Fuel prices causing governments major budget crunch

TxDOT among hardest hit; local governments also feeling pinch

When Texans look at those two cars sitting in their driveway, they become worried these days about how they are going to pay for the ever-more-expensive oil and gasoline it takes to run them. Now imagine having thousands of vehicles to keep on the road, and you get a sense of how hard record fuel prices are hitting local and state agencies.

The steep rise in fuel costs is causing a major budget crunch around the State of Texas. While record-high prices for crude oil and natural gas are a boost to the overall Texas economy, the cost of gasoline and diesel fuel is hitting cities, counties, school districts and state agencies where it hurts.

The numbers are staggering: crude oil, $110 a barrel. Regular unleaded gasoline, $3.25 per gallon. Natural gas, $10.02 per MMbtu. Diesel fuel, $4.09 per gallon. Price increases in gasoline and diesel are affecting almost every sector of the economy, from food prices to airline tickets.

Perhaps the hardest-hit state agency is the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), which is responsible for building and maintaining some 80,000 miles of roadways.

CANS program aimed at curbing identity theft

Closed Account Notification System could save Texans millions

Launch of a new system, hailed as the first of its kind in the nation to help reduce identity theft, was announced this week by Banking Commissioner Randall James (standing) and Rep. Helen Giddings of Dallas (right). Giddings authored HB 2002 during the 80th Texas Legislature that led to the creation of the Closed Account Notification System, or CANS.

James said the program began on March 1, and already 540 financial institutions have registered and 70 transactions have been run through the system.

CANS is a "significant step" in reducing identity theft, said Giddings. It includes a secure electronic notification system that allows banks and credit unions to notify all major check verification companies when accounts have been closed due to fraudulent activity by identity thieves.

Giddings said that most people believe that when they report identity theft to a bank, the problem is solved. The bank can close the account and refund the money, but it can't prevent checks from being cashed in someone's name, she said. Retailers such as grocery stores often use a check identification database that "recommends" to the store if a check should be cashed. But the check verification entities must know about the identity theft before they can alert retailers.

Strategic Partnerships salutes Texas' Lone Stars

This week's salute is to Bart Bevers, Inspector General, Texas Health and Human Services Commission

Career highlights and education: I have a BA degree in psychology from Southern Methodist University (SMU) and a JD from the University of Tulsa. Before law school, I spent three years with the Federal Savings & Loan Insurance Corporation (FSLIC) and Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), taking over banks and savings & loans and managing their assets. After law school, I worked as an assistant district attorney for approximately nine years in Smith County and Dallas County, Texas. During my tenure as an assistant district attorney, I was a chief prosecutor in five different criminal courts, and a senior litigator for Dallas County in civil courts. Initially, I prosecuted murderers, rapists and child-molesters; however, later I specialized in white-collar criminal prosecution. I personally tried over 450 contested criminal trials during my time as a trial attorney. In 2004, I moved to Austin to supervise the Enforcement Division of the Inspector General's Office. I was appointed as the Inspector General in August of 2007.

What I like best about my job is: The people I work with. They are the most interesting, unselfish group of people I have ever encountered.

The best advice I've received for my current job is: continue to develop relationships with others and meet the needs of those around you daily.

Advice I would give a new hire in my office: Apply for a position where the job responsibilities match your passions in life. Once hired, focus your efforts on where your core competencies intersect with your job responsibilities; and that is where you will bring the most value to our office. Develop your strengths and recognize that it is a fallacy that you can be good at everything. Don't be afraid to make mistakes. Show me a person who made a mistake and I will show you someone who (1) was doing something, and (2) is learning. Also, maintain an identity outside the office. Take your work seriously, but remember it's just a job and there is more to life than what you do from 8 to 5.

If I ever snuck out of work early, I could probably be found: playing golf, thank goodness for daylight saving time. I'm not a very good player, but I love the game. I also spend a lot of time researching radio frequency identification (RFID) technologies. RFID will impact this generation more than television sets impacted the 1950s and more than computers impacted the 1980s.

People would be surprised to know that I: have not drunk a carbonated soft drink (Coke, Sprite, Dr Pepper, etc...) in over 30 years. I quit in middle school because I wanted to do everything I could to be a better athlete.

Book, Magazine or newspaper article I've read recently that really influenced my thinking: Good to Great, by Jim Collins. It is a book about how to make a "good" organization a "great" organization. There is also a separate 31-page monograph to aid the reader in applying the principles described in the book to governmental entities. This was a very good read.

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.

Real ID - Texas ensuring licenses, ID cards conform

The REAL ID Act of 2005 requires people entering federal buildings, boarding airplanes or opening bank accounts to present identification that has met certain security and authentication standards. The program, administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), requires all states to make changes in their driver's license programs so that they comply with certain national standards.

However, a number of states - including Texas - are breathing a financial sigh of relief over implementing the REAL ID program. After a number of complaints and protests, the federal government has extended the date for compliance from May 1, 2008, to Dec. 31, 2009, and loosened up some of the act's requirements.

Privacy advocates and others have complained that the REAL ID program is designed to turn state driver's licenses into a national ID card. In addition to gathering standardized information on all license holders, states would be required to imbed an RFID (radio frequency identification) tag in the license that can be read with or without the owner's knowledge. Federal officials say they will eventually gather all the data into a national central database.

Many states are objecting to the REAL ID program because of how much it will cost, although the DHS has begun a grant program to assist those states with funding to implement the program.

TPWD to honor CCC workers at Bastrop Park ceremony

Structures they built provided backbone for Texas state park system

More than 100 former Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) members who helped build the foundation of the Texas State Park System in the 1930s and 1940s will be honored March 28-29 in a Texas Parks and Wildlife-sponsored event commemorating the 75th anniversary of the CCC.

The event will be at the Bastrop State Park and will feature a recording of CCCers' oral histories, an antique tool demonstration of how CCC workers shaped rock and timber with hand tools and skyline rigging demonstrations by members of the American Youthworks Environmental Corps, according to event organizer Janelle Taylor of TPWD.

The CCC was begun during Franklin D. Roosevelt's administration in 1933 to create jobs during the Great Depression. The structures built by these young men helped form the backbone of Texas state parks such as Caddo Lake, Garner and Indian Lodge. The workers who are still alive are in their 80s and 90s.

Cabins like the one pictured in the accompanying TPWD photo were crafted by the CCC in the 1930s with indigenous materials and are just some of the many CCC-built structures that helped earn Bastrop State Park a National Historic Landmark designation. Other sponsors of the event include the Texas Wildlife Foundation, the U.S. Forest Service, Austin and Dallas Parks and Recreation departments and the National Park Service. TPWD operates 30 CCC-built state parks.

Craddick appoints three to cancer research committee

On the heels of appointments last week by the governor, House Speaker Tom Craddick has announced his three appointees to the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute Oversight Committee. The appointees include Dr. Joseph S. Bailes (left), Cindy Brinker Simmons (center) and Dee J. Kelly (right).

The three are among nine appointees to the committee. Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst has yet to name his three appointees. Also serving on the committee will be the State Comptroller and the Attorney General or their designees.

Bailes is an oncologist with experience in legislation, public policy and advocacy. For more than 20 years, he has been a partner of Texas Oncology, P.A., the largest oncology practice group in the country. He has served in various leadership positions for the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and is chair of the ASCO Foundation. A cancer survivor, Kelly founded the law practice of Kelly, Hart & Hallman P.C., in Fort Worth, in 1979, and is the founding and senior partner. He is on the Board of Directors of University Medical Center, Inc., and the Board of Trustees of the Moncrief Cancer Foundation. He was previously on the Board of Trustees of the University of Texas Cancer Center. Simmons is president of Levenson & Brinker Public Relations. In 1980, Ms. Brinker Simmons founded Wipe Out Kids' Cancer, a non-profit organization that funds cancer research projects at the Children's Medical Center in Dallas.

Jones serving as TABC Assistant Chief, Field Operations

Dexter K. Jones (pictured) was selected as Assistant Chief of Field Operations for the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) earlier this year. In this capacity, Jones will oversee the Compliance and Marketing Practices Division. He previously served as Marketing Practices Director for the TABC. In that role, he brought innovation and direction to the Marketing Practices Section while enhancing internal and external communication, and provided statewide consistency in enforcement of industry practices.

Prior to his position as Marketing Practices Director, Jones served as Regional Supervisor of the TABC for the South Texas area, where he was responsible for managerial oversight of compliance operations. Jones began his career with the TABC in March 1999 as an entry-level auditor.

Jones earned his bachelor's degree from the University of North Texas. He is also a graduate of Class XXIV of the Governor's Executive Development Program for state executives at the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs, The University of Texas at Austin. He is also a U.S. Marine veteran.

Seasoned veteran Welch selected as new CFO at TRS

Ken Welch has been named chief financial officer at the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), effective in April. Welch, a certified public accountant, has an extensive background in state accounting and budget systems, having served the state in a variety of roles for nearly three decades.

He comes to TRS after having served as Director of Budget and Fiscal Policy for the Health and Human Services Enterprise, a group of five of the state's largest agencies whose combined annual budgets of $27.6 billion account for approximately one-third of the state budget and which employs some 50,000 individuals.

Additionally, Welch was Director of Fiscal Management for the Texas State Comptroller, directing statewide fiscal policy for state agencies and institutions of higher education and overseeing statewide financial systems. He also was responsible for the state's Comprehensive Annual Financial Report. Welch also was Director of Administration/State Affairs Coordinator for the Texas National Research Laboratory Commission, which secured the Superconducting Super Collider Research Laboratory for Texas.

Comptroller reports sales tax totals up for February

State sales tax revenue in Texas for February was up 8.8 percent over figures from the same month last year - totaling $1.79 billion. Comptroller Susan Combs noted that although growth is slower than the two previous fiscal years, sales tax revenues continue "at a steady pace."

Texas cities, counties, transit systems and special purpose districts shared $436.1 million in tax payments from March, a 9.9 percent increase over March 2007. So far in 2008, local sales tax collections are up 7.1 percent over the first three months of 2007.

The 126 special purpose taxing districts around the state received $14.2 million in sales tax revenue, up 20.1 percent compared to last March. Ten local transit systems received $101.7 million, up 10.6 percent.

To view the allocations by city, click here.

To view the allocations by county, click here.

TPWD employees to be honored at board meeting

Six employees of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department will be honored with service awards when the TPWD Commission meets on Thursday of next week, March 27.

Receiving a service award for 25 years at TPWD is Glenn R. Prater, Systems Analyst III in the Infrastructure Division. Being honored for 20 years of service will be: Michael J. Brooker, F&W Technician IV in the Inland Fisheries Division; Terry D. Erwin, Manager II in the Communications Division; Charlene Hons, Natural Resources Specialist V in the Coastal Fisheries Division; Jackie M. Poole, Program Specialist V in the Wildlife Division; and Michael S. Ray, Director 1 in the Coastal Fisheries Division.

Kenneth Moore will be honored for his 33 years of service, as he retires as a Park Ranger V with the State Parks Division in Blanco. At that same meeting, the board will also select an internal auditor.

Web site to fight identity theft launched by AG's office

Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott (pictured) recently unveiled a new Web site to help Texans prevent or minimize the damage from identify theft. One feature on the consumer-friendly site, www.texasfightsidtheft.gov, is the Identity Theft Victim's kit, which contains step-by-step information that individuals should take as soon as they suspect they may be victims.

The Federal Trade Commission ranks Texas as No. 4 per capita in the incidence of identity theft. The attorney general showcased the site at the Regional Organized Crime Information Center's ID Theft Conference in Dallas.

Abbott advised that victims quickly close all bank, credit, utility and service accounts and contact one of the major credit bureaus to request that fraud alerts or security freezes be placed on their credit reports. Victims also should report identity theft to both local law enforcement officials and to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC), which provides an identity theft affidavit at www.consumer.gov/idtheft.gov.

Incentives available for propane-powered buses

Many of the students in the state's 1,200 school districts board one of the more than 38,000 school buses every school day. And only about 4 percent of those buses run on clean-burning propane. Texas Railroad Commission Chairman Michael Williams reminds the state's public school superintendents that using alternative fueled buses that use either propane or natural gas and retrofitting older buses with technology that reduces emissions can mean not only increased safety for the state's school children, but also less dependence on foreign oil.

Almost three dozen of the state's school district currently operate propane-powered buses. Another 40, all in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, use compressed natural gas (CNG). Federal, state and local incentives are available that can make propane-powered buses an option.

The federal 50-cents-per-gallon rebate on propane motor fuel brings in about $1,500 per year per school bus. A typical grant from the Railroad Commission for replacing a 15-year-old diesel bus is approximately $12,000 per bus. A federal tax credit of up to $30,000 per installation is available for propane refueling infrastructure. And the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality's Texas Clean School Bus Program provides reimbursements of up to $7,500 per device for filtration systems on existing diesel buses.

TEF award helps bring Bowling Congress to Arlington

Having benefited from an award of $693,000 from the Texas Enterprise Fund, the United States Bowling Congress (USBC) will relocate its headquarters from Greendale, Wisc., to Arlington, bringing with it $13 million in capital investment and nearly 200 jobs.

Texas was in competition with Milwakuee, Wisc., for the relocation project and USBC Chief Operating Officer Kevin Dornberger said the TEF award was a "critical factor" in locating the headquarters in Arlington. The TEF has benefited projects that have brought more than 51,800 new jobs to Texas and $15.6 billion in capital investment in the state.

UT names new director of Student Financial Services

Dr. Tom Melecki (pictured), former vice president for the National Student Loan Program (NSLP), has been named director of student financial services at The University of Texas at Austin following a six-month nationwide search. He will begin work at UT on April 7.

Melecki will be in charge of all operations of the Office of Student Financial Services. It will be a homecoming of sorts, as Melecki holds his Ph.D. from UT-Austin and worked as a student development specialist in the UT Office of Student Financial Services as well. Melecki replaces Lawrence Burt, who was dismissed in April of last year. Dr. Charles A. Sorber has filled the position temporarily since the departure of Burt.

Melecki spent 17 years with the NSLP and was the company's chief compliance officer. Prior to his NSLP service, he spent eight years at the Texas Guaranteed Student Loan Corp. in Austin as an executive staff member. In addition to his Ph.D. from UT, Melecki holds both bachelor's and master's degrees from Bowling Green State University.

UT School of Music gains $55 million gift from Butlers

Ernest and Sarah Butler are donating $55 million to The University of Texas School of Music. Glenn Chandler (pictured), director of the music school, said the donation from the couple will greatly expand the school's current $33 million endowment. The school will be renamed the Sarah and Ernest Butler School of Music to honor the retired physician and his wife.

Proceeds from two-thirds of the gift will be used to provide more student scholarships, give more assistance to faculty and support new programs, he said. Most important, Chandler said, is that the donation will help left the UT School of Music to compete for the most talented students.

The donation is the largest to a music school at a public university and ranks second largest when private schools are considered. The Butlers have been steady supporters of the arts. Previous gifts from the couple include $1 million for UT's Blanton Museum of Art, $3.5 million for Ballet Austin and $1 million for the Austin Symphony Orchestra.

State awards $689,000 to child I.D. program

The Governor's Criminal Justice Division has awarded a $689,000 grant to the Sheriff's Association of Texas for the distribution of Child Identification Kits to all incoming kindergarten students in Texas public schools. The I.D. kits will allow parents and guardians to record their children's physical characteristics and fingerprints on identification cards that can be filed at home and quickly given to authorities in the event their child becomes missing. This grant is awarded under the federal Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act.

Through a collaborative effort between the Sheriff's Association, the National Child Identification Program, the American Football Coaches Association and the Texas Association of School Administrators, Child I.D. kits will be supplied to the estimated 372,900 incoming public school kindergarten students.

Each kit will contain an inkless fingerprint card, two swabs to obtain a child's DNA from their saliva and a laminated wallet card to keep an updated photograph and physical description of the child.

Counties scorched by wildfires eligible for federal aid

Approximately 70 percent of Texas counties will be eligible for federal aid to combat the effects of wildfires that burned across the state last week. About 133,000 acres in Texas were scorched when high temperatures, low humidity and gusty winds ignited dry brush. The president's emergency declaration authorizes federal aid and resources to 184 counties.

Rich Phelps, spokesman for the Texas Forest Service, said that Friday, March 14, was one of the top two or three wildfire events in Texas since 2006.

Sam Houston VP new dean at University of New Haven

Richard H. Ward (pictured), currently associate vice president for Research and Special Programs at Sam Houston State University, was selected recently as a dean at the University of New Haven's Henry C. Lee College of Criminal Justice and Forensic Sciences. Ward will assume his duties at the Lee College in mid-summer of 2008.

Previously Ward served as dean of Criminal Justice at SHSU and as associate chancellor for Special Programs and as vice chancellor for Administration at the University of Illinois, Chicago. He also has served as vice president and dean of Graduate Studies at John Jay College of Criminal Justice. He earned doctorate and master's degrees at the University of California, Berkeley, and a bachelor's degree from John Jay College of Criminal Justice.

Bio-defense lab must have own power plant

Five states - Kansas, Texas, Georgia, Mississippi and North Carolina - are in competition for the $451 million National Bio- and Agro-Defense Facility. The facility would research high-consequence biological threats involving zoonotic and foreign animal diseases.

Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius says the federal government wants the site of the new bio-defense laboratory to have its own power plant to replace an aging facility at Plum Island, N.Y. Sebelius said the U.S. Department of Homeland Security officials notified the states of the new requirement last month. Gov. Rick Perry's office said the new requirement is not surprising as infrastructure support, including power, has been a critical part of the project from the beginning.

The Texas Research Park site in San Antonio is on the government's short list of possible locations. A decision on the project is scheduled for Fall 2008.

UTPA picks Alaniz to head Office of Internal Audits

Eloy R. Alaniz, Jr. (pictured), has been chosen to lead The University of Texas-Pan American's Office of Internal Audits. Alaniz, who hails from Weslaco, began his duties Feb. 1. His UTPA career began in 2001 when he served as an internal auditor. In 2006, he was named assistant audit director under Mike Chrissinger, who retired earlier this year.

In his new position, Alaniz is responsible for providing the president of UTPA with information regarding the adequacy and effectiveness of the university's system or internal administrative and accounting controls and for the quality of operating performance as compared with established standards.

Alaniz is a Certified Public Accountant licensed in Texas, a Certified Internal Auditor and a Certified Information System Auditor. He holds a bachelor's degree from The University of Notre Dame.

Austin toll project likely to begin next year

Construction of the four lanes of Segments 5 and 6, the final 40-mile stretch of State Highway 130, is expected to begin early next year after a consortium led by Spanish construction company Cintra achieved financial close for the project. The $1.36 billion investment by SH 130 Concession Co., LLC, will be financed with a combination of private equity, bank loans and a Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) loan from the U.S. Department of Transportation. The loan program encourages private sector involvement in U.S. highway projects.

The 40-mile stretch will complete SH 130 from southeast Austin to I-10 at Seguin. The public/private partnership is the first concession agreement in the state's history. The agreement stipulates that after 50 years, the asset will be given back to TxDOT. Tolls, which will be set for the life of the project, will be shared by the state. The consortium paid TxDOT $25.8 million up front, with those funds to be used for other projects. The four-lane extension is expected to be completed in 2012.

Revenues off in Dallas' red light camera program

City officials at Dallas City Hall have turned off more than one-quarter of the 62 cameras that monitor busy intersections because they are not generating enough revenue to cover their costs.

Officials were projecting $14.8 million in gross revenues from the red light cameras in 2007-08, but that number has fallen $6.2 million for the current year. City Manager Mary Suhm (pictured) estimates that net revenue will fall $4.1 million based on initial estimates.

The program may be a victim of its own success. The red light camera system has been effective at deterring motorists from running red lights, with some monitored intersections showing a 50 percent reduction. However, less money from fines means significantly less revenue to maintain the camera program. Dallas transportation officials say they are looking at potential changes to the red light camera program before a planned update to the City Council next month.

TTC proposal deadline moved to March 26

Proposal deadline for the I-69/Trans-Texas Corridor project has been moved to March 26 by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). The deadline was moved because the RFP for the project was not released until Feb. 29, and because TxDOT received a request for the extension because of the initial short proposal time. The formal RFP was issued in December 2007 for detailed plans on how to finance, design, construct, operate and maintain I-69/TTC.

Following evaluation of proposals, TxDOT will make its recommendation probably this spring or early summer.

UTEP office to help secure border, enhance techno

The Office of Strategic Initiatives at the University of Texas at El Paso is working to become a leader in creating solutions to border and homeland security with the help of several federal grants.

Jose Riojas (pictured), a retired brigadier general who heads the Office of Strategic Initiatives said his office will coordinate a $1 million grant from the U.S. Defense Department to the Center for Defense Systems Research to fund three projects. Two projects involve computer software and the third is for building a new type of sensor that could be a motion detector, or a wireless sensor that can be made in the shape of a ball or rock.

Riojas said his office also will coordinate a $1 million grant over the next six years from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for the Center of Excellence for Border Security and Immigration. This project is still in its formative stages and Riojas plans to travel to Washington, D.C., with a colleague from the University of Arizona, a co-leader in the project. UTEP will focus on the education aspect of the program while Arizona primarily will be responsible for research.

West University Place studying November bond election

The West University Place City Council is considering several options for a November bond election to renovate or reconstruct buildings and swimming pools for two recreation centers. The proposals range from $11.69 million to $14.8 million.

A consultant laid out the options to the council during a special meeting last week. There were three swimming pool options, ranging from $2.9 million to $3.8 million. However, Council Member Michael Talianchich (pictured) said all of the pool plans were more expensive than what he had in mind. Talianchich said that based on a consultant's survey, most voters were not willing to spend more than $2.8 million on park improvements.

West University Place voters rejected a $25.6 million bond election for similar projects in November 2006.

Angelo State picks Limbaugh as new vice president

Angelo State University President Joseph Rallo has appointed Dr. James W. Limbaugh to be the new vice president of strategy, planning and policy at the university. Limbaugh, a native of Texas currently serving as associate vice president for institutional effectiveness at Frostburg State University in Maryland, will start his new position on June 1.

Limbaugh previously served as FSU's assistant to the provost, director of special academic services, director of auxiliary services and associate dean of students. He also previously worked as assistant director of the Memorial Student Union at Kearney State College, now the University of Nebraska-Kearney.

Limbaugh earned his bachelor's degree from Texas A&M-Commerce, then known as East Texas State University. His Ph.D. is from the University of Maryland.

Longview mulling $7 million radio system upgrade

The Longview City Council is mulling a recommendation by city staff to purchase a new two-way voice and data radio system. This was one of five proposals presented to the council, ranging from $500,000 to $8.6 million, to replace the city's trunk system of radio communication installed in 1998 that does not allow Longview emergency responders to communicate with responders from other areas.

Public Safety Communications Manager Sally Rees said that at an initial cost of $7 million, the vendor would covert the city's two radio towers from analog service to digital, a conversion that allows local police to communicate with emergency responders from surrounding areas. The vendor also would install a third tower to expand communications, upgrade the existing dispatch consoles and connect to the Harris County Regional Radio system, she said. This proposal will expire at the end of March.

Rees also told council members that the East Texas Council of Government's Homeland Security Advisory Council said requests for federal grants will not be approved unless the proposed radio equipment or system is digital or has P25 capabilities. The council will consider the proposal at its March 27 meeting.

Landowners a challenge for border fence deadline

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security faces a major challenge to complete 670 miles of border fencing by a mandated December deadline, government auditors warned Congress recently. The problem, they said, is that scores of Texas landowners are refusing to allow surveyors on their property.

The Government Accountability Office said once surveys are complete and land is purchased or seized through eminent domain, Homeland Security still has to locate, design and build the fence. A GAO representative said Homeland Security is on schedule, but will have to work hard to complete its work by the deadline.

Del Rio Mayor Efrain Valdez (pictured), however, called it an impossible task, saying the legal challenge is going to hold up the entire process. He said it was just too large a project to complete in the eight and one-half months left to get it done. Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff has vowed to complete 370 miles of pedestrian fencing and another 300 miles of vehicle barriers by the December 2008 deadline imposed by the 2006 Secure Fence Act. So far, only 168 of the 370 miles of pedestrian fencing have been erected along the southwest border, mostly in Arizona and California.

State helps pay to expand roadway at Brooks City-Base

The Defense Economic Adjustment Assistance Grant program recently granted $3.1 million to Brooks City-Base to pay part of the cost of extending South New Braunfels Avenue to promote economic development in the area that was formerly Brooks Air Force Base.

When the $47 million infrastructure project is completed, Jim Greenfield, chairman of the Brooks Development Authority said New Braunfels Avenue will extend from S.E. Military Drive through Brooks City-Base to Loop 410. Local leaders expect the roadway project to be a major catalyst for economic growth in South San Antonio.

The Brooks Development Authority is charged with repositioning the Brooks Air Force Base property as a business and technology center since the Air Force portion of the base is being closed as part of the latest Base Realignment and Closure decision.

Lone Star College System calls $420 million bond election

The Lone Star College System board of trustees approved a $420 million bond election for May 10. Trustee Stephanie Marquard (pictured) praised the approval of the bond election, saying it was well thought out, well planned and important for the district.

The bond package, developed with community input, provides funding for new construction and renovations for the college system, including academic and administrative support facilities, parking and safety improvements, new performing arts facilities and a second University Center.

The board upheld its promise not to increase property taxes by cutting $41.7 million from the original bond proposal, which totaled more than $460 million.

North Forest budget shortage prompts schools merger

To address a looming $17.2 million budget shortage, trustees for the North Forest Independent School District recently voted to merge two high schools and two elementary schools despite community opposition. Interim Superintendent William Jones estimated the school closures will save about $6.9 million and eliminate about 200 faculty, staff and administration jobs this summer, reducing the number of employees to approximately 1,000.

District officials have not yet decided whether to close the recently renovated North Forest High School or Smiley High School - which is larger, contains multiple athletic fields and is surrounded by open land if expansion if needed - but needs $6 million in renovations. Neither campus, however, met federal or state standards last year.

The district's financial crisis along with a 40 percent decline in enrollment in the last decade and poor academic performance prompted the Texas Education Agency to monitor the district's activities. If North Forest ISD fails to meet accreditation standards, TEA Commissioner Robert Scott has the authority to remove current school board members and appoint a board of managers and superintendent.

Toll road to new Cowboys stadium put on fast track

To help ensure the road to the new Dallas Cowboys stadium in Arlington is partially open by the start of the 2009 football season, Dallas-Fort Worth regional transportation planners recently placed construction of the Texas 161 toll road on a fast-track.

The Regional Transportation Council recently agreed to pay more than $200 million in local funds to get the project under way with the expectation of improving the odds for the road to be partially open in Fall 2009 and almost complete by the 2011 Super Bowl to be held at the facility.

The low bid for the toll road's main lanes was $216 million submitted by a Houston firm. The Regional Transportation Council has agreed to pay the $216 million, plus $12 million for frontage roads to be built over railroad tracks in Grand Prairie. The Texas Transportation Commission will be asked to approve the contract on March 27. Pending the results of a battle for the right to collect tolls for 62 years, the new Texas 161 toll road will be owned and paid for by either the Texas Department of Transportation or the North Texas Tollway Authority.

Bryan ISD wins national award for high tech efforts

The Bryan Independent School District recently won the national TEAM award by the Consortium for School Networking for its efforts in effectively integrating technology among its students. The consortium recognizes only one school district each year.

Jennifer Bergland, chief technology officer for Bryan ISD, said schools are evaluated on how well people work as a team, the technology they implement and the impact that technology has on students, staff and parents. The district uses interactive whiteboards in classrooms, a digital phone system and computer reading comprehension programs. It also teaches students to create their own movies and pod casts.

Frances McArthur, assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction, said staff, parents and teachers made it a goal for each student to have access to a computer in the district five years ago and the district has made huge strides since then.

Garland OKs $196 million capital improvement program

The Garland City Council has approved a $196.4 million capital improvement program that anticipates a 1.5-cent property tax increase. Council members were split over the prospect of more taxes on financially burdened residents and the need to expand the city's tax base with infrastructure and development.

Mayor Ronald Jones (pictured) said that much of the money is for projects approved in 1997 and 2004 bond packages. He stressed that approval of the package did not automatically mean a tax increase, but some members of the council felt there was no way to avoid one.

This year's capital improvement program is nearly $63 million less than the $259.2 million program that the council approved last year. City staff members told the council that the reduction was prompted by concerns about continuing declines in home values. About 60 percent of the city's property tax base is residential.

Work begins on $2.5 million Cy-Champ park project

Work has begun on a park project along Cutten Road with proceeds from a $3 million bond issue approved in May 2005. The Cy-Champ Public Utility District most likely will spend about $2.5 million for purchase of the site adjacent to the railroad tracks, site work, construction work and park equipment, said Ron Walkoviak, a board member of the Cy-Champ PUD.

Work crews currently are laying the foundation for a one-and-on-half-mile trail, a children's playground area and dozens of picnic tables on the west side of Cutten Road, from Hargrave to Cypresswood Road. A grand opening of the new park to is expected be held in late April or early May.

Walkoviak also said the board is aware of the potential for linking the park and trail to the proposed Cypress Creek Greenway project but cannot proceed until a final decision is made about the Cypress Creek project along SH 249. The Cypress Creek Greenway project proposes to link a series of new and existing parks with the ultimate goal of proving a continuous link of green space from east of Interstate 45 to west of U.S. 290.

'Sunshine Week' - promoting open government and
the public's 'right to know'

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

Some call it transparency. Others call it "letting in a little sunshine."

This week, the nation is celebrating "Sunshine Week," which promotes an individual's right to access government information as part of the longstanding issue of "the public's right to know.

There has been more openness - sunshine, if you will - in state government in Texas in recent years. SPI, because of its research division, asks for information on a daily basis - and our researchers ask for it across the United States at every level of government. It's interesting to note which states are forthcoming and which states drag out the process with all kinds of bureaucracy. Texas is one of the best at making information available to its citizens and taxpayers.

UT System's Yudof said looking at UC presidency

Mark Yudof (pictured), chancellor of The University of Texas System, is being considered for the presidency of the University of California, the Los Angeles Times is reporting. If selected, he would replace Robert Dynes, who is retiring in June.

UC regents are meeting today in special session with the presidential search one of the agenda items. If chosen, he would exchange working with a system that includes 15 campuses for the 10-campus University of California. He began his university career at UT-Austin as a law professor and later became dean of the UT Law School. He left UT to become president of the University of Minnesota in 1997 before returning to the UT System in 2002.

Corpus Christi finalizing plans for $150 million bond

In an effort to determine which projects are top priority, Corpus Christi city officials have held a series of public meetings, set up a Web site and placed suggestion boxes throughout the community to give residents a say on which projects should be included in a $150 million bond proposal being considered for November. While citizens rate street repairs as a top priority, Mayor Henry Garrett said that other priorities submitted include improving basic city services and other infrastructure. Garrett urged residents to submit their priority. He expects council members will review citizen suggestions and cost estimates prepared by staff until a final proposal is made in late August when the council is expected to vote on ballot language.

City Manager Skip Noe (pictured) said while a dollar amount for the proposed bond election has not been set, the likely amount will be about $150 million because that is the amount the city can spend without increasing its debt tax rate.

Ferrell leaving post at Cap Metro for Atlanta position

Dwight Ferrell, chief operating officer and executive vice president of the Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority, has resigned his position effective March 31 to become COO and deputy general manager of the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority. He joined Cap Metro in 2004 and was instrumental in helping develop Cap Metro's commuter rail system.

Goose Creek ISD approves random drug testing plan

Random drug testing in the three high schools of the Goose Creek ISD will begin next year, following a recent vote by GCISD trustees. Officials are hopeful the testing will provide students a deterrent to using drugs as well as identify users who may need support and assistance. The testing will be done in grades 9-12 among students who participate in school-sponsored extracurricular activities or have a permit to drive and park on campus.

School officials plan to have meetings with students and parents to explain the program. Tests for steroids will not be administered, as those are to be administered by the University Interscholastic League. On first offense, students testing positive will be required to complete a counseling program. Second-time offenders will not be allowed to participate in extracurricular activities, will lose parking and driving privileges for 30 days and must submit to further drug testing. Both students and parents must sign a consent form to be part of the testing, but those who refuse to be tested will not be allowed to participate in extracurricular activities.

Weatherford College revises campus construction plan

To adjust to higher construction costs, trustees for Weatherford College recently approved restructuring its 2008 construction plan for refurbishing its 40-year-old main campus. The 2008 construction plan originally included extensive new construction of classroom space and student services spaces, along with several renovation projects.

The revised 2008 construction plan retains major components, but downsizes some construction, replaces some new construction with renovation and lowers the contingency fund, thus bringing the overall cost down to approximately $120 million.

Fort Stockton ISD names new asst. superintendent

Trustees for the Fort Stockton Independent School District recently selected Ralph Traynham as the new assistant superintendent to oversee personnel matters and maintenance. Traynham has 23 years experience in education, previously holding positions as a principal, athletic director, coach and teacher at Reagan County ISD, Yorktown ISD, New Caney ISD, Boerne ISD and San Angelo ISD. He has a bachelor's degree from Texas State University and a master's degree from Texas Tech University.

Dumas asking voters to approve bonds for city pool

Dumas voters on May 10 will wade in with their decision on whether the city should replace the 55-year-old city pool. Mayor Mike Milligan (pictured) is urging citizens to vote for the $3 million bond proposal to build a modern city swimming pool because cracks in the bottom of the old pool pose a danger to swimmers cutting their feet and cause the pool to leak up to 4,000 gallons per day. The pool, built in 1952, also does not meet standards of the Americans With Disabilities Act or even provide showers for swimmers to rinse off before jumping in the pool, he said.

Cameron council member
to act as city manager

Following an executive session, the Cameron City Council recently appointed one of its own, David Barkemeyer, to serve as the new city manager on a voluntary basis until council finds a new city manager. A retired executive with a chemical company, Barkemeyer also is the only candidate for mayor in the May 10 city election. The city manager position became open when council members removed former City Manager Fred Stephens from the position on March 3. No reason was given for Stephens' dismissal, but he will remain as a consultant to the city until April 20.

Council members also announced they would advertise for candidates to fill the city manager position rather than hire a search firm or consultant and that they had no intention of hiring an interim city manager. Mayor Bill Meacham said that Barkemeyer is allowed to volunteer his time and experience without compensation to perform the duties of city manager. Barkemeyer is a graduate of Texas A&M University and the University of Houston, where he earned a master's degree.

Fernandez to resign at San Felipe-Del Rio CISD

Roberto Fernandez recently announced he is resigning as superintendent of the San Felipe Del Rio Consolidated Independent School District after nearly five years on the job. The resignation will take effect at the end of December or until the board finds a replacement.

Fernandez has served the district 37 years, ranging from a custodian while in high school, to principal, comptroller of federal programs, assistant superintendent and then to his present position. He also served as interim superintendent three times during his tenure with the district.

Hunt ISD voters to decide $13 million bond proposal

Voters in the Hunt Independent School District will decide on May 10 whether to authorize the issuance of $13 million in bonds to build and renovate classroom and athletic facilities.

Proposition one asks for approval of $10 million for constructing, renovating, acquiring and equipping school facilities, the purchase of new school buses and acquisition of land for school facilities. Proposition two asked for $3 million in bonds for construction of athletic facilities and acquisition of sites for school facilities.

Santa Fe ISD names Wall superintendent finalist

The Santa Fe Independent School District board of trustees has chosen High School Principal Leigh Wall as the lone finalist for superintendent. Trustees considered just two applicants for the job, both from within the district, said board president Trey Cabe.

Cabe said the 21-day period, required by state law, allows the public time to consider whether she is the right person for the job. The board has searched for a replacement for Superintendent Jon Whittemore since he announced his resignation Jan. 21. He will step down in June.

Texas A&M-Kingsville wins grant for cell research

Maribel Gonzalez Garcia (pictured), a chemistry professor at Texas A&M University-Kingsville has been awarded a $100,000 grant to conduct cell research to obtain a better understanding of how proteins affect cell death. The National Institute of Health and the National Institute of General Medical Sciences awarded the grants.

The study could lead to new approaches for the treatment of diseases such as cancer, said Sandra Rexroat, the university's director of Research and Sponsored Programs.

Pecos County seeks funds for new sports complex

Pecos County Commissioners Court has approved a cooperative resolution with the City of Fort Stockton and the Fort Stockton Independent School District to seek funding for an athletic complex. The resolution was approved in a recent regular meeting of the Court. The resolution gives permission to seek funding for the facility, and does not obligate any entity to a financial contribution.

San Diego renews loan
to improve its parks

The San Diego City Council has voted to renew a loan to buy land for parks improvements in the city. However, the plan to approve those new parks was rejected years ago. The council voted to renew the $57,298 loan with a local bank for a period of five years. The loan was originally obtained from the bank five years ago for the purchase of 15.5 acres of land for improvement of the city's parks.

Those improvements were supposed to be made once the city obtained a grant, but that grant was never received, City Manager Ernesto Sanchez said.

Rhome moving forward
on first city administrator

Rhome City Council members have interviewed two candidates to become the city's first city administrator and had planned to interview a third until inclement weather caused a cancellation. Mayor Mark Lorance said his goal is to select and hire a city administrator this month. Council members are interviewing candidates for police chief on March 11 and 13 to replace Police Chief Rick Roebuck, who resigned earlier this year.

Jacksonville still hoping
for new city hall

Jacksonville is moving forward with plans to build a new city hall on seven acres the city purchased from the East Texas Medical Center. The land is near the Public Works Department, the Police Department and the downtown business district. City Manager Mo Raissi (pictured) said the city expects to spend between $2.25 million and $2.5 million for 20,000 square feet of space, providing room for future growth. The facility will have updated technology, be energy efficient and provide adequate parking and record storage that are currently available in the city's current city hall.

The city has hired an architect to develop a master plan for future building and once city staff has weighed in on their needs and wants, Raissi said he also plans to ask for community input on the final design. The planning process should take about six months and construction another year with completion expected in the fall or winter of 2010.

West Texas A&M wins grant relating to feeding facilities

West Texas A&M University recently won a $367,383 grant to fund research to develop and optimize bioremediation techniques to reduce odors at animal feeding facilities.

The grant is one of 20 grants awarded to several universities by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Cooperative State Research Education and Extension Service through the National Research Initiative Air Quality competitive grants program. The purpose of the grants is to increase knowledge about the transportation, measurement and control of odors, gases and particulate matter and educate agricultural producers on best practices to lessen production of air pollutants and greenhouse gases.

Golden Triangle job training center gets $1 million grant

The Golden Triangle Empowerment Center has won a $1 million grant from the Economic Development Administration of the U.S. Department of Commerce. The non-profit center in Port Arthur has provided free courses teaching life and trade skills to area residents since October 2007.

The grant will be used to renovate the building and provide classroom space. Melvin White, the center's founder, said instruction begins with four weeks of life skills courses, followed by four to five weeks of instruction and hands-on training in industrial skills. The program is modeled on a similar program he began in Austin, White said.

Frisco passes resolution regarding light rail

A light rail line could be in the works for Frisco, following City Council approval of adding Frisco to a consortium of cities creating a business plan for light rail to connect the participating cities. The rail system would connect Frisco, Carrollton, Farmers Branch, Irving and Plano. It would follow the existing Burlington Northern Santa Fe line.

The resolution authorizes City Manager George Purefoy (pictured) to work with the other participants to select consultants for creating the business plan, which is expected to be completed within 90 days of hiring of a consultant.

Recent Reports

• SPI's May 2008 Municipal Bond Elections Report
• SPI's Defense Appropriations Bill Earmarks Report
• SPI's November 2007 Bond Election Results Report

Event Links

• TCEQ's 2008 Environmental Trade Fair and Conference
• Texas Public Education Reform Foundation 2008 Statewide Education Summit
• Texas Citizen Corps Conference
• Congress of the New Urbanism National Conference
• DFW NIGP Lone Star Regional Purchasing Conference
• Texas State University Small Business Development Center training schedule
• Texas Distance Learning 11th Annual Conference
• TWC Texas Business Conferences
• LBJ School Professional Development Calendar
• Upcoming Executive Women in Texas Government events

Texas Government Insider Archives

Volume 1 - 6 Archives · 11/7/03 - 3/14/08

Beaumont to renovate two neighborhood parks

The Beaumont City Council is moving forward with plans to renovate Chaison and Caldwood parks as part of $7.9 million in improvements proposed for area parks from 2008 to 2012. The renovations will include improving a wooden shelter, repairing benches and picnic tables, installing playground equipment and sidewalks and includes the elimination of broken equipment and removal of gang-related graffiti. A Game-Time Play unit will be installed at both parks and a half basketball court and tennis court will be added to Caldwood Park.

Jamie Smith, who represents Ward 4 on the council, said the goal is to make the park safe so residents feel comfortable bringing their families to outings at both parks.

Police request $9.5 million for The Colony jail expansion

Chief Joseph T. Clark of the Colony Police Department recently presented plans for a redesigned and expanded police and court facility to city council members. Phase 1, costing about $4.47 million, would add a new jail unit, an evidence and property room, an area to process evidence and a lab to the existing jail facility. A generator will be added to support the entire facility, Clark said. Phase 1a would include an indoor shooting range with moving targets, control room, cleaning room, storage and bathrooms.

At an estimated cost of $1.77 million, Phase 2 would expand the existing communications center, create an emergency operations center with hardened walls and ceilings, and an expansion that would house 911, radio and file server equipment in one climate-controlled room. Phase 3, at a projected cost of $2.30 million, will renovate and expand existing areas of the municipal court, police criminal investigation division, records and administration.

Raymondville city hall
facelift being planned

Members of the Raymondville City Council recently approved $447,000 to pay for renovations and repairs to the city hall. City Manager City Manager Eleazar Garcia said the renovations and repairs are necessary because of water damage from leaks and the age of the building.

Plans include reroofing and applying new stucco, painting and replacing doors and carpeting, removing a large strip of cedar shingles to expose about 20 windows that were covered for years and replacing the old windows with a row of storm windows. Construction is expected to begin in May.

Governor's appointments

Gov. Rick Perry has announced the following appointments:

• Edward C. Foster, Jr. of Hurst, Texas Skill Standards Board
• Conrado de la Garza of Harlingen, State Commission on Judicial Conduct
• Keely Appleton of Fort Worth, Texas Judicial Council
• Richard Battle of Lakeway, Texas Judicial Council
• Aaron Calodney of Tyler, Advisory Committee on the Regulation of Controlled Substances Act
• John W. Chaddick of Temple, Advisory Committee on the Regulation of Controlled Substances Act
• Catherine L. Scholl of Austin, Advisory Committee on the Regulation of Controlled Substances Act
• E. Alan Thornton of Lumberton, Advisory Committee on the Regulation of Controlled Substances Act
• Carl Settles of Harker Heights, presiding officer, Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists
• Timothy Branaman of Dallas, Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists
• Lou Ann Todd Mock of Bellaire, Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists
• Angela A. Downes of Irving, Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists
• Jo Ann Campbell of Abilene, Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists
• Stuart Messer of Memphis, judge of the 100th Judicial District Court

UTHSC-Houston to lead $33 million grant research on TBI

The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston will lead a consortium of Texas institutions awarded a $33 million U.S. Department of Defense grant with which to investigate improved methods for diagnosis and treatment of traumatic brain injuries (TBI).

The funding will support a five-year investigation that also includes collaborative research partners Baylor College of Medicine, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston and Rice University. The research will include such issues as ways to better diagnose and characterize TBI cases and how to administer therapy for individuals who have suffered such a trauma. The research could help American military troops who suffer traumatic brain injuries in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.

Frisco puts brakes on public transportation service

Members of the Frisco City Council decided recently to allow its service agreement with the Collin County Area Regional Transit to expire. City leaders in February 2007 discontinued CCART's fixed route services, but the service continued when CCART offered to provide it free of charge on a month-to-month basis. CCART recently notified the city that it could not longer provide the service free.

City officials said that a fixed-route bus system in a town with Frisco's low population density is not worth the expense. The city would be required to pay $20,800 per month to continue the service that had 12,707 riders during 2007. On-call service for the elderly and disabled is not affected by the council's decision.

Officials seek funding to help with road improvements

Cameron County officials plan to seek funding from the Border Colonia Access Program to help fund road improvements in colonias in Cameron County. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has allocated only $3.6 million to the county for colonia projects, so county officials are expecting a shortfall of transportation funding dollars.

County Judge Carlos Cascos (pictured) was notified by letter from TxDOT that it will choose on May 29 projects for the third round of funding for projects in 22 border counties and Tarrant County. Some $75 million is available for the third round and any remaining funds will be used for competitive selection of projects. Commissioner's court is studying projects that include $1.7 million in Precinct 1 in the Brownsville area, $11.1 million for Precinct 2 in the Brownsville area, $8.6 million in Precinct 3 in the San Benito area and a little over $900,000 in the Harlingen area.

Tyler ISD considering technology purchases

Trustees for the Tyler Independent School District are considering issuing $4.4 million in maintenance tax notes to pay for laptop computers for faculty and other technology needs of the district. Board members are expected to vote on the proposal tonight, Thursday. The maintenance notes, if approved, will be used to purchase 1,260 laptop computers with docking stations, costing about $2.06 million. The cost includes software, a three-year warranty with accident protection in addition to installation and removal of the existing PCs now used by faculty. The existing computers will be repurposed as student computers, school officials said. The installation of the new computers is scheduled to begin on April 7 and be completed by May 23.

A small portion of the maintenance notes, $120,000, will be used to buy computers for C-SCOPE training and the remaining money will be used for technology needs as outlined in the district's five-year technology or for other district needs, such as new buses, if new needs arise, said Dr. Randy Reed, the superintendent.

Steps to ensure delivery
of SPI weekly newsletter

Most e-mail applications today have spam filtering. The e-mail address we use to send you the Texas Government Insider newsletter is editor@spartnerships.com.

To ensure timely delivery and proper formatting of the newsletter, be sure to add editor@spartnerships.com to your safe senders list. Otherwise, the newsletter may be flagged as spam and automatically routed to your junk e-mail folder at any time.

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.

Publisher: Mary Scott Nabers

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.

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

TCEQ announces Environmental Trade Fair, Conference

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) will host its 2008 Environmental Trade Fair and Conference on Tuesday through Thursday, April 29-May 1, at the Austin Convention Center. Considered one of the best environmental education forums in the country, the conference features 13 educational tracks, 400 exhibits and continuing education credits. The opening day of the conference will feature an informal lunch with the TCEQ commissioners. Tracks will include topics such as air quality, waste management, wastewater permitting, pollution prevention, compliance assistance and enforcement and more. For more information and to view the conference agenda and brochure, click here. To register, click here.

TPERF announces 2008 Statewide Education Summit

The state's largest one-day education conference that brings together the entire school community, policymakers and business leaders to discuss how Texas' public education system should be reformed and improved will be held Friday, April 18, at the Austin Convention center when the Texas Public Education Reform Foundation meets for its 2008 Statewide Education Summit. Among the speakers for the event are: U.S. Sen. John Cornyn; former U.S. Secretary of Education Rod Paige; James H. Billington, Librarian of Congress; Robert Scott, Texas Commissioner of Education; and Raymund Paredes, Texas Commissioner of Higher Education. For more information, click here, and to view the summit brochure, click here. To register, click here.

Texas Citizen Corps Conference slated June 3-4

The fourth annual Texas Citizen Corps Conference, sponsored by the Texas Association of Regional Councils, will be June 3-4 in San Antonio at the Sheraton Gunter Hotel. The conference is open to anyone interested in the Citizen Corps program, including regional councils of governments, local, state, and federal agencies, volunteers, emergency management professionals, first responder and other interested parties. Local elected officials and management level decision-makers will also be in attendance. Sessions will include training, strategic policy discussions, briefings from leaders in the Citizen Corps programs from across the nation, networking and best practices events and an exhibit hall. To register, or for more information, click here.

TASSCC technology education conference slated April 30

The Texas Association of State Systems for Computing and Communications (TASSCC) and the Department of Information Resources (DIR) will host the annual Technology Education Conference (TEC) on April 30 at The Commons Center on the J.J. Pickle Research Campus in Austin. This year's conference, "Best Practice Makes Perfect - Now What?" examines best practice techniques and how they relate to information technology regarding project management, managing the mobile workforce, virtualization of information, green technology, reacting to the pandemic flu and managing the E-world of today. Sponsorships are available. For more information, contact TASSCC at info@tasscc.org or (512) 474-1827.

Austin to host Congress of New Urbanism conference

The Congress of the New Urbanism will hold its national conference this year on April 2-6 in Austin. CNU XVI will feature Pulitzer Prize winning author Robert Caro, former mayor of San Antonio and former U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Henry Cisneros and uber planner Andres Duany. More than 200 expert speakers are scheduled for presentations, debates and seminars. Organizers note that Austin has transformed itself and the surrounding Central Texas area "into a New Urban model" and the conference will focus on how the city's progressive planning can promote sustainability and quality of life for a fast-growing city. To view the program for the conference, click here. To register online, click here.

DFW NIGP hosts Lone Star Purchasing Conference

The DFW Metroplex Chapter of the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing will host the 2008 Lone Star Regional Purchasing Conference on May 5-7 at the Hilton DFW Lakes Executive Conference Center in Grapevine, Texas. This educational conference will begin on Monday, May 5, and will continue through 12 noon Wednesday, May 7. Conference attendees will receive a certificate at the end of the conference stating that they have earned 18 contact hours. For more information and to download a registration form, click here.

Texas Distance Learning Assn. conference set for March

The 11th annual Texas Distance Learning Association Conference will be held March 24-27 at Moody Gardens in Galveston. Keynote speakers for the conference, "Sail Into Distance Learning," include Alan November, who will discuss the importance of how distance learning technology is used, motivational speaker Dave Carey and Gary Stager, who will offer real-life examples of educational technology learning. In addition to these speakers, the conference also will feature exhibits, breakout sessions, hands-on sessions, meetings and focused gatherings for not only distance learning professionals, but also those new to distance learning. To register, click here. For sponsorship information, click here. To view the conference program, click here.