UIL reports random steroid testing under way

Up to 50,000 public school athletes statewide will be chosen

University Interscholastic League (UIL) officials in Austin say the first phase of random steroid testing of high school athletes around the state is under way. Drug testing teams from a consulting firm hired by UIL began arriving on high school campuses around the state in February.

Senate Bill 8, passed by the Texas Legislature in 2007, tasked the UIL with implementing a statewide steroid testing program that would randomly select between 40,000 to 50,000 athletes - male and female in grades 9-12 and throughout all sports covering roughly 30 percent of all UIL member high schools - for testing of anabolic steroids.

The number of Texas public schools that have implemented testing for steroids has nearly doubled since 2002. A recent Texas A&M University study shows that steroid use among Texas students in grades 7-12 decreased from 2 percent in 2004 to 1.5 percent in 2006, possibly because some students fear testing positive for steroid use and thus possibly being excluded from extracurricular sports.

Restructuring of TYC on legislative drawing board

Whitmire pushing for local-government run treatment facilities

Sen. John Whitmire (top left) has the Texas Youth Commission (TYC) in his crosshairs. The Houston senator, who co-chairs with Rep. Jerry Madden (top right) of Richardson the Joint Select Committee on the Texas Youth Commission, this week said a plan is being discussed to restructure the troubled TYC, which has come under fire since last year after allegations of abuse were reported in some of its facilities.

Among the possibilities being discussed are replacing some facilities with smaller facilities closer to the homes of the young people incarcerated in TYC; making TYC a youth division of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ); and possibly housing some of the youth offenders in local treatment- or rehabilitation-based programs. Madden said before there is action regarding closing the facility, there should be viable alternatives, but he does admit the agency is facing a possible restructuring.

Whitmire said he has charged TYC Conservator Richard Nedelkoff (bottom left) with devising a plan for alternatives for how the agency is operated. Whitmire is advocating for the TYC the same thing he advocated for at TDCJ - more community-based programs that would mean fewer incarcerations and less need to build more prisons.

The Houston senator pointed out that the agency has 440 guard vacancies, but because the facilities are scattered throughout sometimes remote areas of the state, recruiting is difficult. Even so, the agency has more than 4,000 employees to deal with only 2,800 youth offenders who are incarcerated. He favors putting the youth in local government-run urban settings and letting the money follow the inmates - cutting out two layers of bureaucracy.

Strategic Partnerships salutes Texas' Lone Stars

This week's salute is to Terry Murphy, commissioner, Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services

Career highlights and education: I began my career as a state employee as a night janitor at the old Department of Public Welfare in 1966 while attending The University of Texas. Upon graduating from UT with a Bachelor's in Business Administration, I was drafted directly into the U.S. Army in October 1968. When I returned from Vietnam and was discharged, I went to work for the Texas Department of Health as a hospital inspector traveling all over the state. Then my significant career move occurred when I was hired by the State Commission for the Blind in 1972 as a placement specialist contacting employers concerning Texans who happened to be blind becoming their employees. I enjoyed 31 years of progressively responsible career advancement with the old Texas Commission for the Blind and had been the executive director for six years when in December 2003, I was selected by Executive Commissioner Albert Hawkins as the first commissioner for the newly created Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services (DARS). I will soon complete 39 years of service to the State of Texas. DARS was formed from the consolidation of the former Texas Rehabilitation Commission, Early Childhood Intervention Services, Texas Commission for the Blind and the Texas Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. It is a large agency with 3,200 FTEs, a $1.2 billion biennial budget and about 150 offices statewide. DARS' mission is: "To work in partnership with Texans with disabilities and families with children who have developmental delays to improve the quality of their lives and enable their full participation in society." In other words, we assist disabled Texans to develop their potential to live independently, work and pay taxes like most other Texans.

What I like best about my job is: The basic concept of a time-limited partnership with disabled Texans, who society does not always consider, so they can assume their independent place in society with confidence, dignity and pride in their contributions. Our motto is: "Partnerships for Independence."

The best advice I've received for my current job is: "The main thing is to make the main thing the main thing." So we are busily doing just that at DARS!

Advice I would give a new hire in my office: It is all about great customer service at all levels. With the consumers, advocates, vendors, staff, etc.! Our new brand is E3: Excellent service, Every customer, Every time!

If I ever snuck out of work early, I could probably be found: riding my big ol' motorcycle out in the country where I live.

People would be surprised to know that I: have two adult children who are both protectors of the public. My son is a fireman/paramedic and my daughter is a police officer.

Book, Magazine or newspaper article I've read recently that really influenced my thinking: Forgiveness......the Ultimate Miracle! by Paul J. Mayer. The most comprehensive treatment of the subject of forgiveness written in layman's terms. It will challenge anyone's thinking on the topic and expand their horizons.

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.

Texas entities prepare for annual hurricane conference

Statewide officials want to be ready in case of catastrophic event

Government, voluntary and private sector entities who play major roles in preparing for and responding to catastrophic hurricanes are getting ready for the 2008 Texas Hurricane Conference. This year's event will be Tuesday through Thursday, May 20-22 at the Galveston Island Convention Center.

Jack Colley (pictured), chief of the Governor's Division of Emergency Management (GDEM), said this year's conference will emphasize "the concept of partnership" among volunteer agencies, the private sector and local, state and federal officials.

"It is this great 'Team of Teams' that provides the foundation of trust and the sense of security that our citizens depend on," during threats such as a catastrophic hurricane, said Colley.

The 2008 Hurricane Season begins June 1. It was only three seasons ago that the state attempted a massive evacuation of coastal areas ahead of Hurricane Rita that hit just along the eastern Texas-Louisiana border.

TCEQ's Shankle announces plans for retirement

Glenn Shankle (pictured), executive director of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) is planning to retire, according to an announcement made earlier this week by TCEQ Chair Buddy Garcia at a TCEQ board meeting.

Shankle has served as executive director of the agency since August 2004, and worked six years previously as the agency's deputy executive director. He also previously served as deputy director for the Office of Administrative Services.

Shankle has more than 27 years of service in Texas state government, including serving as deputy comptroller and director of enforcement at the State Comptroller's Office and as director of the Texas Senate Personnel Office.

Legislators seek solution for too few halfway houses

Looking for a solution to a critical shortage of halfway houses, Texas legislative leaders are proposing that they be built on prison land in urban areas. Much of the shortage is prompted by protests from neighborhoods who do not want facilities in their area.

Legislators say such a move might quiet protests and provide hundreds of additional, much-needed beds. Texas currently has just seven halfway houses statewide, fewer than in several smaller states.

At a legislative hearing this week, Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) Executive Director Brad Livingston (pictured) said that of the 300 halfway houses funded, 200 are in place and contracts are pending on the other 100. Committee members expressed shock that 200 of the 300 beds in new halfway houses will be in El Paso because there were no alternative sites. The state now has halfway houses in Beaumont, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, El Paso and Austin. Those halfway houses hold 1,400 parole-bound felons. San Antonio is the largest Texas city without one.

Comptroller nominates members for tax committee

State Comptroller Susan Combs (pictured), who chairs the Business Tax Advisory Committee, this week nominated 16 individuals to serve on the committee. The group will study the relative share of business tax paid by industries and businesses of various sizes; how the incidence of the tax compares with the economic makeup of the business community; how the tax structure and amounts paid compare to business taxes in other states; and the effect of the tax on the economic climate of the state, including the effect on capital investment and job creation. The group will put together a report for the Texas Legislature by next January. Combs said the nominees represent a "broad cross section of the business community."

Her nominees include business tax experts Donna Rutter, CPA, and Dale Craymer of the Texas Taxpayers and Research Association. Taxpayer nominees, along with their industry, include: David Gilliland and Mike Luther, services; Dan Hagan, transportation; Lynn Chilton, finance; Judy Lindquist, retail; Judy Kilgore, construction; A.J. Brune III, oil and gas; Gary Trudgeon and Emily Parrino, manufacturing; David White, communications; Sharon Aston, utilities; Joe Mack Hilliard, services; Eric Donaldson, services (trucking); and Andy Ellard, manufacturing.

Representing the legislature on the committee are Sens. Steve Ogden of Bryan and Kirk Watson of Austin, and Reps. Warren Chisum of Pampa and Myra Crownover of Denton.

TxDOT, DPS agree to limit crash information to public

In an effort to curb phone solicitations to motor vehicle crash victims by telemarketers seeking business for individuals such as medical personnel, motor vehicle body shops and attorneys, the Texas Department of Transportation and the Texas Department of Public Safety have agreed not to make available to the public telephone numbers of those involved in accidents.

Telemarketers now will have to use their own devices, such as phone books or Internet searches, to try to obtain telephone numbers. State officials estimate this action, which goes into effect Monday, will trim the number of telemarketing calls made to accident victims by one-half.

Four TPWD employees honored for turtle conservation

Organizations working to save the Kemp's Ridley sea turtle recognized four Texas Parks and Wildlife Department employees last week for playing key roles in helping to recover the turtle, which nests only in Texas and Mexico.

"The Kemp's Ridley is still the most critically endangered sea turtle in the world, but we're moving in the right direction," said Patrick Burchfield, Ph.D., director of the Gladys Porter Zoo in Brownsville, and a lead coordinator for the bi-national turtle recovery effort involving Texas and Mexico.

Several awards were presented from commercial shrimping organizations, including: Larry McKinney, Ph.D. (top left), TPWD Coastal Fisheries Division director, recognized by Ocean Trust; Scott Boruff (top right), TPWD deputy executive director for operations, recognized by Wild American Shrimp; Mike Ray (bottom right), TPWD Coastal Fisheries Division deputy director, recognized by Texas Shrimp Association; and Gene McCarty (bottom left), TPWD deputy executive director for administration, recognized by the Gladys Porter Zoo.

Emerging Tech Fund invests in Texas Tech program

The Texas Emerging Technology Fund has made a $2 million pledge to Texas Tech University to recruit renowned experts in nanophotonics technology and establish a world-class center in applied nanophotonics at the College of Engineering's Nano Tech Center.

The university has leveraged the state's TETF investment to attract a $5.35 million donation from AT&T and $2 million from Texas Tech for a total of $9 million toward recruiting a top-tier team of experts in nanophotonics technology that will boost existing research strengths at the university's Nano Tech Center.

Nanophotonics involves the creation and manipulation of advanced materials at the nanoscale that can produce and sense light. The research has significant implications in the fields of defense, telecommunications, homeland security and the future of commercial and residential lighting.

"Texas Tech already conducts groundbreaking research in nanoscale opto-electronic materials," said Pamela Eibeck (pictured), dean of Texas Tech's College of Engineering. "Yet bringing these new professors to Texas Tech, along with their research teams, and dramatically growing our university capabilities through the combined efforts of the TETF, AT&T and the university, will firmly place us at the head of the pack in this promising field."

Texas Workforce Commission awards funds for camps

The Texas Workforce Commission has awarded $1 million to fund summer youth camps focusing on science, technology, engineering and math. These Summer Merit Program camps are designed to prepare Texas' future workforce to compete for the high-skill, high-demand jobs of the future.

The Governor's Summer Merit Program will include up to 50 existing or new summer camps providing opportunities for more than 1,000 students at Texas universities and community colleges during the summer of 2008, including: San Jacinto College, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, Texas State Technical College, Texas Tech University, University of Houston, University of Houston-Clear Lake, University of North Texas, University of Texas-Arlington, University of Texas-Austin, University of Texas-Dallas, University of Texas-El Paso, University of Texas Medical Branch and University of Texas-San Antonio.

Summer camp program curriculums are designed for students ages 14 and older and include computer science, earth science, engineering, robotics, math, natural science workshops, scientific research and more.

Klussman to chair Office of Rural Community Affairs

Wallace Klussman (pictured), a Fredericksburg rancher and retired professor, has been named as chair of the Office of Rural Community Affairs for a term to expire Feb. 1. 2013. Gov. Rick Perry also appointed several other members to the office that supports community development, educational and leadership opportunities and healthcare for rural areas of the state. They are:

• David Alders of Nacogdoches, president of Carrizo Creek Corp. and manager of Alders' Enterprises of Nacogdoches;
• Woodrow Anderson of Colorado City, owner of Anderson Farms and past chairman of the National Cotton Council;
• Mackie Bobo of Bedias, an education consultant and mayor of the City of Bedias;
• Charles Butts of Lamesa, CEO of Medical Arts Hospital;
• Remelle Farrar of Crowell, director of the Knox County Visioning Team;
• Joaquin L. Rodriguez of Eagle Pass, an attorney and chairman of the Eagle Pass Housing Authority;
• Lydia Saenz of Carrizo Springs, a real estate agent and business owner;
• Patrick Wallace of Athens, an administrator at East Texas Medical Center of Athens.

UT System names Kenneth Shine interim chancellor

Dr. Kenneth I. Shine (pictured), executive vice president for health affairs at The University of Texas System, has been named as the interim chancellor to succeed Chancellor Mark G. Yudof, who was named president of the University of California system last week.

Shine, who joined the university in 2003, currently oversees operations at the UT System's six health institutions. Collectively, the health institutions confer roughly three-fourths of all health-related degrees in Texas each year and deliver about $1.5 billion in health care to the state's uninsured and underinsured patients.

Shine, who has served as president of the American Heart Association and as dean and provost at the UCLA School of Medicine, earned a bachelor's degree from Harvard University and his medical degree from Harvard Medical School.

Walker resigns from Austin's Capital Metro

Lee Walker (pictured), who served as chairman of Capital Metro for 10 years, has resigned just months before the transit agency's first passenger trains run down the tracks. Walker is a leading proponent of the new $100 million, 32-mile commuter rail system running between downtown Austin and Leander expected to begin service by December 2008.

Walker, who now teaches at The University of Texas following a career first as a successful entrepreneur in New York and then as chief executive officer of the company that eventually became Dell, Inc., said he resigned from the volunteer position to spend more time with his family and teaching.

Since Walker became chairman of the agency with a $171.8 million budget and 1,230 employees, he is credited with reorganizing Cap Metro into a more accountable agency, weathering a defeat in 2000 of its first rail commuter initiative and passage of its second initiative for commuter rail service. The Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization has not appointed a successor to Walker.

Regents choose Jones as A&M-Commerce president

The Texas A&M System Board of Regents has hired longtime academic administrator Dr. Dan Jones (pictured) as the sole finalist to lead Texas A&M University-Commerce. Jones currently works at Texas A&M International University in Laredo, where he serves as provost and vice president for academic affairs, chief student affairs officer and English professor.

He is set to replace outgoing Keith McFarland, who will retire as president and CEO on July 31 after more than a decade in his post and 38 years with the university.

Jones previously worked for 18 years at the University of Houston-Downtown, as well as three years at Casper College in Wyoming.

TPWD Commission changes hunting, fishing regulations

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission has voted to change hunting and fishing regulations designed to create additional recreational opportunities while effectively managing the state's natural resources.

The Commission charged its newly appointed Game Bird Advisory Committee to discuss potential changes to quail and pheasant regulations. It also rejected a proposal to continue taking catfish by bow and arrow, making that illegal after Sept. 1, 2008.

To view the changes approved by the Commission, click here.

Committee to search for new TAMU-Kingsville president

A 14-member advisory committee has been named to help select Texas A&M University-Kingsville's next president. UT System Chancellor Mike McKinney (pictured) said the group he appointed includes faculty, staff, students and community members.

Dr. Jacqueline Thomas, regents professor and director of the Center for Teaching Effectiveness at Texas A&M-Kingsville, will serve as the chair of the committee. The new A&M-Kingsville president will replace President Rumaldo Juarez, who in February announced his resignation, effective July 1.

McKinney said he expects the search process will take four to six months, with the advisory committee helping identify possible candidates.

A&M-CC Dean leaves for West Virginia University

Dr. Dee Hopkins (pictured), dean of the College of Education at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, has been named dean of the College of Human Resources and Education at West Virginia University in Morgantown. Hopkins, who has been with A&M-Corpus Christi for eight years, will assume her duties at WVU on July 1.

During Hopkins' tenure in Corpus Christi, the College of Education has expanded the Early Childhood Development Center from serving children through the third grade to the fifth grade. In addition, a Ph.D. in counseling was created, along with an Ed.D. in curriculum and instruction and a master's degree in kinesiology.

Dr. Anantha Babbili, university provost and vice president for academic affairs, said that the university would formulate the search process over the next few weeks for Hopkins' replacement.

Regents select finalist for Tarleton's 15th president

The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents has selected Dr. F. Dominic Dottavio (pictured) as the sole finalist to become the 15th president of Tarleton State University. Dottavio is currently president and professor of biology at Heidelberg College in Tiffin, Ohio.

Last year, Tarleton president Dr. Dennis P. McCabe announced his decision to leave the presidency and return to teaching. Dottavio has been president at Heidelberg, a 158-year-old private college in northwest Ohio, since 2003.He previously served as the chief executive officer of The Ohio State University at Marion.

At Tarleton, Dottavio will supervise more than 1,200 employees, manage a $112-million annual budget and provide vision for a comprehensive curriculum for 9,460 students located at campuses in Stephenville, Killeen, Fort Worth, Granbury and Thurber.

$250,000 grant to help Upper Rio Grande economy

The U.S. Department of Labor has awarded a $250,000 Regional Innovation Grant to help Texas' Upper Rio Grande region develop strategies to address the impact of manufacturing industry layoffs.

The grant, awarded to the Upper Rio Grande Workforce Investment Board, will lead to a regional economic development plan to support sustainable, innovation-based strategies in West Texas. The proposed project also will utilize resources from public and private sector programs to advance the region's plan.

Partners in the project include the Regional Center for Innovation and Commercialization, the Center for Entrepreneurial Development, the Hispanic Entrepreneurial Center, the University of Texas-El Paso, El Paso Community College, Western Technical College and Sul Ross State University's School of Business. The region targeted for this project includes Brewster, Culberson, El Paso, Hudspeth, Jeff Davis and Presidio counties.

Program pays tuition, fees for low-income undergrads

Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi has announced a new financial support program that guarantees payment for full tuition and mandatory fees for undergraduate students from lower-income families. The Islander Guarantee! program begins with students taking classes in fall 2008.

The program was created to encourage students to take more courses during the year and complete degree programs within a four-year period. A&M-Corpus Christi President Flavius Killebrew (pictured) said the financial incentive will help close the financial gap for many lower-income Texas residents who otherwise would not be able to afford to attend full-time.

The program is for Texas residents with family incomes less than $30,000. Students must meet admissions requirements, take a minimum 15-hour course load and maintain a 2.5 grade point average. Tuition and fees for The Islander Guarantee! will be covered through federal, state and university grant sources. As long as the student remains eligible, The Islander Guarantee! program will pay these costs for up to eight regular semesters.

San Antonio federal courthouse project on fast track

Federal and city officials have announced plans to build a new $100 million San Antonio police and fire headquarters by 2010 on newly acquired land, and to have a new U.S. courthouse built on the former police property by 2012.

The federal General Services Administration has chosen seven acres in Downtown San Antonio that now houses police headquarters to build a new federal courthouse. The search for the courthouse began in 2000 and was interrupted by a three-year moratorium on new courthouse projects.

Deputy City Manager Pat DiGiovann (pictured) said the accelerated timeline was very ambitious but doable. The package is designed to resolve several corresponding problems, including overcrowding at the federal courthouse, an antiquated police headquarters and a desire by the city to revitalize the west side of downtown.

Collin County cities study covering arts hall funding gap

In a rare joint meeting, the Allen, Frisco and Plano city councils explored methods to cover the increased cost of the $85 million Collin County arts hall that was originally slated to open this year.

Troubled with construction delays and budget shortfalls, the venue for performing arts is still short $17 million in funding and Frisco Mayor Mike Simpson (pictured) proposed that the cities cover the remaining costs with a goal of being reimbursed later with private funds. The longer the 2,100-seat hall is delayed, the more it will cost, Simpson said.

Voters in the three cities approved a total of $57 million in 2002 and 2005 with assurances that no more public funding would be needed. Collin County added another $3 million in funding for the arts hall and private donors have contributed nearly $8 million, for a total of $68 million, or 80 percent of the $85 million cost. The executive director of the Arts of Collin County Commission pointed out that construction often begins on performance halls before all funds are raised. Council members made no decision on whether to provide more funding.

Red-light cameras in Lewisville, Port Lavaca on hold

Before installing red-light cameras, officials of two Texas cities, Lewisville and Port Lavaca, have agreed to conduct more studies on how the enforcement cameras may affect traffic.

Although Lewisville city officials signed a contract last July to install approximately 20 red-light cameras, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) recently notified the city that it must resubmit statistical data, sign a maintenance agreement with TxDOT and arrange for a TxDOT transportation engineer to visit the proposed sites before approving installation of the cameras. Melanie Young, TxDOT transportation engineer, said it will take several more months before TxDOT can make a decision.

Even though the city had planned to install the cameras by November 2007, Lewisville Police Chief Russ Kerbow (top right) said the first of about 20 cameras are scheduled to be erected at three intersections with federal and state highways, but the city has not yet determined where other red-light cameras will be installed.

Meanwhile Port Lavaca city officials signed an agreement with an Arizona-based company to survey intersections on state Highway 35 before deciding whether cameras should be installed at other intersections. City Manager Gary Broz (bottom left) said the study will tell the city how many cars go through red lights and yellow lights and provide information for a decision made on where cameras are needed.

Bush administration uses legal waivers for border fence

Despite objections from communities along the United States-Mexico border, the Bush Administration will use legal waivers to sidestep environmental and access concerns to complete a border protection fence in Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California. The waivers are expected to cover a total of 470 miles along the Southwest border.

As of March 17, there were 309 miles of fencing in place, leaving 361 miles to be completed by the end of the year to meet the department's goal. Of those, 267 miles are being held up by federal, state and local laws and regulations, said officials of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. DHS previously has used its waiver authority in Arizona twice and once in San Diego.

One waiver will cover construction of a 22-mile levee barrier in Hidalgo County. The other waiver addresses 30 miles of fencing and technology deployment on environmentally sensitive ground in San Diego, southern Arizona and the Rio Grande; and 215 miles in California, Arizona and Texas that face other legal impediments due to administrative processes. Building in some areas requires assessments and studies that could not be completed in time to finish the fence by the end of the year, officials said.

Officials support UH-Victoria as four-year university

The Victoria City Council recently joined with Victoria County Commissioners by approving a resolution in support of transforming the University of Houston-Victoria into a four-year institution. Currently, UH-Victoria offers only upper-level classes for juniors and seniors.

In its vote earlier this week, Victoria County commissioners not only approved a similar resolution but also offered to donate to the university 400 acres of land near the airport. Trey Ruschhaupt, chairman of the Victoria Regional Airport commission, said the expansion would contribute greatly to the area's economic development efforts as well improve educational opportunities for area residents.

The resolution noted that the Texas Legislature has granted four-year status to eight other formerly upper-level universities in Texas. A survey conducted by the Victoria Chamber of Commerce indicated that 94 percent of its members favored the expansion.

Bellaire unveils plans for fire station, other renovations

The Bellaire City Council is reviewing a consultant's proposals to build a new fire station and renovate the police station and library. The municipal building upgrades are part of a bond issue passed by Bellaire voters in November 2005.

Three options were presented for a new fire station, with building costs ranging from $5.15 million to $5.35 million. Two of the options are plotted to fit on an existing property with the third designed for an alternate site.

The police department redesign would eliminate the courtroom and related offices, and cost an estimated $400,000. Library renovations are estimated at $800,000 and retain the same configuration for the two-story, 57-year-old building.

UT-Brownsville receives $1 million grant for research

The School of Health Sciences at the University of Texas-Brownsville - Texas Southmost College recently received a four-year, $1 million grant to continue a program to motivate and train Hispanics to become biomedical research scientists.

Eldon L. Nelson (pictured), dean of UTB-TSC's School of Health Sciences, said the program helps undergraduates conduct biomedical research during their junior and senior years as preparation for admission into Ph.D. programs at the nation's top research institutions.

The program pairs undergraduates with biomedical research professors as faculty mentors and includes paid work in an active research laboratory, as well as an internship at the end of the junior year at a medical research institution, Nelson said. Since the program's inception, UTB-TSC students have been accepted for internships and doctoral programs at The University of Texas Health Science Centers in Houston and San Antonio, the Baylor College of Medicine, the University of Wisconsin and other nationally recognized research institutions.

Waco approves $907,327 for zoo expansion, incentives

The Waco City Council on Wednesday authorized spending $907,327 from the Tax Increment Financing Zone One fund to help expand Cameron Park Zoo and provide incentives for downtown development. The TIF fund sets aside a portion of property taxes collected in the designated area to be used to enhance the area.

The following projects were approved:

• $506,107 for the Asian Forest exhibit at the zoo, a $3.3 million project that will feature orangutans and Komodo dragons;
• $252,345 for lighting and infrastructure for a new extended-stay hotel on Fifth Street;
• $73,875 for renovating an abandoned building on Austin Ave. for use as condos and retail; and
• $75,000 for a pilot program to give building owners matching grants to restore facades of historic buildings downtown.

The TIF zoo funding supplements $601,837 from the 2000 county zoo bond election, $1.1 million from the Waco Foundation and $1.1 million from the Cameron Park Zoological Society. Most of the zoo society funding is from Jim and Nell Hawkins.

TAMU breaks ground on pre-clinical research institute

Groundbreaking ceremonies were held last week for the Texas Institute for Preclinical Studies at Texas A&M University, which will train veterinarians, physicians, scientists, technicians and engineers to meet the growing needs of the biomedical industry. The institute will work with the public and private sector to accelerate the research, development and commercialization of breakthrough technologies.

The Texas Emerging Technology Fund announced last year it would invest $6 million to help recruit world-class biotechnology researchers to the institute. The investment leveraged an additional $40 million for the institute from the Texas A&M University System, and $2.5 million from the local community through the Research Valley Partnership.

The institute will conduct research activities such as medical device and combination product safety studies in large animals, pre-clinical studies, and biomedical imaging to support pharmaceutical and medical equipment development.

Wind energy coming to three South Texas counties

A $2 billion project to bring alternative energy to South Texas plans to put wind energy turbines in three counties. Two companies unveiled plans for the project at a private reception in Laredo, where representatives from both companies gave presentations outlining components of wind energy.

If approved, the wind farm projects, Alta Mesa and Rio Vista, will be situated within Webb, Zapata and Jim Hogg counties. The projects are set for construction in 2009 and are expected to be in full commercial operation by 2010.

The companies estimate the project will generate $80 million in property taxes for schools and counties, $300 million in landowner royalties and $400 million in contractors for construction and permanent jobs. They said the wind farm project would generate 350 jobs during construction and 30-plus full-time jobs through the lifetime of the project.

Carrollton cites contract to prepare for DART station

Carrollton officials on Wednesday approved a contract to help the city in its plan to prepare for a Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) Green Line station. The light-rail station is expected to run through the East Belt Line Industrial Area. The relocation is part of Phase 2 of the master plan for the downtown Carrollton light-rail station.

The $662,822 contract authorizes the consulting firm to conduct additional studies to determine if Mercer Yard, an existing railroad yard located in the Downtown Carrollton Station area, will fit into the East Belt Line Industrial area.

Cesar Molina, director of engineering for Carrollton, said the study will look at the geometry of the landscape and determine if it needs to be flattened as the East Belt Line Industrial area currently has a curve to it. The consultants will look at land elevation and site photos to supplement aerial photos to help the city learn more of the operational and diesel fuel costs if the curve is not flattened.

Laredo transforming trash site into recreational park

Laredo officials are converting an 18-acre illegal dump near Killiam Lake into a recreation site with some assistance from a $100,000 Brownfields grant from the Environmental Protection Agency. Brownfields grants are used to help revitalize property that otherwise would be difficult due to the presence of hazardous materials such as old tires and trash. The site near the lake had been used to dump old tires.

Plans call for the city to purchase and obtain donations for several pieces of property that will make up a 70-acre recreational area with a $9 million recreational center, interconnecting hike and bike trails, a fishing lake and fields for soccer, baseball and football. A large indoor swimming pool and indoor soccer field are planned for the center, said Hector "Tito" Garcia (pictured), District 2 councilman.

The recreation project will be ongoing as the city receives funding, but Garcia said he expects to begin work on the recreational center by August. The city currently has approximately $4.1 million of highway funds to jumpstart extension of the trail system.

San Angelo Health Foundation awards $1.3 million

The San Angelo Health Foundation recently awarded $1.3 million in grants to six groups to be used for a wide range of activities. The health foundation provides grants to local nonprofit organizations and public entities every quarter. Since 1997, the San Angelo Health Foundation has given a total of $28 million in grants to area groups. The grants include:

• The House of Faith, a non-denominational faith-based organization, received up to $900,000 for five years to initiate a college scholarship program for qualifying House of Faith participants;
• The Concho Valley Workforce Development Board will receive $15,000 to provide new computers for their resource room, assessment room and computer lab;
• The East Concho Volunteer Fire Department received a $28,818 grant toward a fast attack fire truck;
• The Fairview Accelerated Education Cooperative received $50,000 for new playground equipment and fencing for the child-care facility;
• The Irion County Emergency Medical Services received a $50,000 challenge grant to expand the current training facility in Mertzon; and
• The Schleicher County Wellness Foundation received a $250,000 challenge grant to establish a community wellness center in Eldorado.

Austin backs plan to cut use of plastic grocery bags

The City of Austin plans on getting a handful of major retailers to voluntarily cut the use of plastic bags, pulling back from a proposed full ban on the use plastic bags at some stores' checkout lines.

Several stores have agreed to reduce the number of plastic bags they buy, to sell reusable bags and make it easier to recycle plastic bags at their stores. Several retailers - including Randall's, Walgreen's, Whole Foods Market, H-E-B, Wal-Mart and Target - have already begun to cut back on plastic bags and increase recycling.

Under an agreement between Austin and the Texas Retailers Association, retailers will purchase considerably fewer plastic bags in the first six months of 2009. During that period, they hope to recycle 600,000 pounds of plastic bags. City Council member Lee Leffingwell (pictured) said if the city does not meet its goals, it could "look at a ban" on the use of plastic bags.

The city plan has the backing of the nonprofit Keep Austin Beautiful, which plans to distribute about 5,000 tote bags at no cost. Austin spent $20,000 on the tote bags, with retailers footing the bill for a $20,000 marketing campaign.

Don't overlook this multi-billion-dollar marketplace

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

A multi-billion-dollar marketplace exists in a segment of the higher education environment that is sometimes overlooked by vendors and service providers. The jewels that may not be obvious to all government contractors are the state's 50 community college districts, some with as many as 16 different campus locations.

Most community colleges in Texas offer two-year programs as opposed to their four-year university counterparts but their campuses have almost all the same needs - construction, professional services, security, technology and more.

The 50 community college districts in Texas serve approximately 600,000 students. This number represents an increase of more than 13,000 over the previous year. Officials with the Texas Association of Community Colleges note those figures are on the increase for two primary reasons - the state's increasing population growth and rising tuition rates at four-year institutions.

Attorney General launches identity theft Web site

A new, consumer-friendly Web site to help Texans prevent or minimize the damage from identity theft has been implemented by Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott (pictured).

Abbott called identity theft "the fastest-growing white collar crime in America," and warned of the damage it can cause unsuspecting individuals. The site features an Identity Theft Victim's Kit that offers a step-by-step priority checklist that victims can use as soon as possible to prevent further damage. To access the site, click here.

Longview buys new $7M
communications system

The Longview City Council recently approved a $7 million agreement for a digitized communications system that will allow Longview police and fire officers to talk with other agencies who use the system.

The agreement includes three new digital towers and a complete communications overhaul, said Sally Rees, the city's public safety manager. It also includes an upgrade of the dispatch consoles, the addition of a fifth console position, encryption and advanced voice and data features, interoperability and connection to the Harris County Regional Radio System - a multi-site trunked radio network that Harris County shares with law enforcement agencies in 13 neighboring counties with a 12,500-square-mile area. Mayor Jay Dean (pictured) said Longview would be the first East Texas city going digital, but that city officials learned a lesson on March 18 when three of the city's emergency sirens failed to work property during a tornado warning.

Today is last day for early voting in primary runoff

Today, Friday, is the final day for early voting in the April 8 Republican and Democratic primary runoffs for statewide, congressional, legislative and county races.

There is only one statewide runoff election. It is for the Democratic nominee for the Texas Railroad Commission. The winner will face Republican incumbent Michael Williams, who chairs the commission, and Libertarian candidate David Floyd in the General Election in November. There are numerous regional and local runoff elections around the state.

Jarrell ISD residents to face $42 million bond vote

Voters in the Jarrell ISD will be asked to approve a $42 million bond package in the upcoming May 10 bond elections statewide.

School officials and the Friends for Educational Growth in the JISD are asking for approval of a package that includes $17.7 million for a new elementary school, $19 million for a new middle school and $5.3 million in upgrades and enhancements to an existing Pre-K through eighth grade campus.

Dowden appointed as
interim city manager

Nederland City Council members recently appointed Cheryl Dowden as their interim city manager. She is slated to begin her position on May 16, when current City Manager Andre Wimer leaves to take over as city manager in Port Neches.

Dowden currently serves as the city's finance director and assistant city manager. Council members have hired a Dallas consulting firm to conduct the search for a permanent city manager.

Cleburne superintendent
Damron to be reassigned

Robert Damron, who in January announced his retirement as superintendent of the Cleburne Independent School District, has asked to be reassigned to new duties until he retires on July 1. The request for reassignment follows an investigation and report by the Texas Education Agency about the district's use of federal funding. The report has been released to the administration and school board, but has not been released to the public. The on-site investigation began in February 2007, when TEA auditors went to the district administration building to collect financial records and documents.

Board President Stu Madison said the board is expected to meet soon to discuss hiring an interim superintendent, hiring a consultant to assist the district in responding to the TEA report and to discuss approval of a complete forensic financial audit.

Keller ISD to buy new computers, e-mail system

Officials of the Keller Independent School District recently agreed to spend $700,000 to purchase computers for a new elementary school and update its e-mail system. Administrators told board members that the current e-mail system is slow and buckling under a high volume of usage.

Sugar Land approves $4.2 million hangars contract

The Sugar Land City Council recently approved a $4.2 million contract to build new T-Hangars at the Sugar Land Regional Airport. The contract with the Houston-based construction company includes a 618-foot pilot suite, two restrooms, storage areas and shelf space for a future fixed-base operations center. The new T-Hangers will accommodate 70 existing tenants and 29 new leases for single engine and twin-engine aircraft. The pilot's suite will include a flight planning area, kitchenette, guest waiting lounge with TV, vending machines and restrooms with shower.

Design services of the project are budgeted at $177,865, with hangar construction expected to cost $4,181.453. The Texas Department of Transportation's share of the cost is $195,579.

San Antonio city officials pondering cell phone ban

A San Antonio city councilman has proposed a ban on the use of cell phones in school zones. The council is expected to vote on the proposal in April. City staff is in the process of deciding whether the ban should apply to hands-free devices and the amounts that violators would be fined if the ban is approved. Police Chief William McManus said a ban could include exemptions for calling 911 or using cell phones for emergencies. The chief also has asked San Antonio planners to consider broadening a ban to include areas outside school zones, saying that if it is dangerous to use cell phones in school zones, then it is dangerous everywhere.

Assistant City Manager Erik Walsh (pictured) said the city would have to install warning signs in 1,600 school zones at a cost of about $500,000. Walsh said he wants to make sure that provisions of the ordinance are fair and comprehensive.

San Benito ISD seeks support for $37 million bond

With the aim of gaining support from city officials, Superintendent Antonio G. Limon (pictured) of the San Benito Independent School District outlined the projects in the district's $37 million bond proposal to the San Benito City Council. Passage of the bonds in the May 10 election is needed, Limon said, to accommodate continuing growth. He also said the district could receive funding from the Texas Education Agency's Instructional Facilities Allotment funds so that if the bond issue passes, state funds would pay 84 percent of the bonds and taxpayers would pay for 16 percent.

Included in the $37 million bond proposal are a new elementary school, a 16-classroom wing at another elementary school, two 16-classroom wings at Veterans Memorial Academy and air conditioning renovations across the district, Limon said.

Katy ready to move on new courthouse, fire station work

After receiving $7.5 million from the sale of bonds approved last year, Katy city officials are moving forward on plans for a new courthouse, renovations to fire department facilities, and street and utility improvements.

Bill Drohan, assistant city manager, said city officials are planning to hire a project team of architects and contractors to complete the $1.5 million courthouse and the $1.5 million renovations for the fire department. The $4.5 million in street and utility improvements will be handled as separate projects, with contracts awarded for different phases of the improvements, he said.

Governor's appointments

Governor Rick Perry has made the following appointments:

• Luke Inman of Wellington, district attorney, 100th Judicial District
• Harold Hahn of El Paso, chair of the Camino Real Regional Mobility Authority
• William Barry James of Palestine, Upper Neches River Municipal Water Authority Board of Directors
• Christopher DeCluitt of Waco, chair, Brazos River Authority Board of Directors
• Patricia S. Bailon of Belton, Brazos River Authority Board of Directors
• Richard L. Ball of Mineral Wells, Brazos River Authority Board of Directors
• Grady Barr of Abilene, Brazos River Authority Board of Directors
• F. LeRoy Bell of Tuscola, Brazos River Authority Board of Directors
• Peter G. Bennis of Cleburne, Brazos River Authority Board of Directors
• Zachary S. Brady of Lubbock, Brazos River Authority Board of Directors
• John Brieden of Brenham, Brazos River Authority Board of Directors
• Jon Sloan of Round Rock, Brazos River Authority Board of Directors
• Scott D. Smith of Cedar Park, Brazos River Authority Board of Directors
• Salvatore Zaccagnino of Caldwell, Brazos River Authority Board of Directors
• Douglas Saunders of Amarillo, Oil Field Cleanup Fund Advisory Committee
• David Duree of Odessa, presiding officer, Texas State Board of Public Accountancy
• Stephen Pena of Georgetown, Texas State Board of Public Accountancy
• John Eckstrum of Montgomery, presiding officer, Texas Real Estate Commission
• Avis Wukasch of Georgetown, Texas Real Estate Commission
• Lewis McMahan of Dallas, Texas Water Development Board

Speaker's appointments

House Speaker Tom Craddick has made the following appointments:

• Rep. Warren Chisum of Pampa, Business Tax Advisory Committe
• Rep. Myra Crownover, Business Tax Advisory Committee

Harlingen planning more than $1M park renovations

Using a $500,000 grant from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, the City of Harlingen is set to begin $1 million in improvements and renovations to Pendleton Park.

Assistant City Manager Gabriel Gonzalez said plans call for building a new $18,000 half-mile gravel nature trail, a new wildlife viewing platform, a multipurpose court, a multipurpose field, four horseshoe pits and three picnic stations. Renovations are slated for the tennis courts, playgrounds, pavilions and softball fields, he said. The city will match the grant funds from certificates of obligation issued in 2007, Gonzalez added.

Gainesville ban on cell phones to be enforced soon

As soon as warning signs are posted, an ordinance banning the use of handheld cell phones in Gainesville school zones will be enforced, Police Chief Steven Fleming said. All the signs should be posted by today, Friday.

Police will issue warnings to violators for the first two weeks after the signs are installed, Fleming said, but after that those using a cell phone in an active school zone will face a possible $200 fine.

Christoval ISD names
finalist for superintendent

The Christoval Independent School District has named David Walker (pictured) as the lone finalist to replace Kevin Spiller, who left in February to become the Seagraves ISD superintendent.

Walker, 33, is an assistant superintendent and principal in Oakwood ISD in East Texas. By law, the board has to wait 21 days to hire Walker. That waiting period ends April 2, but Walker wants to finish this year in Oakwood, which is a UIL Class 1A district.

Walker has a bachelor's degree from Texas A&M University in political science, a master's from Stephen F. Austin State University in educational leadership, and is currently a doctoral student at Stephen F. Austin studying education leadership.

Bellmead gets federal grant to hire more firefighters

The Bellmead Fire Department recently received notification it will be awarded a $731,009 U.S. Department of Homeland Security grant to recruit and retain volunteer firefighters. The grant is part of the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) program, with the goal of encouraging increased staffing and deployment capabilities for emergency responders and to ultimately obtain 24-hour staffing to better respond to fires and other emergencies.

Interim superintendent withdraws name from list

Dr. Dana Marable, the interim superintendent at Temple Independent School District, this week withdrew her name as a candidate for the superintendent position. School board members recently announced it had narrowed the list of candidates to five and would select one finalist at the next meeting. Board President Steve Wright said he expects a superintendent will be hired by May 1.

Tech sets 13.9 percent ceiling on ASU fees, tuition

The Texas Tech board of regents has approved a ceiling of 13.9 percent on increasing fees and tuition at Angelo State University. However, any tuition and fee changes will be made official when regents meet in May. Joseph C. Rallo (pictured), the ASU president, said the board was concerned about the rising cost of tuition and fees. However, he added that with declining state support, the funds have to come from somewhere to support providing a quality education.

If the maximum rate were approved, the designated tuition rate for students would be $89 per credit hour, an 18.67 percent increase from the previous rate of $75. The total ASU tuition rate is a combination of designated tuition costs and the statutory tuition of $50 per semester credit hour established by the Texas Legislature. That would bring the total rate from $125 per semester credit hour to $149.

Mix of taxes, fees studied for Metroplex rail system

Dallas-Fort Worth area business leaders say a mix of higher county property taxes, vehicle registration fees and perhaps a new gasoline sales tax could be an alternative way to pay for a region-wide commuter rail system. Those fees will be on the agenda at the next Regional Transportation Council transit subcommittee meeting on April 10. Most businesses oppose efforts to increase the state's 8.25 percent sales-tax cap to pay for the proposed 260-mile system but are open to other methods.

In areas like Tarrant County, the money would be used for rail, but in areas such as Dallas, where a light-rail system exists, it could be used for road improvements.

Recent Reports

• Contracts Reported by Texas State Agencies and Institutions of Higher Education - Fiscal Year 2007
• A Special Investigations Unit Report on the San Felipe-Del Rio Consolidated Independent School District
• An Audit Report on Selected Business Functions at the Texas Forest Service
• An Audit Report on Performance Measures at the Board of Professional Land Surveying
• Long Term Care Rates, HHSC presentation to the Senate HSSC Committee, March 26
• HHSC's Performance Measures and Incentives for HMO Value-Based Contracts, presentation to Senate HHSC Committee, March 26
• An Audit Report on Performance Measures at the Board of Chiropractic Examiners
• HHSC testimony on Overview of 2-1-1 program before the Senate Veterans Affairs and Military Installations Committee hearing, April 1, 2008
• SPI's List of 2008 Congressional earmarks for Texas
• 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

• Texas Hurricane Conference
• 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

El Paso to build new $4.5 million soccer complex

In a 4-3 vote, the El Paso City Council recently authorized the construction of a $4.5 million soccer complex on the city's west side. Parks and recreation staff had explored three sites and recommended the Westside site near Canutillo High School over a site in the northeast and one near the airport.

Plans call for the soccer complex to be of tournament quality. The site currently has eight fields and five more will be built. Nine of the fields will have lighting installed. The soccer complex will be paid for with funds from bonds authorized in 2001.

Melina Castro (pictured), who represents northeast El Paso and voted against the proposal, said choosing the west side over a proposed east side location meant the city could save enough money to install lights at a softball complex in the northeast part of town. Two other representatives from the east side of the city also voted against the west side location.

Hambrick named finalist for Carthage superintendent

Carthage Independent School District trustees have named Joseph Hambrick as the lone finalist for superintendent. Hambrick is currently the superintendent of Elkhart ISD.

Under state law, he cannot become the Carthage superintendent until 21 days after the job offer. Carthage is a Class 3A school district with 2,770 students.

Brownwood officials eyeing bond election in November

Three Brownwood council members recently said that the council most likely will call for a November vote on whether to issue general obligation bonds to fund a street repair project.

Council member Jerry DeHay (pictured) said that the public has been vocal to him and other council members that they are ready to pay for much needed street repairs. A future street bond election would probably target streets in residential areas, he said.

City Manager Bobby Rountree said he expected the price tag for street repairs would be in the $5 million-to-$10 million range. Council members will be given more accurate estimates pertaining to a potential bond issue during summer budget hearings. The city's last street bond project, passed in the 1990s, resulted in $7.55 million in repairs to thoroughfares and arterial streets over a six-year period.

Harlingen planning $1M
in park renovations

Using $500,000 grant from a Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, the City of Harlingen is set to begin $1 million in improvements and renovations to Pendleton Park.

Assistant City Manager Gabriel Gonzalez said plans call for building a new $18,000 half-mile gravel nature trail, a new wildlife viewing platform, a multipurpose court a multipurpose field, four horseshoe pits and three picnic stations. Renovations are slated for the tennis courts, playgrounds, pavilions and softball fields, he said. The city will match the grant funds from certificates of obligations issued in 2007, Gonzalez added.

UT-Brownsville receives $1 million grant for research

The School of Health Sciences at the University of Texas-Brownsville – Texas Southmost College recently received a four-year, $1 million grant to continue a program to motivate and train Hispanics to become biomedical research scientists. Eldon L. Nelson (pictured), dean of UTB-TSC's School of Health Sciences, said the program helps undergraduates conduct biomedical research during their junior and senior years as preparation for admission into Ph.D. programs at the nation's top research institutions.

The program pairs undergraduates with biomedical research professors as faculty mentors and includes paid work in an active research laboratory, as well as an internship at the end of the junior year at a medical research institution, Nelson said. Since the program's inception, UTB-TSC students have been accepted for internships and doctoral programs at the University of Texas Health Science Centers in Houston and San Antonio, the Baylor College of Medicine, the University of Wisconsin and other nationally recognized research institutions.

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

Cornyn, Paige, Billington to speak at TPERF Summit

Only one week remains to register to hear U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, former U.S. Secretary of Education Rod Paige and James H. Billington, Librarian of Congress, at the Texas Public Education Reform Foundation's 2008 Statewide Education Summit. Slated for Friday, April 18, at the Austin Convention Center, the summit is 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. Other speakers for the event are Robert Scott, Texas Commissioner of Education and Raymund Paredes, Texas Commissioner of Higher Education. Registration is open until Friday, April 11. For more information, click here, and to view the summit brochure, 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 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.

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.