Congressional hearing in Valley to study border fence

Locals insistent construction will have negative effect on area

Local officials along the Texas-Mexico border - who are almost unanimous in their opposition to a border wall planned by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) - are optimistic that a U.S. House Natural Resources Subcommittee field hearing next week will shed some light on the negative impact they say building the wall will have on their communities.

The field hearing, titled "Walls and Waivers: Expedited Construction of the Southern Border Wall and the Collateral Impacts on Communities and the Environment," will be held at 9 a.m. Monday at The University of Texas at Brownsville/Texas Southmost College in Brownsville. Congresswoman Madeleine Z. Bordallo of Guam, chair of the Fisheries, Wildlife and Oceans Subcommittee, and Congressman Raśl M. Grijalva of Arizona, chair of the National Parks, Forests and Public Lands Subcommittee, will preside over the field hearing.

Brownsville Mayor Pat Ahumada said the hearing would show members of Congress how wrong DHS is in pursuing construction of the wall.

Community colleges facing continuing strains

Texas needs more facilities; Florida wants more degree possibilities

While community colleges in Florida could soon be converted to "state colleges," offering both two- and four-year degrees, community colleges in Texas are just trying to ensure those who want a two-year degree have a place to work toward earning one.

In a plan being floated in the Florida Legislature, that state's 28 community colleges would continue to provide two-year degrees, but many also might become hybrid schools to offer four-year degrees in certain fields of particular need, such as teaching or nursing. The goal is to produce more affordable four-year degrees in specific-need areas than can be earned in a traditional four-year higher education setting.

Those same needs exist in Texas, but converting the state's 50 community college districts to "state colleges" is not a likely scenario, according to Dr. Rey Garcia, president and chief executive officer of the Texas Association of Community Colleges.

Strategic Partnerships salutes Texas' Lone Stars

This week's salute is to William (Bill) Powers Jr., president of The University of Texas at Austin

Career highlights and education: Earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in chemistry from the University of California at Berkeley (1967) and a law degree, magna cum laude, from Harvard Law School (1973). Served in the U.S. Navy in the Persian Gulf following Cal-Berkeley. Chaired the committee in 2001 that investigated the Enron scandal. Dean of the Law School at The University of Texas at Austin (2000-05). President of The University of Texas at Austin (2006 to present).

What I like best about my job is: That I am serving The University of Texas at Austin, a special institution for me. My position also enables me to work with a variety of people, students, faculty, administrators, legislators, regents, community leaders, alumni and others. I enjoy the strategic thinking that is required as well as the tactical concerns that are part of implementing a strategy. Ours is a complex institution, and there is a huge breadth and depth to my job.

The best advice I've received for my current job is: To get good people around me.

Advice I would give a new hire in my office: is to always think about how your job fits into the overall team effort.

If I ever snuck out of work early, I could probably be found: playing golf or watching my kids play sports.

People would be surprised to know that I: have overcome an inherent shyness in order to become an effective teacher and public speaker.

Books I've read recently that really influenced my thinking: Education's End: Why Our Colleges and Universities Have Given Up on the Meaning of Life by Anthony Kronman; The Road by Cormac McCarthy; and On Chesil Beach by Ian McEwan.

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.

TxDOT swaps some maintenance funds for construction

Out of one pocket, into another. That's the bottom line of an 11-year spending plan approved this week by the Texas Transportation Commission as the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) faces a shortfall of billions of dollars to keep up with the growing transportation needs of the state. Transportation commissioners voted to cut into road maintenance funding and use that money to help pay for new road construction.

The plan reduces maintenance spending from $17.3 billion to $12.4 billion from 2009-2019. Even so, that will only keep some 80 percent of the state's roadways maintained.

The U.S. Department of Transportation rescinded $666 million in federal gas tax funding it had earmarked for Texas over the last two years and TxDOT officials expect some $950 million more in rescissions by the end of 2009. Thus, the commission moved $5 billion from maintenance to construction.

TCEQ names environmental award winners

Eleven projects and individuals throughout Texas were named winners of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) 2008 Texas Environmental Excellence Awards. The awards honor their positive impact on air, water and land resources. The Gregg A. Cooke Memorial Award for Exceptional Environmental Excellence, which honors former regional administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency in Dallas Gregg Cooke, was also presented.

The TEEA awards honor individuals, businesses and organizations that have created successful programs that conserve natural resources, reduce waste and prevent pollution. "We are proud to recognize these individuals and organizations," said TCEQ Chairman Buddy Garcia (pictured). "Their efforts will lead to a cleaner, more environmentally friendly Texas."

The awards will be presented Wednesday, April 30, at the Austin Convention Center as part of the TCEQ Environmental Trade Fair and Conference. The winners and their categories include:

• Austin - Eco Box, small business;
• The University of Texas at Austin, large business/nontechnical;
• Brownsville - Bahia Grande Restoration Partnership, civic/nonprofit;
• Bryan - Kent Moore Cabinets, Ltd., large business/technical;
• College Station - Texas Water Resources Institute, agriculture;
• Dallas - Texas Instruments. Inc. and Matros Technologies, Inc., innovative technology;
• Grand Prairie - Ruthe Jackson, individual;
• McCallen - Recycling Center, government;
• Richland Hills - Ruby Dillon, individual;
• San Antonio - Chance and Josh Ruder, youth; and
• Uvalde - Nueces River Authority, education.

TEA names Heydrick director of science

Dr. Kenn Heydrick, former curriculum coordinator of science and health at Pflugerville ISD, has been named director of science for the Texas Education Agency. His appointment is effective July 1.

Heydrick will work with the Division of Student Assessment to offer input on the end-of-course Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills exams and provide project management to support the Board of Education in the revision of the current K-12 science curriculum standards, including the development of the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for new engineering and earth/space science courses. He will also work closely with the Division of Student Assessment to provide input on the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) and end-of-course exams. Education Commissioner Robert Scott hailed Heydrick for his 25 years of experience in education and his acclaim as a science expert in Texas.

Heydrick spent 10 years as a high school science teacher, edited a biology textbook and was science curriculum coordinator in several Texas school districts. He holds a bachelor's and master's degree from Northern Illinois University and his doctorate from the University of Houston.

Combs extends deadline for filing franchise taxes

The May 15 due date for filing franchise taxes has been extended 30 days. State Comptroller Susan Combs said tax practitioners and taxpayers throughout the state have expressed concerns regarding the complexity of the revised franchise tax and the newness of the enhanced electronic reporting methods.

By extending the filing deadline and allowing for the filing of an extension without penalty, businesses can avoid what would have been a 5 percent penalty if the tax had not been filed by May 15.

"We want to make sure businesses and tax practitioners have adequate time to make sure they're complying with the revised franchise tax," Combs said. "Because they're dealing with new calculations and enhanced technology for filing reports, the one-month penalty waiver will help taxpayers accurately complete their returns in the first year of this brand new tax."

Some children from sect compound placed in foster care

The Texas Rangers say they pursued Rozita Swinton of Colorado as a "person of interest" regarding telephone calls placed to a crisis center hotline in San Angelo that led to the raid of the Yearning for Zion (YFZ) ranch near Eldorado earlier this month. This week, approximately 100 of the more than 400 children placed in the custody of the state following the raid have been moved to foster care throughout the state in what is one of the country's largest child custody cases. The remaining 300 children are still housed at the San Angelo Coliseum.

The raid of the polygamist sect enclosure was a result of a call from a female who said she was being physically and sexually abused at the compound. State District Judge Barbara Walther issued the order for officials to enter the compound. As a result, more than 400 children were removed from the facility.

Walther signed an order Tuesday that allowed for the placement of some of the children in foster care. They are being housed at facilities in Abilene, Amarillo, Austin, Corpus Christi, Fort Worth, Houston, Midland, San Antonio, Waco and Waxahachie. The state also began DNA testing of the children and adults to try to determine family members. Forty women from the compound chose to go to family violence shelters rather than return to the compound.

Information possibly linking Swinton to the case took several days to develop, according to Texas Department of Public Safety officials. Information, evidence and a statement from Swinton have been forwarded to state and federal prosecutors to help determine if Swinton will be charged with a criminal offense. The Rangers are continuing their investigation into alleged underage marriages of minor females to older males in the compound.

DSHS plans educational emergency plan tour

The Texas Department of State Health Services will hold a press conference at 10 a.m. Monday, April 28, on the South Steps of the State Capitol as part of an educational tour to advise families of the need for family emergency plans and emergency preparedness in their communities.

The nine-stop tour is part of DSHS' "Ready or Not? Have a Plan" campaign that began last year to encourage Texans to be prepared for emergencies. DSHS Commissioner Dr. David Lakey (pictured) will spearhead the press conference that also features speakers Jack Colley, chief of the Governor's Division of Emergency Management, and Steve McCraw, director of Texas Homeland Security. Other DSHS representatives will participate, as will representatives of the Austin/Travis County Health and Human Services Department, the American Red Cross, 2-1-1 Texas, Texas Association of Regional Councils and other public health and emergency response agencies.

Texas, other states eyeing California teachers

Thousands of California school teachers, many facing a pink slip because of state budget cuts, are being recruited by school districts from around the county, including several in Texas.

"Your future is in our classroom," is the message on a San Diego billboard sponsored by the Fort Worth school district. It plans to send recruiters to the city next month to dangle $3,000 signing bonuses. Los Angeles-area newspapers are carrying ads for the Clark County, Nev., school district, which hopes to lure teachers to Las Vegas with $2,000 incentives.

California has hired a wave of teachers in recent years as lawmakers raised education spending to cut class sizes. Now many of them are at the mercy of state legislators who are negotiating more than $4 billion in education cuts proposed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Trans-Texas Corridor comments period ends today

State officials say public comments on the proposed Trans-Texas Corridor are due today to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). The public comment period would have expired on March 19, but on March 24, TxDOT announced a 30-day extension, setting the new deadline.

TxDOT Executive Director Amadeo Saenz said the Federal Highway Administration, which oversees the environmental review process for transportation projects, granted the extension. Saenz described the project as the most scrutinized infrastructure project in history, citing more than 500 public meetings held and more than 14,000 comments received.

Comments on the Trans-Texas Corridor project can be submitted online at www.keeptexasmoving.com.

Bexar task force to study possible TYC closure fallout

As discussion continues on whether the Texas Youth Commission (TYC) should close, sending youth offenders into the care of local governments, at least one county is gearing up to see what the costs might be if that scenario were to play out.

Bexar County commissioners have created a task force to study what costs such action would be to county taxpayers. Some estimates show that the cost of building a county youth detention facility could be upwards of $111 million, with operations costs of $16 to $32 million per year. The task force will continue to study such costs and how the county would be affected if the TYC were abolished.

DeBakey presented Congressional Gold Medal

Internationally-known heart surgeon Dr. Michael DeBakey (pictured) was presented the Congressional Gold Medal this week in a ceremony in the U.S. Capitol rotunda.

"Dr. DeBakey has an impressive resume, but his truest legacy is not inscribed on a medal or etched into stone," said President George W. Bush in making the presentation. "It is written on the human heart. His legacy is the unlost hours with family and friends who are still with us because of his healing touch. His legacy is grandparents who lived to see their grandchildren. His legacy is holding the fragile and sacred gift of human life in his hands - and returning it unbroken."

The Congressional Gold Medal is the nation's highest civilian honor. DeBakey, 99, is Chancellor Emeritus of the Baylor College of Medicine and director of the DeBakey Heart Center at Baylor. He is known for his pioneering research and other efforts in cardiac and vascular health. He is known throughout the world for his medical devices and procedures that are now used daily to save lives. Among his numerous other awards are the Presidential Medal of Freedom, which he received in 1969, and the National Medal of Science that he was awarded in 1987.

While in Washington, DeBakey was bestowed with another honor - this time from the Department of Veteran Affairs. The famed surgeon became the latest to have a room named for him at the agency headquarters. That honor previously was only bestowed upon two distinguished veterans.

Cabela's may have to return Enterprise Funds

The Cabela's Sporting Goods Store in Buda, near Austin, must return $173,000 in local tax incentives after it missed job targets for the third consecutive year. State officials say it is likely the outdoors retail chain will have to return some money to the Texas Enterprise Fund as well.

In January, Cabela's told local officials that its sprawling Buda store and museum had 190.4 full-time positions at the end of 2007. The incentive contract between Cabela's and the local governments requires the company to maintain the equivalent of 225 full-time employees.

The company may also have to repay some of the $400,000 it received from the Texas Enterprise Fund. Cabela's has to have 400 full-time positions at its Buda and Fort Worth locations, including 160 at each store. The retailer will owe $332 per position below that benchmark, per its agreement with the Enterprise Fund.

SFA names Still, Brunson as new executives

The Stephen F. Austin State University Board of Regents has named Jill Still (left) of Nacogdoches as executive director of development. Still joined SFA's development office in 1994 and received a Master of Business Administration from SFA in 2000.

The SFA regents also named Dr. Mary Nelle Brunson (right) to associate vice president for academic affairs last week. She has been serving as interim assistant provost and assistant chair of elementary education since October.

Still graduated from Nacogdoches High School in 1987 and earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Texas A&M University. She was promoted to assistant director of development in 1996 and associate director of development in 1997.

Six new administrators approved by TAMU System

Six new administrators for institutions within the Texas A&M System were approved this week by the TAMU System Board of Regents. They include:

• Dominic Dottavio - president of Tarleton State University;
• Carlisle Rathburn, III - president of Texas A&M University-Texarkana;
• Dan Jones - president of Texas AM University-Commerce;
• Terry Pankratz - vice president for finance and chief financial officer at Texas A&M University;
• Tammy Beckham - director of the Texas Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory; and
• Brett Giroir - vice chancellor for research for the TAMU System.

Austin consultant unveils new light rail route

A consulting group hired by the City of Austin has outlined route details for a new light rail proposal for Austin, but did not lay out any specific financing options. The proposed system would run from downtown to the airport, through The University of Texas and east toward the Mueller development.

The 14-mile system would hit major destinations like the State Capitol office complex, Dell Children's Medical Center, Austin Convention Center, the Saltillo Plaza district in East Austin and the downtown business district with a possible extension to the Long Center, Butler Park and Zilker Park.

Austin City Council Member Brewster McCracken (pictured) said the system would likely be built by the city, but operated by the Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority. The consultant's proposal did not mention a specific cost for the proposed system, but did estimate that light rail could cost anywhere from $20 million to $40 million a mile. City officials hope to have the measure on the November ballot.

UT-El Paso joins energy savings program

The University of Texas at El Paso has joined the El Paso Electric Company's Texas Schools and Cities Conserving Resources Program in its latest effort to reduce energy consumption.

The SCORE program, a pilot program in communities around Texas, will give UTEP access to resources and monetary incentives to implement energy saving measures. The program will help the university identify additional energy efficiency opportunities in existing and newly planned facilities.

UTEP is already saving more than $2.5 million a year because of past and ongoing energy saving efforts. Completed projects include the installation of a thermal energy storage tank in 2000, lighting upgrades and mechanical retrofits and replacement of the high voltage cables and transformers throughout the campus.

Dallas looks at gunfire detection system program

The Dallas City Council's Public Safety Committee has asked city staff to look into implementing a gunfire detection system pilot program. Officials made the move after hearing a report that police field more than 16,000 random gunfire reports per year.

Staff advised that an automated system, featuring sensors that detect and locate gunfire by either sight or sound, costs up to $275,000 per square mile. Dallas is more than 384 square miles in size.

Committee Chair Mayor Pro Tem Elba Garcia (pictured) suggested that staff consider some sort of mobile gunfire detection system that could be used in Dallas neighborhoods with historically high rates of gunfire. Cities including Boston, Chicago, Minneapolis and Washington, D.C., have implemented gunfire detection systems or pilot programs, reporting varying degrees of success.

Dimmit County entity receives $750,000 loan

Neighborhood Housing Services of Dimmit County has been selected to receive a loan of $750,000 by the U.S. Department of Agriculture as one of 10 entities in nine states that shared $5.8 million in loans to spur economic development.

The funding is being made available through USDA Rural Development's Intermediary Relending Program and is provided to community development or regional planning groups to re-lend the money to local businesses. The loans must be used to start new businesses, expand existing ones or create or retain jobs.

USDA Rural Development's mission is to increase economic opportunity and improve the quality of life for rural residents. It has invested nearly $91 billion since 2001 for equity and technical assistance to finance and foster growth in homeownership, business development and critical community and technology infrastructure. More than 1.7 million jobs have been created or saved through these investments.

Austin facing multi-million-dollar budget shortfall

Austin's new City Manager Marc Ott (pictured) told city council members this week that the city is facing a budget shortfall of $20 million for next year. He attributed the shortfall to declining sales tax revenues, increasing oil and gas prices, increasing healthcare costs and the need for more services because of the city's growth.

City officials could consider a property tax increase, hiring freezes or curtailment of city services to help bridge the budget gap. All three of the proposals laid out this week include a one-cent per $100 valuation property tax increase.

Dallas council delays land purchase for hotel

The Dallas City Council this week delayed action on the proposed purchase of an 8.34-acre tract of land in downtown Dallas where a convention center hotel could be built. Although the hotel construction is only in the planning stages, the issue has stirred controversy among Council members.

The delay comes from questions about how a piece of land appraised at $7.5 million by the county tax assessor is worth the $42 million asking price. There was also discussion that the purchase should take place after a developer is chosen and because the option to purchase was extended.

Weaver selected as vice president for West Texas A&M

J. Patrick O'Brian, president of West Texas A&M University, recently announced that Dr. Neal Weaver (pictured) will serve as the new vice president for institutional advancement.

In his new duties, Weaver will be responsible for organizing and leading a team to advance the university's external relations efforts. He previously served as vice president for university relations at Northeastern State University in Oklahoma.

Weaver earned his bachelor's degree from Oklahoma Panhandle State University, a master's degree from Southeastern Oklahoma State University and a Ph.D. from the University of Oklahoma.

McKinney group approves $5.5 million for StarCenter

The McKinney Community Development Corporation board of directors has voted to fund up to a possible $11.5 million to construct the Dr Pepper StarCenter ice rink.

The Dr Pepper StarCenter McKinney will be built on 7.3 acres in Craig Ranch in far southwest McKinney. It will be used for youth and adult hockey and general ice skating for the public. McKinney would own the center and the Dallas Stars Hockey Club would operate it.

MCDC board member and city council member Bill Cox (pictured) made the motion to approve $5.5 million in non-supported debt service funds for the construction of the center. His motion also includes consideration for bonding up to $11.5 million to support the construction of the facility. The StarCenter, which will be roughly 86,000 square feet, will have two sheets of ice that will be 1,700 square feet each, eight locker rooms, a pro's room where professional hockey players can teach classes and a girls' locker room. The center should open in August 2009.

Austin officials say they expect medical school soon

Austin officials are optimistic that it is just a matter of time before the city gets a medical school facility. Comments about the possibility of a medical school came last week at a fundraising luncheon for the University Medical Center at Brackenridge. The hospital is the regional trauma center operated by the Travis County Healthcare District.

The University of Texas System has been laying the groundwork for a medical school in Austin for several years. Kenneth Shine (pictured), the system's interim chancellor, said the Regents are expected to decide in two to four months whether to establish a medical school.

The UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas is studying the feasibility of opening a branch campus in Austin. Some of the locations under consideration are on the UT-Austin campus within walking distance of the University Medical Center.

Cities OK funds for Arts of Collin County facility

The cities of Plano and Frisco have approved Phase 1 of the Arts of Collin County project. Both cities approved $100,000 toward final document review and modification, pricing and assembling of bidding packages for Phase 1 of the arts project.

The arts project is a collaborative effort among the cities of Frisco, Plano and Allen to build on a 124-acre arts park. Plano Mayor Pat Evans (left) and Frisco Mayor Mike Simpson (right) support the project. Simpson said that the project costs might be overestimated.

Phase 1 is expected to cost $85.2 million, $17 more than the original $60 million estimated. The project has been in the planning stages since 2002. The centerpiece of the project will be a 2,100-person-capacity hall that will include meeting space and an art gallery.

Overhaul of Dallas dispatch system to cost $14 million

Technology experts recently warned Dallas city officials that it will take more than a year and cost about $14 million to resolve problems with its new emergency dispatch system. The problems, which started as soon as the $6 million system was brought online, included firefighters sent to wrong addresses, crews directed to incidents when other crews were closer and emergency workers mistakenly told to disregard emergency calls when help was needed.

The problem is the link between the city's old system and the new system as a result of the city's decision to build its own $640,000 bridge linking the old system with the automated system rather than spending several million for the mobile software developed by the company when it purchased the nearly $6 million dispatch system.

The city soon will begin testing the mobile software in police and fire stations, said Worris Levine, the city's director of communications and services. If tests are successful, he would like to install the $5.5 million mobile software in vehicles this summer. Council members will be asked to approve $7.8 million next fiscal year to pay for the software and the $715,000 cost of making speakers in fire stations function properly. The city already had budged a little more than $6 million for the dispatch system this year. Council member Mitchell Rasansky (pictured) echoed the disappointment expressed by several other council members when he said he had lost confidence in the project.

John M. Burns to serve as new dean at Texas Tech

Officials of Texas Tech University recently announced that Interim Dean John M. Burns (pictured) is the new dean of the College of Agriculture Sciences and Natural Resources.

Burns is a former Texas Tech provost who left retirement in August to assume the position of interim dean after former Dean Marvin Cepica retired in August.

A Texas Tech faculty member since 1969, Burns served as provost from 1997-2002, when he resigned the position to return to classroom teaching and to serve as associate vice president for undergraduate research. As provost, Burns oversaw all academic programs and in his new position will work to expand research and endowments for agriculture programs.

Henderson Co. awarded funding for communications

Henderson County recently received notice it will get a share of $2 million in federal funds to improve and expand emergency communications in the region. The funding is part of a Public Safety Interoperability of Communications grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to the East Texas Council of Governments, said Jerry West, a Henderson County commissioner who represents the county on the ETCOG. The $2 million received by ETCOG will be used to build radio towers in Henderson, Cherokee, Panola and Upshur counties within two years, West said.

In partnership with ETCOG and local governments, the East Texas Medical Center will use part of he grant funds to buy the towers, the repeaters and other communications equipment. The hospital system is supplying a 20 percent match to help pay for the upgrade. The total investment within the ETCOG is expected to be $2,378,525. ETMC is converting its analog radio system to a Project-25 (P-25) system, a manufacturing standard for digital, two-way communications devices. P-25 systems are used by the U.S. Justice Department, the Treasury Department and the Department of Defense.

UTHSC-Houston, Rice University sharing $2 million grant

The U.S. Department of Defense recently announced that The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston and Rice University won a $2 million grant to help search for new methods to quickly grow bone tissue for craniofacial reconstruction for wounded soldiers. The grant is part of the Armed Forces Institute for Regenerative Medicine (AFIRM), which is comprised of two civilian research consortiums working with the U.S. Army Institute for Surgical Research at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio.

Mark Wong, D.D.S. (left) associate professor and chairman of the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at The University of Texas Dental Branch at Houston and Antonios Mikos (right), a professor of bioengineering and the director of Rice's Center for Excellence in Tissue Engineering, are joining the consortium of the Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center Institute for Regenerative Medicine and the McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine at the University of Pittsburg. Rutgers University and the Cleveland Clinic lead the other consortium.

AFIRM is focused on repairing battlefield injuries through the use of regenerative medicine - science that uses the body's natural healing processes to restore or replace damaged tissues and organs. Grant recipients will study the areas of burn repair, wound healing without scarring, and craniofacial reconstruction through regeneration or transplantation. DOD officials said they expect techniques developed through the grant also will benefit civilians who suffer from burns and other trauma.

Pflugerville seeking $34 million for city hall, rec center

To meet rapid growth, Pflugerville city officials are asking voters to approve $34 million in bonds to pay for a new, $16 million recreation center, a new $11 million city hall and $7 million library expansion. Mayor Jeff Coleman said the city is expected to grow from 16,000 residents in 2000 to 56,000 in 2010. The current city hall is located in a building constructed in 1970, he said, and does not comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act as the second floor is accessible only by stairway. The current facility also is too small to house city employees in one location, he said. The new city hall will be located on a 20-acre site about one mile east of downtown.

If approved by voters on May 10, the bonds will pay for a new 68,000-square-foot recreation center with a nine-lap pool and indoor gymnasium and the library would become 77 percent larger.

McKinney requests federal help for public safety system

McKinney Mayor Bill Whitfield (pictured) recently requested help from U.S. Rep Sam Johnson in securing $300,000 in federal funding to upgrade its public safety radio system and received an encouraging response. Rep. Johnson said he has listed the request as one of 13 financial priorities he will seek from the House Appropriations Committee in the 2009 spending bill.

The upgrades are necessary, Whitfield said, because the city has certain "dead spots" which could compromise the safety of emergency responders and citizens. To correct this problem, the mayor said the city plans to replace its current analog system with digital technology that assures interoperability, provides coverage to all areas of the city and accommodates future growth.

Assistant Police Chief Rex Redden said the "dead spots" are located in the southwestern portions of the city, which was farmland when the current radio system was obtained and could jeopardize the safety of police, firefighter, public utility workers and citizens. Finding funding to pay for the upgrade is critical, he added.

Belton ISD panels looks at future district priorities

The Long-Range Facilities Planning Committee of the Belton Independent School District is compiling its recommendations for a report later this year. However, school officials say top priorities include the capacity of the high school, land acquisition, a new middle school, a new elementary school and athletic complexes.

With a board of seven and about 70 members, the committee has had two meetings per month since Feb. 25 to discuss the district's needs, and how to meet those needs.

At the last meeting, members broke into workshop groups of about eight to a table. Led by Eric Haugeberg (pictured), assistant superintendent for Support Services, each group grappled with prioritizing a list of 35 needs. Haugeberg said the process would show how many opinions converge from the groups. The committee includes many civic and business leaders.

Denison votes to continue plans for new library

The Denison City Council recently moved one step closer to calling a bond election when council members voted to continue with plans for a new library. A survey by library staff showed that Denison residents favored the new library to be located on Main Street. Council has not yet approved or set a date for a bond election to pay for the new library.

United ISD approves $250 million bond election

Trustees for the United Independent School District recently approved a plan for a $250 million bond proposal for new school construction. The election will be in November of this year or May 2009.

Enrique Rangel (pictured), the assistant superintendent for facilities construction and student services, said the bond package is needed to address growth and new students for the next four to five years.

The bond proposal recommended by the Blue Ribbon Committee calls for $210 million to be used to build a new high school, two new middle schools and six new elementary schools. The remaining $40 million of the bond proposal would pay for renovations and additions to existing campuses. A Blue Ribbon Committee comprised of about 100 taxpayers, parents, teachers and students recommended that trustees call the bond election and meet with financial consultants and a public relations firm to help sell the bonds.

Montgomery County moving on $60 million in projects

Montgomery County Commissioners recently moved forward with plans to sell $47.2 million in bonds from a 2005 $160-million bond proposal and to issue $23.5 million in certificates of obligation to fund road improvements, several new buildings and renovations to several county facilities.

The $47.2 million in bonds will fund road projects throughout the county, including a "pass-through toll" program in which the county pays for the cost of improvements to five major thoroughfares and then is reimbursed by the state based on the number of vehicles that use those roads. The roads include the expansion of FM 1488, FM 1485 and FM 1314, the realignment of FM 1484, and direct connectors between Texas 242 and Interstate 45.

The $23.5 million in certificates will pay for a new $18.8 million, four-story administrative building and 700 space parking garage with a sky bridge connecting the county court building and administrative offices. Other projects are a new $2.9 million Justice of the Peace/Constable Precinct 2 building in Magnolia, $1.9 million new jail annex equipment, $430,000 for renovations to the county jail, fire sprinklers in the East County annex and upgrades to the computer lab at the Central library.

Ross selected as finalist to lead Jefferson ISD

Trustees for the Jefferson Independent School District recently selected Sharon Ross as the lone finalist to replace Superintendent Richard Cook, who is retiring in May. Ross has served as assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction at Crockett ISD for two years. She received her master's and bachelor's degrees from The University of Texas at Tyler and a Ph.D. from Stephen F. Austin State University.

Temple ISD exploring fingerprint location system

Officials of the Temple Independent School District are considering a student location system it is currently testing to help locate students when on district school buses. If a school bus accident happens now, school officials have no method to know which students were on which bus, said Walt Prothro (pictured), the district's transportation director.

The system, which uses a child's fingerprint as a bus pass, was installed on one of the district's buses this week and will be tested for 30 days. The location system can tell school officials who is on the bus, when and where the student boarded the bus and when and where the student got off of the bus, Prothro said. PIN numbers will be available to parents who can check to learn if their child is still on the bus. The system costs about $120,000 and has an annual maintenance fee of $1,000, he said.

Bay City ISD selects Brown as lone finalist

Trustees for the Bay City Independent School District recently selected Thrall Superintendent Keith Brown as the lone finalist for the superintendent's position at BCISD. Brown, who joined Thrall as superintendent in 2004, began his career in education as a high school coach in Kansas City. He joined Rivercrest ISD in 1992, holding positions as a teacher, coach, athletic director and principal. Trustees for Thrall ISD have hired a consulting firm to begin the search for a new superintendent to replace Brown.

Amarillo airport receives $2.3 million federal grant

The Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport recently received notice it will receive a $2.3 million grant through the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Aviation Administration. The grant will be used to address maintenance and safety improvements as well as infrastructure for the airport, officials said.

Think the state's education problems don't affect you...think again!

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

Business and industry executives are quick to respond when asked why one community is selected over another when a relocation or expansion occurs. The same is true when companies decide to leave one state to move elsewhere. The number one consideration companies seek always involves education - good public schools for their employees' children to attend and a well-educated and skilled local workforce. If successful schools and an educated workforce are this important to industry, Texans should take a moment to consider our situation.

Although Texas ranks high relative to its overall business climate, Forbes magazine reported recently that ONLY 77 percent of all high school students in Texas ever graduate. According to the article, Texas currently holds the lowest graduation rate in the country and only one-fourth of the state's population has a college degree.

Education problems are not unique to Texas. All states are facing challenges in ensuring a quality education for public school students.

In California, the state's public schools are facing cuts that could total as much as $4.8 billion. Reports are that hundreds of high school students in California are washing cars and holding other fundraisers to benefit the foundations that provide their schools with private funding.

Wallis chosen as lone finalist for Palestine superintendent

Trustees for the Palestine Independent School District recently named Dr. Thomas A. Wallis (pictured) as the lone finalist for superintendent. He will replace current Superintendent Jerry Mayo, who is retiring at the end of June.

Currently a principal at Mabank High School, Wallis also served as an assistant principal at Rockwall High School, Mesquite High School and two middle schools in Mesquite. He has a bachelor's degree from Angelo State University, a master's from Texas A&M-Commerce and a Ph.D. from Stephen F. Austin State University. Wallis is expected to assume his new position on June 2.

It's coming!!!!

Mark your calendar for the 6th Biennial Legislative Communications Conference, set for Tuesday, Oct. 7. The event, held in advance of the 81st Legislative Session that convenes in January 2009, is hosted by Strategic Partnerships, Inc., and The University of Texas at Austin Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs. The day-long seminar includes guest speakers, panelists and valuable information for those preparing for the 2009 Legislative Session. Watch TGI next week for more details!

Survey reveals urgent
need for park in Joshua

After receiving results of a recent survey in which 85 percent of the respondents agreed that parks are an urgent need, the Joshua City Council will consider a master park plan in May.

The survey indicated that citizens want a neighborhood park with a picnic area or pavilion and a playground. City Manager Paulette Hartman say the park plan adopted in 2002 will be revised to reflect the recent survey when it is presented to council members on May 15. The survey also indicated that citizens would rather have high-quality facilities than a large number of parks.

Orange County to enhance "chemical row" security

Orange County Commissioners recently approved a plan to place surveillance equipment along FM 1006 to provide more protection to the row of industrial plants that line the highway.

Capt. Don Harmon said the sheriff's office recently received notice it is being awarded a $182,852 grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to enhance security along "chemical row." The county will not be required to match any funds, he said. The grant funds to pay for the surveillance equipment and installation will be released to the county once DHS officials receive the required documents signed by the county judge, he said.

Dennis Woodard resigns
as Hewitt city manager

Hewitt City Manager Dennis Woodard (pictured) recently submitted his resignation from the position he held for 21 years.

City officials also announced that Charles Daniels is serving as the city's interim manager until a new city manager is selected. Daniels, who is employed by a consulting firm, will work as needed and will be paid an hourly fee. In addition to searching for a new city manager, city officials also are looking for an assistant city manager to replace Barry Sullivan, who resigned last year to accept the city manager position in Gainesville.

Temple trying out
surveillance cameras

City officials in Temple are exploring the capabilities of a new wireless system that connects all city facilities and is able to conduct video surveillance.

The city already has set up security cameras at the regional airport in Temple and plans to place cameras in one of the city's main, downtown parking lots by this summer, said Alan Deleora, the information technology director for Temple. Next year, the city plans on placing cameras in several of the city's water facilities on the recommendation of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Deleora said.

Texas Tech receives $2.7 million grant from NSF

The National Science Foundation has awarded Texas Tech University $2.7 million to help schoolchildren understand the connection between math and science. The GK-12 grant, one of 26 awarded nationally, will pay for the Building Bridges: Integrating Math, Science and Engineering Education on the South Plains program.

Dominick Casadonte (pictured), chair of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and lead investigator, said the program would help answer the question "What do I need this for?"

Texas Tech's program will join about 150 across the country, Casadonte said. However, unlike other programs, Texas Tech's program includes a multidisciplinary approach to teaching math, science and engineering.

Katy ISD recruits new
chief operations officer

Katy Independent School District officials are currently reviewing applications and interviewing candidates to replace district Chief Operations Officer John Bailey, who plans to retire June 30. Bailey was hired as deputy superintendent for administrative services in 2005. He previously served as superintendent of Fort Worth-area Glen Rose Independent School District for three years.

School district spokesman Steve Stanford said the district is not using an outside search firm to hire for the position. The closing date for the job was April 7. He said the district would like to have someone on board by July 1.

Governor's appointments

Governor Rick Perry has made the following appointments:

• Thomas A. Leeper of Huntsville, presiding officer, Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation Board of Directors
• Raymond Carter Sanders of Austin, Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation Board of Directors
• Ben Gorzell Jr. of San Antonio, Texas Municipal Retirement System Board of Trustees
• Carolyn Liner of San Marcos, Texas Municipal Retirement System Board of Trustees
• Lisa Birkman of Round Rock, Texas Agricultural Finance Authority Board of Directors
• Stanley Ray of Georgetown, Texas Agricultural Finance Authority Board of Directors
• Thomas E. Oliver of Baytown, Aging and Disability Services Council
• David E. Young of Grand Prairie, Aging and Disability Services Council
• J. Russell Shannon of Andrews, Aging and Disability Services Council
• Gary Fickes of Southlake, Advisory Board of Economic Development Stakeholders
• Tracye McDaniel of Houston, Advisory Board of Economic Development Stakeholders
• Alejandro (Alex) Meade III of Brownsville, Advisory Board of Economic Development Stakeholders

UTPA receives $1.2 million grant for mobile teaching

The University of Texas-Pan American has received a $1.2 million grant from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute to continue to bring real-world lab experiences to rural South Texas middle-school students.

UTPA will use part of its four-year grant to support its regional biotech mobile teaching laboratory - a 40-foot converted bus - that has served 9,275 middle school students, 196 teachers and 87 schools since it was initiated in 2006. The award is one of 48 HHMI grants totaling $60 million awarded to undergraduate and masters colleges nationwide.

The lab, funded by a 2004 HHMI grant, is equipped with the latest in biotechnology lab equipment and inquiry-based learning modules augmented by a biomedical science curriculum that increases the learner's understanding of scientific research, health sciences and science in general.

McKinney officials approve plans for higher ed center

The McKinney Planning and Zoning Commission recently approved site plans for the new Collin College Higher Education Center and Administration building. The Education Center, to be located on Spur 339, will be the college district's second campus. Plans call for a 125,000-square-foot, four-story building to be constructed on a campus adjacent to the McKinney convention center. McKinney city council members are expected to vote on the site plan at their meeting on May 20.

Highland Village considering cell phone ban near schools

The Highland Village City Council is considering a ban on cell phone use in school zones. The ban would prohibit drivers from using hand-held cell phones beginning Aug. 25, when the fall school semester begins.

Council members are expected to vote next week on the proposed ban and to authorize spending $2,100 for signs to warn motorists about the new ordinance. If council members give final approval to the ordinance, Highland Village will join Dallas, Flower Mound and West University Place in regulating the use of cell phones in school zones.

Superintendent of Zavalla
ISD offers resignation

Superintendent Kathy Ray (pictured) recently resigned as superintendent of the Zavalla Independent School District.

Trustees are scheduled to discuss the search for a new superintendent at their next meeting.

Henderson postpones contract for architects

Henderson City Council members recently voted to table a contract for construction on the city's new civic center until concerns over the contract are settled. Mayor J.W. "Buzz" Fullen supported the delay, explaining that the contract would have allowed the construction company to add additional costs to the project if there was bad weather or the price of materials went up.

Henderson received more than $1 million from a Federal Emergency Management Agency grant, $1.5 million in private donations and another $300,000 from a grant from the Texas Office of Rural Community Affairs to help fund the civic center. The mayor said he expects council members to consider a newly written contract at the April 29 council meeting.

Plans call for construction to begin this May on the $4 million, 21,000-square-foot building that would be used as a civic center and as a shelter that can house as many as 1,500 people during emergencies such as hurricanes or disasters.

Bonicelli chosen as provost for Houston Baptist College

Paul Bonicelli (pictured), an executive with the U.S. Agency for International Development, was recently appointed as the new provost of Houston Baptist College.

Bonicelli previously served as academic dean at Patrick Henry College before he joined the Agency for International Development to oversee programs in Latin America and the Caribbean.

SFA nursing program expands to Cherokee Co.

Stephen F. Austin State University's School of Nursing is planning to expand its nursing program to classes in neighboring Cherokee County. The School of Nursing is planning to offer the last two years of its program leading to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree and the Registered Nurse certification at Rusk State Hospital.

The new center could initially teach up to 24 nursing students beginning in the spring 2009 semester. SFA's Board of Regents, along with an initial outlay of $100,000 for equipment and an instructor's salary, has approved the expansion. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools must also approve the expansion.

Randall County approves $3 million courthouse project

Randall County commissioners recently approved a $3 million renovation of its historic courthouse. Commissioners now will seek bids to replace windows, brick work, a new roof and a new clock tower. Commissioners are using a grant from the Texas Historical Commission and private donations to pay for the project that supporters said would enhance tourism and provide jobs for the community.

Recent Reports

• 'Eye on Government'
• TCEQ's Take Care of Texas/News You Can Use
• 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

• TSABAA 39th Annual Summer Conference
• 8th Annual DIR Information Security Forum
• UT, UT System 15th Annual HUB Vendor Fair
• TCEQ's 2008 Environmental Trade Fair and Conference
• Texas Citizen Corps Conference
• DFW NIGP Lone Star Regional Purchasing Conference
• Texas State University Small Business Development Center training schedule
• TWC Texas Business Conferences
• LBJ School Professional Development Calendar
• Upcoming Executive Women in Texas Government events

East Texas Regional Airport receives $741,600 grant

The East Texas Regional Airport recently received a $741,600 grant to build a new general aviation ramp on the south side of the landing field. The grant was awarded through the Federal Aviation Administration and the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Gregg County Judge Bill Stoudt (pictured) said the grant is part of a larger airport improvement project that will total $1.2 million. The money primarily will come from the federal government, but the county is providing a match of $60,000, or 5 percent, of the total cost of the project. The new ramp is needed to accommodate a fixed-based operator building and a new, larger facility at the airport, he said.

Corinth city manager seeking contract buyout

Corinth City Manager Clovia English (pictured) has made an offer to the City Council to buy out the rest of her contract after only 18 months on the job. The City Council took no action after discussing the legal ramifications of her offer in executive session recently. Mayor Vic Burgess said the Council would take matter up again at a later date.

A Dallas native, English came to Corinth after a seven-year tenure as the city manager of Lockhart, a Central Texas town of 14,000 with a $26 million budget. She indicated at the time that she wanted to be closer to family, including her ailing father. English was hired in September 2006 with a starting salary of $120,000.

Arlington considering
$15.5 million park bond

After reviewing needs for park improvements, Arlington city officials are considering placing a $15.5 million bond proposal before voters to pay for upgrading parks. Pete Jamieson, parks and recreation director, said the city has a backlog of approximately $35 million in renovations and reconstruction, but outlined renovations to existing parks totaling about $8.2 million.

Included in the proposal is $1.5 million to rebuild irrigation systems and improve the turf at Ditto Golf Course, $1.5 million to add trails, two baseball diamonds and landscaping to Vandergriff Park, $1.4 million to add two baseball diamonds to Martin Luther King Sports Center and $1 million for renovation at Harold Patterson Sports Center, including rebuilding 20 soccer fields and six multi-purpose fields.

San Marcos picks Rick Menchaca as city manager

Former Midland City Manager Rick Menchaca has been named city manager for the City of San Marcos. Menchaca is president of RKMenchaca, a management and consulting firm. Menchaca began his career in municipal government in 1988 in Lubbock as a budget analyst. He held deputy and assistant city manager titles in Midland before becoming city manager there. He will begin working in San Marcos on May 1.

Menchaca has served on the Board of Trustees of the Texas Municipal Retirement System and is a former president of the West Texas City Managers Association and past president of the Urban Management Assistants in West Texas. He holds a bachelor's degree from Angelo State University and a master's from Texas Tech University.

Nacogdoches resident named chair of SFA Regents

Stephen F. Austin State University Nacogdoches Board of Regents has appointed Nacogdoches business owner Joe Max Green (pictured) as board chair. Green is chair and CEO of an insurance business in Nacogdoches. Green was previously secretary of the board and fills the position vacated by two-term Chair Valerie Ertz of Dallas. He received his bachelor's degree from SFA in 1960, is regional vice president of the Texas Association of Insurance Agents and a member of the National Council of Insurance Agents.

Other appointments include James Thompson of Sugar Land, who was re-appointed vice chair of the Board of Regents, and Melvin White of Pflugerville, who was elected secretary of the board. The Governor of Texas appoints all SFA regents. Green's term on the board expires in 2009, and the terms of Thompson and White expire in 2011.

Jobs at SPI

SPI seeking additional consultants in DFW areas

SPI is seeking individuals with well-established credentials, expertise and strong connections and relationships in Dallas-Fort Worth city and county governments and/or DFW K-12 public schools who are interested in assisting its consulting teams.

To apply for this part-time consulting position, please send a brief cover letter and a copy of your resume to J. Lyn Carl at jcarl@spartnerships.com and put "Application for Dallas-Fort Worth area consultant" in the subject line, or for more information, send an e-mail to the same address.

SPI seeking to employ
experienced researchers

SPI is seeking experienced researchers for short-term engagements involving research in Texas and other states. The candidate should have experience in state or federal government and have an understanding of procurement processes and concepts. Tasks will vary depending on clients' needs. Applicants may send a cover letter and resume to jobs@spartnerships.com.

Raymondville considers school security upgrades

Following complaints by parents that its current security cameras failed to record a recent fight, Raymondville Independent School district officials are studying whether to upgrade the district's current security cameras.

District officials acknowledged the failure, saying the existing cameras were on the opposite end of the hallway from the fight and the camera angle did not capture the incident. However, a video taken with a cell phone camera by a student was posted on the Internet and received national attention. The district's $70,000 security system now has 16 cameras at each of the district's four campuses, four cameras at its alternative education center and four more cameras at the business office with three officers monitoring 76 screens.

Superintendent Johnny Pineda (pictured) said district officials had already discussed buying as many as 32 IP surveillance cameras at a cost of about $1,000 to $1,500 each to upgrade security before the incident occurred. The new cameras will be compatible with the district's current security system, Pineda said.

TGI ad space available

If you're not advertising in TGI, you're missing out on an opportunity for some very targeted messaging. TGI reaches more than 31,000 readers each week. Interested in details, call Patti Maugham at 531-3900.

Please note!

The Texas Legislative Budget Board (LBB) reports that the LBB document that Texas Government Insider quoted from recently regarding contracts and contract amounts contained errors. The LBB has since corrected the document and reposted it. To view the corrected version, click here and then click on "Contracts Reported by Texas State Agencies and Institutions of Higher Education - Fiscal Year 2007 (April, 2008)."

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

TSABAA planning annual summer conference

The State Agency Business Administrators' Association (TSABAA) will hold its 39th Annual Summer Conference June 30-July 2 at the Sheraton Arlington Hotel. TSABAA provides an arena for issues affecting the business operations of Texas state government. This year's event features a State Board of Public Accountancy-approved ethics class from 8-11:30 a.m. on opening day. Certifications will be issued. The group also will host the 1st Annual TSABAA Golf Tournament on Sunday, June 29, at the Tierra Verde Golf Course in Arlington. The tourney will be a four-person scramble and shotgun start. Among the topics of discussion for the event are: The Expectation of Accountability for Business Administrators, Legislative Perspective featuring Ross Ramsey and Harvey Kronberg, Finance Transformation, Open Government, Performance Benchmarking, Appropriation Control, What's New with the Texas ERP Project, How to Reengineer (Improve) Processes and a legislative review. Twelve hours of continuing education credit can be earned at this event. For more information, to view the tentative agenda and to register, click here.

8th Annual DIR Information Security Forum June 2

The 8th Annual DIR Information Security Forum will be Tuesday, June 3, from 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at The Commons Center, Big Tex/Large Auditorium, 10100 Burnet Road in Austin. The 2008 focus will be on Protecting Data in a Mobile Environment. Among the topics are "Encryption for Business," "Security in a Virtualized Mobile Environment," "DIR Security Update," "Managing a Security Breach" and more. The event is free, but pre-registration is required. For more information, click here. To register, click here.

DIR announces Accessibility Forum on April 29

The Texas Department of Information Resources (DIR) will host its Accessibility Forum from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 29, at The Commons Center, Big Tex/Large Auditorium, 10110 Burnet Road in Austin. The free conference addresses the accessibility of commonly used business materials such as word processing documents, spreadsheets and presentations. The program will also feature an overview of accessibility, a panel discussion on assistive technologies, best practices and effective strategies regarding certain types of documents and more. For more information, click here. To register, click here.

UT, UT System host 15th Annual HUB Vendor Fair

The University of Texas at Austin and The University of Texas System will host the 15th Annual Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) Vendor Fair on Wednesday, May 7, at the Frank Erwin Special Events Center. HUBs and small businesses can display their products and distribute information about their services to university procurement personnel and procurement professionals from other state agencies and private institutions. The event is free and open to the public. Door prizes will be awarded throughout the day. Business owners who want to participate in the event, click here. For more information, contact Annette Smith at 512-471-2850 or asmith@austin.utexas.edu or Tiffany Dockery at 512-471-2863 or tiffany.dockery@austin.utexas.edu.

TCEQ planning 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.

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 set 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.

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.