in contract. Texas is working hard to keep the Texas economy competitive and in high gear.

Lancaster welcomes new city manager

Rickey Childers, a former Longview city manager, has been selected as the next city manager for Lancaster, a suburb of Dallas. He will begin his new position April 2.

While contract negotiations are being worked out, Childers is working as a consultant to the City of Lancaster, which he described as a high-growth community of 25,894.

Mayor Joe Tillotson said Childers was a unanimous choice as finalist because of his experience with development issues.

Appointees named to Texas School for Blind Board

Dr. Bob Peters of Tyler, Michelle DeAnn Goodwin of Fort Worth, Caroline Kupstas Daley of Kingwood, and Deborah Louder of San Angelo were all recently appointed by Gov. Rick Perry to the board of the Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired.

The board, which operates like a school district board of trustees, has specific responsibilities related to budget preparation, policy adoption and appointment of a superintendent.

Peters, who is visually impaired, is a retired dean of Tyler Junior College. Goodwin is a caregiver for a special needs child. Kupstas Daley coordinates care and education for special needs children; and Louder is an educational specialist at the Educational Service Center, Region XV.

Texas Tech makes plans for stadium

The Texas Tech Red Raiders may get a new 85,000-seat football stadium in Lubbock. In addition to a new stadium, Texas Tech Athletics Director Gerald Meyers proposed renovating the university's baseball and softball facilities.

Meyers' immediate projects could begin in 2008 by adding 10,000 seats on the north end of Jones AT&T Stadium, as well as the construction of a five-story building on the east end. Ball field improvements are also planned for next year. The projects are estimated to cost as much as $63 million.

Center for construction training to open

Cedar Valley College will open a job training facility on March 22 for workers in the construction industry. In addition to providing on-the-job training, the Texas Business Opportunity Workforce Development Center will provide technical assistance and training to Disadvantaged Business Enterprises in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

The center is a partnership between the college, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), and the Federal Highway Administration. J.D. Dossett, director of TxDOT's Business Opportunity Program, said that the center's goal is to increase the number of minorities participating in the construction industry. Toward this end, the center will be a resource for minority-owned businesses to find information on contract opportunities.

"This facility will also enhance business development skills by making technical industry and business development training available to individuals interested in the construction industry," Dossett said.

Walker County buys building, may house EMS

Walker County Commissioners Court approved this week the purchase of a 4,800-square-foot Region 6 building. There have been discussions about the Huntsville-Walker County EMS administration moving into the building as well as the county's planning and development department.

Judge Danny Pierce said that the county is trying to stay ahead of its facility needs; in addition, the building was a good buy, and it is located close to the county's annex.

Hitchcock ISD names finalist for superintendent

Mike Bergman, superintendent of the Brazos Independent School District in Wallis, has been selected as the finalist for superintendent of Hitchcock, a district in Galveston County. Trustees said last week that they would begin negotiations immediately, and hoped to hire Bergman by March 29.

Superintendent Barbara Wilson retired from Hitchcock ISD last November. Interim Superintendent Lee Knapp did not apply for the permanent position.

As Hitchcock school district is growing, trustees have discussed a bond election to renovate aging facilities.

'Dome to get $1 million facelift

The San Antonio City Council recently approved $1 million for immediate repairs to the Alamodome; the money reallocated from the dome roof repair fund.

The roof will be repainted this month in time for the NCAA's South Regional tournament, which starts March 22.

San Antonio city officials have said that $10 million in repairs, including a new roof, new carpet, new furniture and a shade for an outdoor walkway, are needed at the 14-year-old Alamodome.

Cedar Park moves forward with water park

The Cedar Park City Council passed a zoning measure last week to allow developers to continue with the planning stages of a 20-acre water park. A hotel and parking lot are planned to occupy an adjacent 20 acres. Cedar Park is a suburb of Austin.

Water park developers lowered the height of the lights in the parking lot, and agreed to build a fence around the park. The water park could open by summer 2008, followed by the hotel opening in December.

Recycling more common in construction

Recycling on construction sites is becoming more prevalent as recycling becomes more cost-effective and sometimes required by construction companies, subcontractors, clients and municipalities.

More attention to green building certifications administered by the U.S. Green Building Council is raising awareness. Fees for hauling and disposal are also on the rise, as opportunities for recycled construction debris increase. Concrete and asphalt are examples of frequently recovered materials from demolition sites.

If a contractor is willing to recycle material from the construction project, some governmental entities are offering a rebate for fees, such as for a demolition permit.

Bryan County Sheriff receives grant for security

The Bryan County Sheriff's Office will receive a $25,000 Homeland Security grant to add security video surveillance cameras and recorders in the courthouse.

Bryan County recently added an armed deputy in the courthouse and plans soon to install a metal detector, all as a "precautionary measure" to make citizens feel safe.

Wharton County JC focuses on Master plan

Wharton County Junior College's recently-approved Master Plan proposes the construction of six campus buildings, which include a new 300-bed residence hall with separate male and female wings, a new student union building, a new academic building, and a new thermal plant and central receiving station.

Primarily focusing on the main campus, the construction program would result in a net increase of 119,300 square feet of building space. The plan also includes 389 new parking spaces and relocating the baseball field and tennis courts.

Tomball city manager resigns

Tomball City Manager Ben Griffin submitted his resignation this week after nearly five years on the job.

Tomball Mayor H.G. "Hap" Harrington said the city council would most likely hire a search firm to look for a new city manager, and estimated that it was a two- to three-month process.

Appointments by the Governor

Governor Rick Perry this week announced the following appointments:

• Donna Lord Black of Houston, Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists;
• Roderick A. 'Rod' Bordelon Jr. of Austin, Office of Public Insurance Counsel;
• Frank S. Denton of Conroe, Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation;
• Daniel Riley Griffith II of Pflugerville, Texas School Safety Center Board;
• The Honorable Edward A. 'Eddie' Janek of Santa Fe, Texas, Board of Pilot Commissioners for Galveston County;
• Vivian King of Houston, Texas School Safety Center Board;
• Dr. Wallace G. Klussmann of Fredericksburg, Office of Rural Community Affairs;
• Evelyn M. Martinez of San Antonio, Texas State Board of Public Accountancy;
• The Honorable Dibrell 'Dib' Waldrip of New Braunfels, Comal County Judge, 433rd Judicial District; and
• Phil W. Worley of Laredo, Texas Guaranteed Student Loan Corporation.

Fort Worth weighs options for city hall

Fort Worth leaders are weighing their options: build a new city hall, renovate the historic building or add a city hall annex and relocate some city offices.

While Tarrant County has renovated its historic courthouse, the current Fort Worth City Hall was built in the early 1970s.

Harrison County courthouse renovation costs increase

The price tag for renovations to the Harrison County courthouse has gone up by almost $50,000, mostly due to a $41,991 fire safety system that has to be installed before basement renovation work can continue.

The cost addition, which also includes $2,418 for a metal catwalk in the building's attic, will bring the project's total cost to approximately $593,000. The renovation is in its third and final phase.

Bryan buys land for A&M Health Science Center

The City of Bryan plans to buy 56 acres to present as a 200-acre gift to Texas A&M University System to be used for construction of the Health Science Center campus.

The Texas A&M University System officials this month will begin the tasks required in the building permit process, including environmental studies and survey work.

The city spent approximately $6.6 million late last year to buy more than 300 acres for the Health Science Center and some surrounding commercial and residential development.

Van Alstyne names city manager

Bill Harrington, who has served Van Alstyne as interim city manager, this week was named permanent city manager. He is scheduled to start as permanent city manager March 17.

Van Alstyne is located 45 miles north of Dallas.

Henderson ISD may expand new campus

Henderson Independent School District is considering expanding the scope of its construction project after cost estimates for a new primary campus were much less than the $22 million in bonds approved last November.

An architect recently reported construction costs would be approximately $17.8 million for the 124,000-square-foot campus. Trustees discussed adding classrooms for third graders to the school, which was originally to house kindergarteners through second graders.

Grants at a Glance

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) is requesting applications from school districts on behalf of a single campus that serves a student population of at least 50 percent economically-disadvantaged students. Funding would designate these campuses as Texas Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (T-STEM) Academies with the hopes of increasing their student achievement by engaging and exposing them to innovative science and math instruction.

A total of approximately $3 million is available for funding T-STEM Academies, with each applicant eligible for a maximum award of $735,000. Applications must be received by the Texas Education Agency by May 15, to be considered for funding.

SPI works with local governments and regional coalitions to secure grant funding. To discuss, please e-mail us at grants@spartnerships.com.

Job Opportunities

SPI is seeking researchers and research assistants for short-term engagements. The researcher should have experience in IT concepts and solutions and the assistant should be comfortable making calls. Time commitments and tasks will vary depending on clients' needs. These positions will provide valuable research experience and insight into the government procurement arena. Please send résumé and/or cover letter to jobs@spartnerships.com. For more details on each position, please view the job descriptions at job descriptions.

SPI is looking for individuals with well-established credentials in all sectors who are interested in assisting its consulting teams throughout Texas. SPI has an immediate need for subject matter experts who can assist part-time in the K-12 education arena. To apply for a part-time K-12 consulting position 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.

Recent Reports

• An Audit Report on Textbook Inventory Accountability at the Texas Education Agency
• An Audit Report on Correctional Managed Health Care Funding Requirements
• An Audit Report on the Department of Transportation's Aviation and Metropolitan Transportation Planning Grant Programs
• Federal Portion of the Statewide Single Audit Report for the Fiscal Year Ended August 31, 2006
• An Audit Report on Flight Services Provided by the Department of Transportation's Aviation Division Flight Services Section
• Senate Guide to Ethics and Financial Disclosure
• Special Investigations Unit Report Regarding a Department of Housing and Community Affairs HOME Program Contract Awarded to the Harbor Lights Residence Council

Event Links

• Texas Building and Procurement Commission Regular Meeting
• TWC Texas Business Conferences
• LBJ School Professional Development Calendar
• TBPC Contract Management Training Schedule
• TBPC Procurement Training Schedule
• Texas Veterans Benefits Seminars
• Texas Organization of Rural & Community Hospitals' 2007 Annual Conference
• 14th annual HUB Vendor Fair
• Upcoming Executive Women in Texas Government events

Texas Government Insider Archives

Volume 1 - 5 Archives · 11/7/03 - 3/9/07

Resources

• Economic Development Handbook 2006
• Guide to the Sunset Process
• Public Information Handbook · 2006
• Open Meetings Handbook · 2006
• Administrative Law Handbook · 2006
• Texas Fact Book '06-'07
• LBB's Fiscal Size-up '06-'07
• State Budget Resources
• Fiscal Notes Reference Guide for State Agencies.
• How a Bill Becomes Law
• Budget 101

Strategic Partnerships, Inc. (SPI) is a research and consulting firm offering business development and public affairs services.

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.

To learn more about SPI services click here or contact our sales department at 512-531-3900.

6034 W. Courtyard Dr. #100
Austin, Texas 78730

State government Internet security forum scheduled

The 7th Annual Internet Security Forum will be held Wednesday, March 28, at the J.J. "Jake" Pickle Research Campus in Austin. The Department of Information Resources is currently seeking input on topics to be addressed. For more information, click here.

TASSCC, DIR plan Technology Education Conference

The 6th annual Technology Education Conference (TEC) presented by the Texas Association of State Systems for Computing and Communications (TASSCC) and the Texas Department of Information Resources will be March 29 at the J.J. Pickle Center in Austin.

The conference will explore innovative adaptations of technology in all areas of life and work - medicine and health, education, transportation, security, buildings and homes, and government services. Early bird, regular and on-site registration rates are available. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. For more information, and to register as a participant or sponsor, click here.

UT Austin presents 14th annual HUB Vendor Fair

The University of Texas at Austin's Historically Underutilized Business and Small and Disadvantaged Business Office (HUB/SADBO) is hosting its 14th Annual Vendor Fair Wednesday, May 2, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Frank Erwin Center in Austin. The Vendor Fair is an opportunity for Historically Underutilized and Small Businesses to display their products and distribute information about their companies to University procurement personnel and representatives from other state agencies and corporations. Attendance is free. For more information, contact Annette Smith at 512- 471-2850 or click here.