Childress District Engineer Terry Keener (left) has served TxDOT for nearly 40 years while El Paso District Engineer Chuck Berry (right) has worked 32 years at the department.

Keener, who has led engineering operations in the Childress District since 2004, joined TxDOT in 1971 as an engineering assistant in the design office. He holds a bachelor's degree from Texas A&M University.

Berry, who earned a bachelor's degree from Rice University and a master's from The University of Texas at Austin, has led the El Paso District since 2002.

TETF invests in macular degeneration monitoring technology

The Texas Emerging Technology Fund (TETF), a $200 million initiative created by the Texas Legislature in 2005, recently awarded $1 million to Vital Art and Science Inc. (VAS) toward the development of a handheld device to help patients with macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy.
 
The company is developing technology that will allow patients to monitor their retinal function at home.
 
The technology is expected to be more accurate than currently available at-home testing, while also being less expensive than testing at a doctor's office.

White, founder of an Austin-based government affairs firm, has worked on and led several statewide campaigns including Gov. Rick Perry's 2010 gubernatorial re-election. White has also worked as chief of staff for State Rep. Wayne Christian and served as public policy advisor on several key committees during that time.
 

While working in the Texas Legislature, White also served three years as State Chairman of Young Conservatives of Texas and also as a consultant for the Republican Party of Texas.
 

White, who holds a bachelor's degree from Stephen F. Austin State University, will now advise the comptroller on state issues and agency policy, serve as the agency's external liaison officer and help craft public policy on economic development, education and public outreach issues.

Whitley, who has worked at the Comptroller's Office for 10 years, plans to become a consultant and pursue private interests.

The "Tracker" now includes data such as congestion trends and budget efficiency that can help decision-makers choose improved funding and policy options.

Although the "Tracker" home page provides basic information, users can click on any performance measure to learn more.
 

To view the updated TxDOT Tracker, click here.

Public transportation funding awarded throughout Texas

Nearly $63 million in grants and 2.9 million TDCs (transportation development credits
awarded to transportation agencies to assist with the match of federal funds for capital projects) were awarded this week by the Texas Transportation Commission. The funds will be used in support of public transportation projects throughout the state.

The funding will be used for purchase of new vehicles and facilities, expansion of existing facilities and services, preventive maintenance programs and support for job-related transportation programs. "The money will be used throughout the state to improve transit services that bring people to jobs, medical centers, shopping malls and other locations," said Eric Gleason (pictured), Texas Department of Transportation Public Transportation Division director. "It's all about assuring that the public has easy and efficient access to services in their area."
 
The awards include: $28.7 million to rural and small urban public transportation providers; $15 million and 1.1 million TDCs for transit service to individuals for job training and work, improve access to existing public transportation services for the disabled, and enhance intercity service connections between cities and rural areas in Texas communities; $4.8 million of federal funds and 434,258 TDC to support transit projects serving elderly individuals and individuals with disabilities; $7.4 million of the overall amount in rural federal funding will assist transit agencies with operating and capital expenses and new service demands; $100,000 for a project to assist with job-related transportation in the Galveston County area; and approximately $6.9 million in federal planning funds and 1.4 million of TDC match statewide to Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) for public transportation planning to improve transit service in urban areas.

Port of Houston outlines $2 billion in capital investments

Capital investments of more than $2 billion are expected over the next 10 years for the Port of Houston for a variety of new and ongoing projects.

At a meeting Tuesday of the Port Commission of the Port of Houston Authority, a public workshop was held to discuss proposed strategic initiatives for 2012. Among the projects discussed are continued development of the Bayport Container Terminal and improvements at Barbours Cut container terminal. Other projects outlined include modernization of the Turning Basin Terminal and continuing work on maintaining and improving the Houston Ship Channel. Port officials noted that these projects and others related to real estate, finance and freight transportation would require a capital investment of $2 billion over the next decade. More information on these issues will be addressed at upcoming Port Commission meetings.

University of North Texas building earns LEED certification

The University of North Texas recently received a green building award for a new four-story portion of the Life Sciences Complex (pictured), a state-of-the-art research facility for biology, developmental physiology, genetics and plant sciences.
 
The new construction received gold-level LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification, an internationally recognized system that sets and measures green building design.
 
The new facility, which features water-efficient landscaping, bike racks and native vegetation landscaping, is the first building at UNT to receive LEED certification.

Lawrence, who has served as interim president since November, replaces Mike Reeser, who stepped down when he was chosen to serve as the TSTC System Chancellor and CEO.
 

Before serving as interim president, Lawrence worked as the director of human resources, chief of staff and executive vice president at TSTC West Texas. Before transitioning to higher education, Lawrence worked as director of human resources in two health care facilities.

Busby appointed interim dean of UNT School of Journalism

Dr. Roy Busby (pictured) has been appointed interim dean of the Frank W. and Sue Mayborn School of Journalism at the University of North Texas (UNT). The Regents Professor of journalism begins his new charge July 1. 

Busby began his tenure at UNT in 1968 as director of public information and publications and as an assistant professor of journalism. During that time, he has also served as an administrative assistant to the board of regents, assistant to the president and vice president for university relations. He began working as associate dean and senior professor of the Mayborn School in 2009, the year it was established.

Austin sets mandatory pre-bid for Waller Creek Tunnel Inlet Project

City of Austin leaders have set a mandatory pre-bid meeting for companies wanting to be the prime contractor on the $32 million Waller Creek Tunnel Inlet Project, which will minimize flooding along the downtown creek.
 
The session will be at Waller Creek Plaza, 625 E. 10th St., Room 104, at 2 p.m. on July 19. A networking session for prime and subcontractors will follow the meeting.
 
The inlet project includes a 20,000-square-foot maintenance and debris handling building, creek channel enlargement, pond construction and inlet shaft and underground works.

Award named for Frieden of UTHealth, disability rights advocate

Lex Frieden (pictured), a disability rights champion on the faculty of The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), will serve as the namesake for employment awards from the Texas Governor's Committee on People with Disabilities. The Lex Frieden Employment Awards will honor employers, entrepreneurs and professionals for outstanding achievement and recognition in the field of disabilities.
 

Frieden, a professor of biomedical informatics and rehabilitation at UTHealth who has relied on a wheelchair since an accident in college, was instrumental in organizing and effecting the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990. He said much work remains to be done in terms of disabilities and unemployment. The number of persons who are disabled and unemployed remains disproportionately high, he said.

This year's ceremonies will be held Tuesday, Oct. 25, in Austin, hosted by the Austin Mayor's Committee for People with Disabilities. 

UTB-TSC split forces end to Fort Brown student-housing project

The split between The University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College (UTB-TSC) has quashed a $17 million dollar student-housing venture at Fort Brown.
 

The end of "The Village at Fort Brown - Phase II," funded by the UT System, follows a TSC Board of Trustees vote reaffirming the UTB-TSC split after a more than 20-year partnership. Meanwhile, the UT System Board of Regents has approved the purchase of a newer housing complex for UTB.
 

UTB-TSC President Juliet V. Garcia said the intention of the project was to raze the buildings in the area of Fort Brown known as The Village and build new housing. "We were going to build right there where The Village was," she said.

UTPA names Diaz dean of College of Social, Behavioral Sciences

Dr. Walter Diaz (pictured) has been tapped to serve as dean of the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences at The University of Texas-Pan American (UTPA) beginning Sept. 1.
Diaz, a professor in the Department of Social Sciences at the University of Puerto-Rico-Mayagüez (UPRM) and associate director of UPRM's Center for Applied Social Research, holds a bachelor's degree, master's degree and doctorate from The University of Michigan-Ann Arbor. 

Throughout his career at UPRM, Diaz has held a number of administrative posts and led extensive research, "generating a significant amount of funding from external agencies, including the National Science Foundation, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Sea Grant Program, among others," according to Dr. Havidán Rodríguez, UTPA provost and vice president for academic affairs.

Harris County Court helps fund Astrodome feasibility study

The Harris County Commissioners Court has ordered another study to help determine what the reincarnation of the 46-year-old Astrodome should look like. Since the Astros left the stadium for Minute Maid Park in 1999, officials have grappled with what to do with the landmark - an expensive undertaking no matter the decision. (Even demolishing the structure would cost tens of millions of dollars.) 

County Judge Ed Emmett (pictured) said the Court will look at "every option there is and come back with the recommendation."

Toward that end, the county will contribute $50,000 for a $500,000 feasibility study with the remainder of the bill funded by the Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau, Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, Houston Texans, Harris County-Houston Sports Authority and a private company. The study is slated to be completed in December and may include plans for the entire Reliant Park complex, where the vacated Dome is housed. A 2009 study proposed three options: razing the complex for $78 million, installing a planetarium and science/math center for $324 million in public funds or installing a conference space with interactive exhibits and a movie studio for the same amount.

Crowley sewer work covered by $2.5M in utility-bond certificates

City projects financed by $2.5 million in utility-bond certificates of obligation recently approved by the Crowley City Council will help eliminate the infiltration of the city's sewer system during periods of heavy rainfall. The funds will also be applied toward the next phase of street refurbishment, according to City Manager Truitt Gilbreath.

A separately passed ordinance will allow the city to start engineering and design work on capital projects, which are set to be reimbursed by funds from a $5 million general fund bond sale likely to occur next year. These new bonds will off-set annual debt service payments, keeping them at current levels without raising the tax rate.

Henderson ISD expects recommendation about bond election

The Henderson Independent School District (HISD) Facility Committee will meet at least twice more before making a recommendation to trustees about holding a bond election in November to address campus needs.

Less than 40 percent of more than 5,000 voters favored a $39 million proposal last year. That measure - which included the construction of a new middle school, the renovation and expansion of Northside Intermediate, construction of an auditorium at Henderson High School and installation of artificial turf at Lion Stadium - would have increased HISD's property tax rate by 16 cents to $1.34 per $100 assessed value. 

 
HISD Superintendent Keith Boles (pictured) told trustees the district was able to salvage last year's $6.49 million Qualified School Construction Bond, a federal program that loans funds at almost zero percent interest, should voters approve the measure in November. So far, projects involving Northside and Henderson Middle School have received the most support from the community.

Galveston Council OKs specific-use permit for $4.5M transit center

The Galveston City Council has approved a specific-use permit for a proposed $4.5 million downtown transit center, which would be financed by federal transportation money. The complex would include a visitor information center, parking garage, city bus station and restrooms.

The Landmark Commission has requested the design of the building be in accordance with other buildings located on The Strand in Galveston. The structure would be located at the northeast corner of The Strand and 25th Street.

The city council has meanwhile extended the deadline to complete the building's design to Aug. 31.

Brazos County officials appropriate funds to pay for new tax office

To avoid borrowing money, Brazos County officials are diverting funds from other programs to help build a new tax office. The current office, next to the Brazos County Courthouse, is reportedly in a state of disrepair and has an unidentifiable, potentially hazardous black sludge seeping through its floor.

County Judge Duane Peters (pictured) said there is also likely asbestos in the walls of the current office. 

 
County officials have allocated money from a $2.5 million fund supporting local health care and anti-smoking initiatives to help pay for the new building, which will be located on land purchased from the Bryan Independent School District near the border of Bryan and College Station.

Seawall fund may be geared toward street repair in Corpus Christi

A $20 million - and growing - seawall improvement fund in Corpus Christi may not live up to its namesake. City officials have stalled improvements to the bayfront seawall, completed in 2007, as they remain undecided if the funds should be applied to the city's crumbling streets instead.
 

The fund began as a one-eighth cent sales tax voters approved in 2000 and was later intended to pay for $43.4 million in seawall construction and restoration costs. Then the idea of paying off the remaining $34.7 million debt from those repairs was introduced, which would call on voters to use future sales taxes for street repairs instead. 

Two years ago, the City Council recommended a $4 million seawall maintenance fund to protect and pay for small projects, such as beam repair, debris cleanup and additional concrete overlay on weak links in the seawall. Assistant City Manager Oscar Martinez said both the seawall and street projects are "viable and appropriate," and that discussions need to begin.

County Judge Mike Bradford (pictured) said the move was beneficial in light of the tight legislative session, which Midland County board members expect to yield a 7.5 percent cut in state funding. 
 

Officials are still in talks about what could be traded and at what cost, but among the ideas being tossed around are GED instruction offered by the college to Midland County Detention Center inmates and the county providing services such as street paving in return.

Huntsville City Manager Bill Blaine (pictured) said proceeding with the improvements without a public vote might stir controversy, but added the decision was necessary.

"People have to understand that the water situation is getting out of hand," he said.
 

As it stands, the TRA plant can safely pump six million gallons a day for a city that regularly uses seven and a half million gallons a day. Blaine said that even if everyone voted "no" in a bond election, the repairs would still have to be made.

City employee Misty Page, the mayor's administrative aide, will transfer to the communications manager post for the Mayor's Action Line. She previously served as manager for the Action Line until the job was eliminated. Her annual salary could increase from $53,040 to $64,146 with the transfer.
 

The grant writer and animal control positions will have a salary range of $38,181 to $57,273 and will be open to new applicants.

The board did not openly discuss specifics of the change, such as demanding that a private operator set a minimum wage for the more than 800 union workers who will be affected. Those sort of parameters - salaries and workers' rights - will determine if the agency saves money from outsourcing.

If a private contractor cuts salaries, the financially battered Capital Metro could save $71 million by 2020, according to a recent analysis.

"The current path that we're on is not sustainable. We have to make some changes," board Chairman Mike Martinez (pictured) said.

"It's important that the customer can take on adequate fuel to reach his destination," said Aviation Director George Garrett.

The 9,000-square-foot facility that houses a kitchen, communications center, training area and offices will double as an evacuation facility that can hold up to 500 evacuees during disasters. The center, which is expected to be completed by 2012, will most often be used for neighborhood programs and first responder training.

Bexar County Community Resources Director Aurora Sanchez (pictured) said South Side residents have been waiting a long time for the center.

City OK's $3.3M for UT Health Science Center's research facility

San Antonio city leaders recently pledged $3.3 million to UT Health Science Center San Antonio to complete the South Texas Research Facility, which will be Bexar County's largest research building in history.
 
The $150 million facility will contain 125,000 square feet of laboratories where at least 350 scientists and staff will work in four theme areas - cancer, healthy aging, the neurosciences and regenerative medicine.
 
The three-floor facility is expected to be complete by September and occupants can begin moving in Oct. 15.

Voters would have the option to demolish the 1935 building or pay to restore it. Most likely, bonds would be used to renovate the building, said City Manager Jim Dunaway (pictured).
 

The City Council has until Sept. 7 to approve calling an election in November.

Lampasas approves $2M bond package, rewording of resolution

The Lampasas City Council has approved rewording a resolution, a move designed to protect against residents rejecting an upcoming $2 million bond package, the calling of which was also approved.

The revision will allow for some leniency in how to spend the $2.01 million needed to buy vehicles and equipment and pay for city upgrades. The local fire department and public works department are slated to receive new equipment or vehicles, and the city's water and wastewater systems, electric infrastructure, golf course, parks and recreation buildings are due for upgrades.
 

The city must spend the money on projects outlined in the certificate of obligation before the funds can be spent on other projects.

Scott chosen as new town secretary for Flower Mound

The Flower Mound Town Council recently named Theresa Scott town secretary. Scott has served as the interim secretary for six months.

Scott succeeds Paula Paschal, who retired in August.
 

Scott has nine years of city government experience, including three in Flower Mound. She has also served as assistant to the police chief in Marshall and as the economic development coordinator in St. Charles, Ill.

TCEQ: Drought emergency planning called essential

In an effort to avoid water shortages across the state, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality recently encouraged public water suppliers to implement drought contingency plans.
 
The plans, which are required by the state, usually include water-use goals, ways to reduce demand and extend supply and public education.
 
Each supplier sets the plan and will notify customers when activated.

Houston ISD Assistant Superintendent Hall to step down

Houston Independent School District (HISD) Assistant Superintendent Kim Hill has announced plans to resign.

Hall, HISD's chief curriculum officer who was instrumental in such initiatives as the Effective Teacher project, said she plans to return to California to take care of her mother, who is ill. She plans to step down June 30. Hall joined HISD about one year ago. 

Dunagin cited personal reasons for his departure and plans to return to consulting for a local engineering firm. His employment with the district officially ends July 31.
 

Dunagin began his tenure at NISD in 2004 as executive director of construction and engineering. In 2009, he took over as assistant superintendent. 

North Texans being urged to take action for clean air July 7

Leaders with Air North Texas, a regional clean air public awareness campaign, have designated July 7 as a day for North Texans to take action for clean air.

Residents can fill out an online survey - to commit to do at least one thing between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. that will help the air. Options include using mass transit, biking or walking and switching to compact fluorescent light bulbs.

Residents are invited to upload photos, videos and stories about how they are taking action for clean air July 7.

Former GHS Principal Jim Watson will take over as director of maintenance and operations, and district instructional technologist Jennifer Coleman will head the technology department as director.
Coleman replaces Mike Wigington, who recently retired.
 

Brasher said instead of replacing Wigington, officials have allocated the former technology director's responsibilities to her.

Alpine ISD hires Mitchell

to serve as interim chief

The Alpine school board recently named former employee Wayne Mitchell interim superintendent while searching for a permanent replacement for Jose A. Cervantes, who is headed to the San Antonio Edgewood district.

 
Previously, Mitchell served as interim superintendent for Alpine schools for six months in 2002.
 
In an unrelated search, the district is taking applications for a new trustee to replace Suzanne Harrison who resigned to take a job in Dallas.

Small firms get first shot at 

some Austin construction projects

Small firms will be getting the first shot at bidding on small construction projects, thanks to a new program in the City of Austin, Texas. The plan - the Small Business Construction Program (SBCP) - specifies that construction projects under $50,000 and solicited after July 1 will be bid on first by businesses certified as Small Business Enterprises. Based on recent years' figures, city officials estimate there will be 15 such projects each year.

Veronica Briseno-Lara (pictured), director of Small and Minority Business Resources, said the program is "designed to assist small business owners who wish to grow their capacity to bid as a prime contractor." Firms can qualify by having gross receipts for the last three years that do not exceed $14 million. And the business must become a certified Small Business Enterprise (SBE) with the city.

Hidalgo County looking at credit enhancement for tollway

Hidalgo County commissioners are looking at whether to provide a $106 million credit backstop for the tollway that connects five bridges to Expressway 83. Financing that amount will require the use of property taxes if motorists' tolls don't sufficiently cover the tollway's estimated $400 million price tag. If the current property-tax levy is tapped, it would reduce the county's ability to fund other needs.

 
With the April 2013 deadline to start construction, commissioners must decide quickly whether to take on the project or lose $80 million in state funding.
 

Mobility Authority Vice-Chairman Michael Cano said he would "hate to see this county lose about $80 million from the state because we were afraid of handing out" $10 million to $20 million if costs run higher than expected.

Lumberton ISD Superintendent Ron Sims resigns head spot

Ron Sims (pictured), superintendent of Lumberton Independent School District (LISD), has resigned from his post. The LISD school board has appointed Assistant Superintendent John Valastro to take over Sims' role in an interim capacity.
 

Sims served as LISD's assistant superintendent from 2006 to 2007 before he took over permanently. Valastro has served at LISD since 2004. He began his charge as assistant superintendent last year.

Etoile ISD Superintendent Andy Trekell announces resignation 

The superintendent of the Etoile Independent School District, located about 20 miles east of Lufkin, recently announced he will step down to take over as superintendent of Hemphill schools.

Andy Trekell (pictured) will serve his last day June 30.
 

The small Etoile district, which serves about 125 students, will also lose a high school program that was established last year, Trekell said.

Six teachers named Presidential Award finalists for Texas

Six Texas teachers were recently named finalists for the Presidential Awards for the Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) program, the highest recognition that seventh through twelfth-grade math and science teachers can receive.

The finalists in secondary mathematics are:

• Cynthia Knowles, a pre-advanced placement (AP) geometry teacher at the Aldine Independent School District; 
• Dixie Ross, who teaches AP calculus in the Pflugerville district; and
• Jill Stevens, who teaches AP calculus, International Baccalaureate courses and Algebra II at the Hurst-Euless-Bedford district.

The Texas finalists in secondary science are:

• Gianluca Corsi, an environmental science teacher in the Birdville district;
• Joy Killough, a biology teacher in Round Rock; and
• Mary Tykoski, an 8th grade teacher in the Wylie district.

A panel of distinguished scientists, mathematicians and educators will now select one mathematics and one science teacher to compete against top educators in other states for a national award.

Eckels, who served as chief executive of Harris County from 1995 to 2007, will focus his legal practice on transportation, public finance/public private partnerships, homeland security, the environment and health care.

As county judge, Eckels received national recognition following Hurricane Katrina, when the Harris County Astrodome and Reliant Park opened to more than 250,000 evacuees and became the largest shelter operation in United States history.

Thomas to serve as interim superintendent of Palestine ISD

Former Westwood Independent School District (WISD) Superintendent Marvin Thomas will serve as interim superintendent of the Palestine Independent School District (PISD). He currently works as a field service agent for the Region 7 Education Service Center in Kilgore and has not applied for the permanent superintendent position at PISD. 

Thomas will replace Dr. Thomas A. Wallis, who has accepted the superintendent job at Bryan ISD. PISD board members are looking to name a lone finalist for the superintendent position by mid-July. They recently interviewed seven applicants for the permanent position and have narrowed the field to three candidates.

Four nominated to serve

as U.S. attorneys in Texas

President Barack Obama has nominated four people to serve as U.S. attorneys in Texas, which would fill positions that have been vacant for more than two years.

Nominees, who were recommended by Texas Sens. Kay Bailey Hutchison and John Cornyn, include:

• U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert Lee Pitman of Austin for U.S. attorney in the Western District, which includes San Antonio, Del Rio and El Paso;
• Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth Magidson, for U.S. attorney in the Southern District, which includes Houston, Corpus Christi, Brownsville and Laredo;
• Sarah Saldaña to serve as U.S. attorney in the Dallas-based Northern District; and
• Interim U.S. Attorney John Bales for the Lufkin-based Eastern District.

All nominees must be confirmed by the U.S. Senate.

Blanco chooses delivery method for school construction project

The Blanco school board recently OK'd a construction delivery method - construction manager-at-risk with the superintendent as authority - for an elementary renovation project.

The architectural company working on the project, which is funded through bonds, has prepared a draft for solicitation of bids due July 6. 

Richman appointed, confirmed as Baytown city finance director 

Baytown City Manager Bob Leiper has appointed Louise Richman as city finance director, who has been confirmed by the City Council. 

 
Richman previously served as chief financial officer for the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, chief financial officer for the City of Bellaire, director of finance for a theater company and most recently as Baytown's assistant finance director for the last six months.