Texas allocated $160 million in grant funds from DHS

Part of $1.8 billion nationwide to prepare for terrorism, disasters

More than $160 million in U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) grant funds is headed to Texas governmental entities to pay for preparedness activities to help respond to and recover from possible terrorist attacks or disasters. The funding, part of $1.8 billion to be distributed to entities nationwide, can be used for planning, organization, equipment purchase, training, exercises and management and administration costs.

The funds come from a variety of preparedness programs within the Federal Emergency Management Agency's comprehensive grants portfolio. Those programs and the allocations to Texas include:

• Homeland Security Grant Program: State Homeland Security Program - Texas has been allocated $65.44 million to enhance state and local capabilities through planning, equipment, training and exercise activities. At least 25 percent must be allocated to law enforcement terrorism prevention activities that include planning, organization, equipment, and training and exercise activities; Urban Areas Security Initiative - To build capabilities in high-threat, high-density urban areas, with the seven highest risk urban areas in the country receiving a combined total of $429.9 million, and 53 high-risk urban areas receiving a total of $351.7 million. The Houston Area (Tier One) funding is $37.5 million. Tier Two funding includes $1.82 million for the Austin area, $20.3 million for DFW/Arlington, $5.66 million for the El Paso area and $6.5 million for the San Antonio area; Metropolitan Medical Response System - 124 MMRS share funding to enhance mass casualty preparedness and response capabilities. Texas garnered $4.175 million of that funding with $321,221 each set aside for Amarillo, Arlington, Austin, Corpus Christi, Dallas, El Paso, Fort Worth, Garland, Houston, Irving, Lubbock, San Antonio and the southern Rio Grande area; Citizen Corps Program - Texas received $798,047 to engage citizens in community preparedness.
• Operation Stonegarden Grants - Texas received $13 million to enhance law enforcement border security operations.
• Regional Catastrophic Planning Grant Program - The Houston area received $6 million in Tier One funding to bolster catastrophic incident preparedness in designated Urban Areas Security Initiative jurisdictions.

Small businesses in Texas facing uphill battle

Roadblocks: franchise tax, proposed state contracting changes

Small businesses in Texas are taking it on the chin - facing such roadblocks to profitability as increasing prices, wage increases, the rising cost of fuel, increases in the minimum wage and the high cost of health care - according to Will Newton (right), executive director of the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) Texas.

Add to that the revised franchise tax and recently proposed changes to some state contracting procedures, and Newton says its no wonder why a recent survey of small businesses shows "the optimism index level was at the lowest level in years." However, Roy Mata (left), president of the Texas Association of Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUBs), is a little more optimistic.

The revamped state franchise tax has been particularly tough on small businesses in Texas, said Newton. "When you tell them about it, they just sit there with their mouths agape. They can't believe the legislature increased the tax so greatly on them."

County governments struggle to adjust to fuel prices

National, local surveys show costs have more than doubled

Like motorists throughout the United States, county governments in Texas are struggling to meet the challenge rising fuel costs are placing on their budgets while still patrolling roads and highways, responding to emergencies and repairing infrastructures.

A national survey of urban counties with populations of more than 500,000 conducted in June by the National Association of Counties indicates that 62 percent of those responding saw a 21 percent increase in spending for fuel in the past six months, while 42 percent reported more than a 30 percent increase in fuel costs. The 31 managers or administrators who responded are located in16 states.

And preliminary findings from a survey conducted by the Texas Association of Counties (TAC) indicates that average expenditures by Texas counties for fuel have more than doubled since 2004, with counties spending an average of a little more than $4 million in 2004 compared to more than $10 million expected in 2008, said Elna Christopher, director of media relations at TAC.

State Auditor's Office earns national award

The Texas State Auditor's Office (SAO) has been awarded the Recognition of Impact Award from the National Legislative Program Evaluation Society (NLPES). The award, presented at the recent National Conference of State Legislatures Legislative Summit in New Orleans, recognizes the SAO for distinguished work on its 2007 investigation of the Texas Youth Commission (TYC).

In 2007, the Legislative Audit Committee directed the SAO to investigate allegations of gross fiscal mismanagement at the TYC, allegations that came on the heels of reported abuse of youth held in various TYC facilities. The SAO dispatched teams to TYC's central office in Austin and to its 35 facilities throughout the state. The SAO completed its investigation within two weeks and issued a report.

That investigation uncovered deficiencies in TYC's physical security, the youth grievance process, organizational structure and resource allocation as well as workloads, qualifications and training of facility staff. Throughout the investigation, the SAO coordinated closely with other investigative authorities and referred more than 400 potential abuse cases for further investigation. The information in the SAO report led the governor to appoint a conservator to oversee TYC, and the results of the investigation were incorporated into legislation designed to address TYC's challenges. A total of 44 SAO staff worked on the investigation.

TPWD meeting slated outside of Austin

To help make government more transparent and responsive, as well as address high gas prices, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department will hold its annual public hearing outside of Austin for the first time in more than a decade. The meeting is slated for Aug. 20-21 at the Houston Zoo's Brown Education Center.

TPW Commission Chairman Peter Holt (pictured) said the department prides itself on being a "field organization."

"Most of our employees work outside of the Austin headquarters," he said, adding most stakeholders also live outside the area. The meeting's agenda has not yet been finalized, but slated for discussion are the 2009 fiscal year budget, the 2009 Migratory Game Bird Proclamation as well as funding for outdoor, park and recreation grants. Fore more information, including meeting times and schedules, visit the TPWD Web site.

TWDB approves $9.7M for statewide projects

The Texas Water Development Board has approved financial assistance totaling $9,753,055 for the following projects:

• $2,150,000 from the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund - Disadvantaged Communities Program to finance water system improvements for the City of Groesbeck in Limestone County;
• $200,055 from the Colonia Self Help Program to finance water and wastewater system improvements for the Unidos en Hargill project for the Rensselaerville Institute in Hidalgo County;
• $433,000 from the Economically Distressed Areas Program (EDAP) to finance water system improvements for La Joya Water Supply Corporation in Hidalgo County;
• $30,000 from the Groundwater District Loan Assistance Fund to finance start-up and initial operating costs for Northern Trinity Groundwater Conservation District in Tarrant County;
• $640,000 from the Texas Water Development Fund to finance water and wastewater system improvements for the Fort Bend County Municipal Utility District No. 49 in Fort Bend County; and
• $6.3 million grant/loan from EDAP to finance improvements to the water and wastewater systems of the city of La Feria in Cameron County.

Texas sales tax holiday scheduled Aug. 15-17

The 10th annual sales tax holiday in Texas is scheduled for Friday through Sunday, Aug. 15-17, and State Comptroller Susan Combs estimates shoppers could save some $54 million in sales tax during that period. That gain is not expected to significantly affect sales tax collections.

During the holiday weekend, most clothing and shoes priced less than $100 can be purchased tax free - for both children's and adult apparel.

Since it began in 1999, the annual clothing sales tax holiday has saved shoppers in Texas more than $388 million in local and state sales taxes. To view a list of items that will be exempt during the sales tax holiday, click here.

Deadline nears for computer recycling program

In a bold new effort to handle a mounting electronic waste problem in Texas, the state is requiring computer manufacturers to collect and recycle equipment, effective Sept.1. Manufacturers who choose not to comply with the measure will not be allowed to sell their computer equipment in the state.

Customers are responsible for erasing all data from their desktops and laptops before donating them to be recycled. The program also covers keyboards and other computer accessories. Manufacturers are responsible for recycling their own equipment only.

For more information, visit the TCEQ Web site.

TSTC offers certificate through 'Second Life'

Texas State Technical College in Abilene is pioneering an effort to bring students a fully accredited digital media certificate via Second Life, a three-dimensional virtual gaming world. Second Life users, known as residents, interact through computer-generated representations of themselves, also known as avatars. The initiative launches this fall.

Associate Vice President of Educational Technology Chris Gibson, pictured with Kevin Brown (center), EdTech project manager, and Rick Alvarado (right), lead designer, said Second Life's 3D environment gives students an opportunity to participate in a virtual learning community and "fully immerses the learner in a stimulating online experience." Gibson said TSTC is the first higher education institution, to his knowledge, to offer a certificate or degree virtually. Students, who will have the option to earn an associates degree in digital media in Spring 2009, "will drive this evolution of online education," he said.

The Digital Media certificate track will include classes in professional development, digital imaging, computer illustration, graphic design and design communication, among others.

North Central Texas COG hosts transportation forum

The North Central Texas Council of Governments hosted a public forum at Allen City Hall recently to address revenue distribution, transportation needs and a possible light rail project in Collin County and surrounding areas.

The council focused primarily on revenue totaling $2.5 billion from the North Texas Tollway Agency, the fruits of State Highway 121's conversion to a toll road. Projected funding breaks down as follows:

• McKinney is set to receive $239 million with $201 million scheduled for widening U.S. 75;
• Prosper will receive $81 million to maintain work on U.S. 380;
• Allen will net $74 million for continued work on U.S. 75;
• Frisco is slated to receive $72 million to also fund work on U.S. 380; and
• Plano is set to garner $24 million for inner city projects and upgrades.

The Regional Transportation Council will meet to approve the list of projects and funds on Aug. 21. The council also addressed the status of the Rail North Texas project, which would create 251 miles of light rail throughout North Texas. The project still lacks financial backing; proposals for funds include tapping sales or gas taxes, or charging residents a fee of $100 per automobile.

Texas A&M-CC to offer postgraduate marine biology

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board has given final approval for an interdisciplinary venture that will allow students at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi (TAMUCC) to earn postgraduate degrees in marine biology.

The program, set to be in place by the fall 2008 semester, will utilize resources from three institutions: TAMU-CC, Texas A&M University and one of its branches, Texas A&M University-Galveston.

Dr. Joanna Mott (pictured), a professor in the College of Science and Technology, said the addition of the new master's and doctoral degree programs augments A&M's reputation as a national research university in the field of marine biology. The program will prepare students for careers in higher education, government and industry and is set to provide "unique opportunities for students, with courses offered across all three campuses and collaborative research studies," she said.

Baylor expanding its board of regents from 16 to 24

Baylor University's Board of Regents has voted to expand its governing body from 16 to 24 members after an extensive study. The increase is geared to prime the university for future success.

"We are going to need increased diversity of talents within our board structure to achieve the level of future success we envision," Board Chair Howard K. Batson said, citing the university's ambitious goals. One of those goals will be finding a new president for the university, after regents last week fired President John Lilley.

The Baptist General Convention of Texas will continue to appoint one-fourth of Baylor's regents.

UTEP grad school adding two doctoral programs

The Graduate School at The University of Texas at El Paso is ramping up its curriculum, adding two doctoral programs to its roster, one in computational science, the other in teaching, learning and culture. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board recently approved both programs, increasing the number of doctoral degrees UTEP offers to 16.

The computational science Ph.D. program, the only one of its kind in the nation, begins this fall with three students enrolled. Dr. Leticia Velasquez (pictured), director of the program in UTEP's College of Science, said the curriculum will equip students to meet the national lab industry's demand for qualified health professionals to be able to remedy vast, complex issues. The 70-semester hour program includes courses in computer science, mathematics and science and engineering.

The teaching, language and culture program will provide students with research opportunities in the linguistic, cultural and social diversity unique to U.S.-Mexico border communities. The 60 semester hours required to complete the degree will focus primarily on two areas: literacy and bi-literacy, and mathematics, science and technology. The program will begin spring 2009 with 25 students.

No DHS fence to be built on UT-Brownsville campus

There will be no homeland security fence on The University of Texas-Brownsville/Texas Southmost College campus. In a court agreement reached this week with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the university's fears of a fence splitting the campus were laid to rest. Instead, an existing fence along the outer edges of the university will be bolstered and used to test technological alternatives to the physical barrier whose goal was to curtail illegal immigration. The details of the agreements should be finalized next week. UTB/TSC President Dr. Juliet Garcia (pictured) and students at the university have fought the proposed fence since it was first suggested.

West Texas A&M names head of sports, exercise

West Texas A&M University has named Lorna Strong (pictured) head of the Department of Sports and Exercise Sciences, where she has served as interim head.

Strong joined WTAMU in 2000, where she developed a core curriculum for the university's athletic training program. The program was approved in 2002 and has been accredited by the Commission of Accreditation of Athletic Training.

Strong earned her bachelor's degree at Rice University and her master's at the University of Central Arkansas.

UTHSC to offer doctorate in physical therapy

The University of Texas Health Science Center is set to offer its first doctoral curriculum this fall with a doctorate in physical therapy. Some 40 students have been recruited for the program's inaugural semester. Both the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and The University of Texas System Board of Regents have approved the program, which begins Aug.25.

Marilyn Harrington, Ph.D. (pictured), dean of the School of Allied Health Sciences, said offering the new doctoral degree (a conversion of the school's master's program) will "give our students a competitive edge in the workplace and benefit patients because our students will be better prepared as they enter the field."

Harrington added that with the Baby Boomer generation embarking on retirement, "There will be an even greater need for highly educated physical therapists to help patients stay active."

Prairie View A& M announces new financial aid program

Prairie View A&M University has announced a new financial aid program through the William D. Ford Federal District Loan Program that will replace the bank-sponsored Federal Family Educational Loan Program (FFELP) beginning August 2008.

The new initiative will increase students' financial aid options and make a PVAMU education more "financially accessible, which is fundamental to our mission as teaching, research and service," said university President George C. Wright (pictured).

The new direct loan program will reduce secondary steps to secure financial aid and offer income-contingent plans. Under these new constructs, the government will forgive loan balances more than 25 years old and any remaining debt for students who have gone on to work in the public service sector as teachers, law enforcement officers and social workers, among other professions.

UTEP appoints new dean of graduate school

Dr. Patricia Witherspoon (pictured) has been named dean of the graduate school at The University of Texas at El Paso. She will succeed Pablo Arenaz, effective Aug. 15.

Witherspoon serves as professor and chair of UTEP's Department of Communication and as founding director of the Sam Donaldson Center for Communication Studies. Witherspoon came to UTEP in 2000 from The University of Texas at Austin, where she served as chair of the Department of Communication Studies. For The University of Texas System, she has also served as assistant to the vice chancellor and executive vice chancellor for academic affairs.

TWU College of Nursing program awarded federal grant

Texas Woman's University has been awarded a $614,959 federal grant for its College of Nursing doctor of nurse practitioner program. The funds, awarded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Health Resources and Services Administration's Advanced Education Nursing Program, will help improve access to students serving in rural and underserved areas, according to Dr. Patricia Holden-Huchton, dean of the College of Nursing. In its outreach efforts, the program utilizes digital video and online classes.

The 46-credit program, based at TWU's Dallas-Parkland campus, with supporting courses offered at the university's Denton campus, began last summer with 16 DNP students, spurred in part by the growing demand for highly educated nurses.

Two tracks are offered through the program: a research-based Ph.D. curriculum and the DNP, "which is the highest level of specialty clinical practice," said Dr. Caryl Mobley, associate dean of nursing at TWU's Dallas-Parkland campus.

Midland requests visit from city manager candidate

Following interviews with five candidates for city manager, Midland City Council members recently invited only one candidate back to Midland for another visit. The new city manager will replace former city manager Rick Menchaca who resigned more than a year ago.

Mayor Wes Perry said Courtney Sharp (pictured), who now serves as city manager in Mount Pleasant, is slated to return to Midland the week of Aug. 2 for a three-day visit. Sharp will meet with focus groups, staff and community leaders during that visit. The council has not offered Sharp the job yet, Perry said. Council members also interviewed Steve Fitzgibbons of Port Arthur, David Hales of Herriman, Utah, Jeffrey Howell of Kilgore and Bill Shipp, Jr. of Rowlett.

UTHSC-Tyler names new vice president, CDO

The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler has named Richard "Mac" Griffith its new vice president and chief development officer for institutional advancement. Griffith, as chief development officer of a prominent San Antonio museum, coordinated a capital campaign there to raise more than $50 million for construction of a new building. Griffith served in that capacity from 2002 until joining UTHSC at Tyler.

From 1990 to 2002, Griffith served as assistant administrator of the CHRISTUS Schumpert Health System Foundation in Shreveport, La. During his tenure there, he established a funds campaign for the medical facility and raised more than $8 million in the process. In 1997, he was awarded the Outstanding Fundraising Professional of the Year by the National Society of Fundraising Professionals.

Griffith holds a bachelor's degree from Centenary College and has received fellowships from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and from the federal branch of the Department of Health and Human Services.

Taylor ISD selects south site for new high school

Taylor Independent School District board members recently agreed to build a new high school in southwest Taylor near FM 973 if voters approve $42.1 million in bonds in November.

The board voted to build a four-year high school with a contingency plan to build a school with core facilities such as auditorium, gyms, library and lunchroom but build classrooms for only three grades with the ability to expand to four grades when more funding is available.

Superintendent Bruce Scott (pictured) said while the site in the north is closer to existing schools, the southwest site will make it easier for high school students to take dual credit or regular classes at Temple College. The district already owns the land, he said.

UH eyeing $38.7 million stadium expansion

University of Houston Athletic Director Dave Maggard, backed by an alumni group, will present a proposal to regents for a $38.7 million addition to Robertson Stadium with a goal of increasing attendance at games and raising the school's profile. He will present the plan to the Board of Regents at their meeting on Aug. 19.

The stadium addition would feature luxury suites and club seats, a new locker room, offices and classroom space and would be named for civic leader Wilhelmina Robertson Smith, Maggard said. Built in 1941, Robertson Stadium was named for Corbin Robertson, a UH regent who died in 1991. The stadium was last renovated in 1998.

To pay for the expansion, officials hope to raise $18 million in private donations. The university will fund $5 million to pay for the 10,000 square feet of classroom space. The remaining funds will be raised by selling revenue bonds that will be repaid from revenue earned from sale of club seats and suites and rental of the club space, said Dave Irvin, associate vice chancellor for plant operations. Contributors already have pledged $12 million, he said. Officials hope to complete the expansion in time for the opening of the 2010 football season.

McKinney council studies fate of new city hall project

With the price tag rapidly rising, McKinney City Council members are taking a harder look at whether to move forward with a $36 million plan to renovate the former Collin County Courthouse to become the new city hall. Mayor Bill Whitfield (pictured) asked the council to take a closer, long-term look at the project while considering the city's Capital Improvements Project's five-year plan. The city has budgeted $221 million for projects for the 2008-2009 fiscal year beginning on Oct. 1.

City manager Frank Ragan said the new city hall poses many challenges, such as so much open space included in the second through the fifth floors of the building. It also has no windows on the fourth and fifth floors, he said. The city purchased the site because there is an urgency to obtain more space for city employees. City employees already occupy one of the two annexes next to the old courthouse.

Projects included in the 2008-2009 CIP include designing a new fire station in southwest McKinney and design of major streets throughout the city. The five-year CIP includes plans to build a new $20 million indoor recreation center with an aquatic feature and a new $1.8 million two-story terminal and administration building at the Collin County Regional Airport.

Bellaire considering $65 million five-year CIP

Bellaire city officials are considering making $18 million in infrastructure and equipment purchases in 2009 as part of their proposed nearly $65 million, five-year capital improvement plan recently presented by city staff.

The $18 million in improvements for 2009 include spending nearly $900,000 on fuel-efficient hybrid vehicles, new police vehicles, garbage truck and body armor, $1.05 million for rebuilding streets, $1.4 million to repair sidewalks and address other mobility issues, and $955,000 for parks improvements. This would be in addition to the $29.7 million city operating budget proposed last week by the city manager.

A key component of the five-year infrastructure plan is $11.7 million for repairs or replacements to the Bellaire water distribution and wastewater treatment systems. For 2009, the staff recommended spending $1.6 million for design and engineering to update water plants and $3.1 million for wastewater repairs. The proposed CIP for 2009 also includes $687,000 for repairs to city buildings, including $285,000 to relocate the city's fuel pump, $100,000 to improve security at city facilities and $24,000 for upgrades to the recycling center. It also recommended spending $100,000 for public art. The city will hold public hearings this month to gather input on the proposal before council votes on the plan.

Smith County officials scale down jail facility plans

Smith County officials recently unveiled a scaled-down jail facility that will be included in a bond election planned for November. With a new price tag of $59.6 million, the new nine-story jail tower will be built near the existing downtown facility and house 694 prisoners. Administrative offices are planned next to the new tower. Smith County voters rejected a $125 million bond proposal in 2007 that included plans for a new jail.

Sheriff J.B. Smith (pictured) said he supports the new plan because it still provides for 1,400 beds the county needs. The jail also will have a video visitation center that will link visitors with prisoners electronically and avoid moving prisoners out of their cells for visits. The new facility also will have a kitchen, laundry and infirmary. Smith said he is optimistic voters will approve the bond to pay for the new facility.

The Texas Commission on Jail Standards placed Smith County under a remedial order on May 13, 2004, for overcrowding. The order limits the jail population in all Smith County facilities to 756. Any excess prisoners must be sent to other counties at an average cost of $40 per prisoner, per day. So far this budget year, Smith County has spent about $2.4 million shipping prisoners, sheriff's department officials said.

Keller proposing $168M school bond package

A Keller schools committee is recommending a $168 million bond package in capital projects for the upcoming November election. The projects include construction of an intermediate/middle school for fifth through eighth grades and a new elementary school.

A group of district staff and community members led by Superintendent James Veitenheimer (pictured) have also recommended purchases for land and a multipurpose instructional facility for warehouse space in addition to a new athletic facility. (The district's three high schools currently share a varsity stadium.) The Keller school board will caucus Aug. 5 to discuss the proposal.

The capital projects cost breaks down as follows: intermediate/middle school ($56.5 million); elementary school ($23.7 million); land for elementary school ($3 million); multipurpose building ($10.2 million); Timber Creek High School stadium ($25.6 million); natatorium dressing room additions ($1.2 million) and 10 tennis courts ($1.3 million).

City of Bedford considering clinic for employees

In an effort to combat soaring healthcare costs, the City of Bedford is looking to open its own medical clinic. If approved, the city would contract with a company to provide its 320 full-time employees with medical care.

Start-up costs are estimated at $100,000 a year, but the city could save $80,000 over three years. It also stands to recover $600,000 in productivity lost to illness and other leave time.

The clinic would be open 20 hours a week with only three visits per hour scheduled to ensure employees wouldn't lose much time away from work. The city's health insurance plan would not change if the plan passes.

Katy appoints panel to select design/build firm

Members of the Katy City Council recently appointed a six-member committee to select the company that will design and build the new municipal courts building and renovate the Katy Fire Department.

Serving on the new Design Build Selection Committee are: City Administrator Johnny Nelson (pictured); Mayor Pro Tem Hank Schmidt; Bill Drohan, the assistant city administrator; Marc Jordan, the fire and emergency medical services administrator; Jim Cook the fire marshal; and Elaine Brown, the court administrator.

City Engineer David Leyendecker will review the selected firm's qualifications and act as the city's representative throughout the project, Nelson said. City Council will have final approval on the firm recommended by the Design Build Selection Committee.

Nacogdoches Power to build plant for Austin electricity

Officials of Nacogdoches Power expect to begin construction in February on a new 100-megawatt biomass facility that will supply Austin with power for a 20-year period. Austin Energy, a city-owned municipality, will take the full output of the plant in the $2.3 billion deal, said a spokesman for Nacogdoches Power.

Receiving power from the biomass facility in East Texas will move Austin closer to its goal of receiving 30 percent of its power from renewable sources by 2020, said a spokesman for Austin Energy. Austin council members are expected to vote on the purchase power agreement on Aug. 7. Once the agreement is finalized, Nacogdoches Power most likely will spend four to five months to finalize financing for the project.

The proposed biomass plant will use logging residue, forest waste and waste from some active lumber mills to generate electricity 24-hours-per-day throughout the year. The plant will benefit East Texas by providing jobs, said the spokesman for Nacogdoches Power.

Brenham city officials may issue debt for improvements

Brenham city officials are exploring the possibility of building a new water tower and improving streets by issuing debt late this summer or in the fall, said City Manager Terry Roberts (pictured).

While a 2005 estimate placed a price tag on a 300,000-gallon tower, pump station, ground storage and three miles of distribution lines at $4.1 million, Roberts said he expected that the price tag will be higher now. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has recommended the city place a high priority on building a new water tower so it is a top concern, he said.

Roberts said street work and funding railroad crossing improvements also are the list for consideration. City staff is working with debt service numbers to determine exactly how much debt the city can afford. City council has budget workshops scheduled throughout August to determine spending priorities for the city.

Marshall seeking federal grant for new EOC

Marshall city officials recently applied for a $966,240 grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Emergency Operation Center Grant Program to pay for a new emergency operations center.

City Manager Frank Johnson said staff learned there was $14 million in federal funding available to construct or renovate emergency operations centers and realized a new EOC would be a perfect fit with the city's new police complex. The city is at the point in the design process that incorporating an EOC into the police station should make the city eligible for the grant, Johnson said.

The city proposed adding about 3,600 square feet to the new police station and adds that the EOC would share some space in the police station. The city will be required to make a 25 percent match to receive the grant, he said. The shared space in the police station, such as conference rooms, hallways, restrooms and break rooms, could cover the required match. The county now uses a municipal courtroom for an emergency operations center. Voters in November 2006 approved $5.5 million in bonds to pay for the new police complex. Johnson said he expects to ask for bids for the new police complex and a new fire station in the fall.

W. University gives go-ahead for $13.5M bond package

Members of the West University Place City Council recently approved holding a $13.8 million bond election to pay for improvements to two parks and recreation facilities.

Casting the only dissenting vote, Councilman Mike Talianchich (pictured) argued that the bond proposal should be split into two questions to give voters more options and warned that voters will reject the proposal.

If approved, the bonds will pay for two new swimming pools to replace the pools at Colonial Park and the West University Recreation Center, a new building to replace the recreation center and a new Colonial Park bathhouse and fitness center. The proposal also includes improvements at the West University Community Building, which hosts senior citizen events. Voters in 2006 rejected a $25.6 million bond package for improving city parks facilities.

San Antonio in hunt for $500 million ag/research facility

San Antonio officials are keeping a watchful eye on plans for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) proposed $500 million high-security agricultural disease research laboratory. San Antonio is in competition with four other cities for the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility it is seeking to locate in the Texas Research Park.

The 520,000-square-foot laboratory is designed to study a range of newly emerging and exotic agricultural diseases that could spread from animals to people or disrupt the United States' food supply. It would contain 50,000 square feet of high-security level four laboratories where researchers work in spacesuits to protect themselves from dangerous pathogens. It will replace an aging research center in New York that is limited to studying foot-and-mouth disease.

DHS will hold a series of hearings to get public comment on the findings of a recently released environmental study. A hearing is planned in San Antonio on Aug. 7 at the Radisson Hill Country Resort. Two sessions are planned, the first beginning at 12:30 p.m. and continuing until 4:30 p.m. and the second session beginning at 6 p.m. Also in the competition are the University of Georgia in Athens, Ga., Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kan., Umstead Research Farm in Butner, N.C., and Flora Industrial Park in Flora, Miss.

Corpus Christi ISD looking at $1.8 million spending cut

Confronted with stagnant state funding, 200 fewer students enrolled and a decrease in interest earnings, Corpus Christi Independent School District trustees are searching for ways to reduce spending by $1.8 million.

Superintendent Scott Elliff (pictured) said the district will take in about $6 million less in revenue next year despite a $5 million increase in revenue from local funding. Because state funding formulas do not take into account inflation and the increased cost of energy, fuel and food, Elliff said the district will be forced to operate on the same funding it received in 2005 while facing increasing costs on many fronts. Trustees are expected to adopt the budget on Aug. 25.

The district saved about $2 million through staffing changes but estimates are it will spend at least $1 million more on fuel, Elliff said. The preliminary expenditure estimates also do not include funding for major maintenance projects, new technology projects or employee raises, he said. Trustees also discussed reducing bus routes and adopting a hiring freeze to reduce the projected $1.8 million deficit. As a long-term solution, the district also should consider redrawing high school attendance boundaries and consolidating low-enrollment schools, he said. Board members also are looking for a way to give district employees a pay raise.

Lufkin mulling $44M list for capital improvements

Lufkin city officials are working to narrow down a $44 million list of proposed capital improvement projects submitted by city department heads. County officials have indicated they will most likely spend no more than $30 million in the next five years for the Capital Improvement Program.

Repairs to streets and roads make up the bulk of the capital improvement wish list. The Street Department requested more than $33 million for 23 street and road improvement projects while Information Technology requested $371,500 for an outdoor emergency alert system. The Parks and Recreation Department asked for $5.62 million for park projects, including a $4.83 million extension of the Azalea Trail to end at an existing walking path at Angelina College, $1.16 million in improvements to Ellen Trout Zoo and $1.06 million for a new two-field baseball complex.

The capital improvement wish list also contains a $1.98 million request for renovation of the Pines Theatre on Main Street and a $352,700 request from Solid Waste/Recycling for two fuel stations to allow the city to purchase fuel in bulk to reduce fuel costs.

TAMU-International garners grant for equipment

The National Science Foundation recently awarded a $99,210 grant to Texas A&M International University to purchase a Nuclear Magnetic Resonance system.

The grant will be used to develop a non-destructive and non-invasive technique to assess bone quality by quantifying the distribution of water within bone tissue, porosity and pore size distributions in cortical bone in vitro at TAMIU, said Qingwen Ni (pictured), an associate professor of physics.

Students will benefit as they will be able to study and understand the physical and mathematical concepts of nuclear magnetic resonance, pursue and develop research, including bond-related research, and learn to apply the technology to different applications, Ni said.

Austin eyeing $600 million streetcar system

Consultants hired by the Austin City Council recently recommended that the city build a 15.3-mile streetcar system that would serve downtown and provide transportation to the airport. Expected to cost $550 million to $618 million, the proposed streetcar system also would require $21 million to $23 million a year to operate.

The plan, which is similar to plans presented to the city, consists of double tracks throughout the line, 20 electric-powered rail cars and running those cars at 10-minute intervals for 17 hours a day. The proposal contained no recommendation on how to pay for the streetcar system. The Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization and city officials are expected to form a transit working group to explore how to pay for the system.

The proposed route calls for the streetcars to run from the old airport property east of downtown through The University of Texas campus, downtown and down Riverside Drive to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. The proposal also includes a streetcar leg to the Seaholm Power Plant west of Congress and a quarter-mile appendage running (with service evenings and weekends) from South Congress to the Long Center for the Performing Arts. Council is expected to call for an election on the project in about a year.

Rockwall County studying large jail expansion

Rockwall County officials are mulling whether to expand the county jail for the third time in 11 years to handle growth and to raise revenue from potential contracts to temporarily confine federal detainees. Estimated costs to add 288 beds range from $18 million to $27.3 million.

County Judge Chris Florance (pictured) said the jail expansion he envisions would double the jail's capacity from 241 beds to more than 500 beds. Last year the county purchased 3.2 acres next to the current jail that would accommodate expansions to eventually house 1,110 inmates. The current jail was built in the late 1980s with additions made in 1997 and 2000.

The Texas Commission on Jail Standards in 2006 issued a report instructing the county to add more beds. Florance said the county spent $30,000 exporting inmates to avoid overcrowding last year and the jail is again approaching capacity. He also said the county had made $1.1 million between 2002 and 2006 by contracting out jail space when the jail had extra space available. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the U.S. Marshals Service often ask to lease beds to temporarily house detainees, he said.

Officials call for federal funding to repair Valley levees

After touring the Rio Grande Valley to view damage from Hurricane Dolly, Gov. Rick Perry and U.S. Sen. John Cornyn recently urged the federal government to fund levee repairs before a more severe storm blows ashore.

Cornyn said that the next hurricane to hit the area could be far worse and that the federal government had failed in its obligation to fund the federal levee system. While the Federal Emergency Management Agency last year threatened to decertify many of the region's levees and declare the area a flood plain, Congress has not appropriated any funding to complete the repairs.

Hidalgo County residents in 2006 passed a $100 million bond issue to pay for the levee repairs and upgrade drainage with the hope of receiving federal reimbursement. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has supported the plan as levee repair has been incorporated into the border fence plans.

United ISD decides against hiring PR firm for bond

Trustees for the United Independent School district recently agreed they will not hire a San Antonio public relations firm to help pass a planned bond election.

Trustee Juan Antonio Molina (pictured) said he felt the board still has more work to do, such as deciding items to include in the bond and when to schedule an election before hiring a public relations firm. Other trustees suggested that hiring a local public relations firm could bring in more local support.

A bond committee has proposed that the district seek approval of $250 million in bonds that would fund nine new schools, including a new high school.

Elkhart ISD leaders weighing plans for new science labs

Trustees for the Elkhart Independent School District recently discussed two options for adding science labs now required by new regulations placing new math and science requirements on students.

The first option discussed was building two science labs between the high school's wings. Superintendent Mike Moon, however, said an architect he consulted with warned that option would require building a flat roof on which to place the air conditioners and flat roofs have a tendency to leak. He also pointed out that the current labs are inadequate and would need expensive renovations to meet state standards.

An alternate option would be to build a wing to house four new science labs, Moon said. He estimated the second option would cost about $2 million. Several board members, however, expressed concern that some in the community were still considering the possibility of building a new high school. Board President John McKinney, however, encouraged board members to look at all possible options before moving forward with the science lab project.

TAMU System proposed budget tops $3 billion

Texas A&M University System regents today are expected to approve the system's proposed $3 billion budget, the highest in the system's history. The bulk of the budget - some $1.1 billion - is set aside for the System's flagship campus at College Station. The budget represents a slight increase over the previous year's $2.9 billion figure. The System includes nine universities, seven state agencies and a health science center.

9-1-1, 4-1-1 and then
there is 3-1-1

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

Since the digital revolution, government entities are increasingly turning to the Internet as a better way to provide information to citizens and taxpayers. First there was 9-1-1 for emergencies, then 4-1-1 for directory assistance...now a large number of government entities have implemented 3-1-1 systems.

Touted as "One Call Does It All," 3-1-1 customer service lines provide assistance 24/7 and feature live operators. Callers may get help with everything from reporting illegal dumping or abandoned vehicles to locating healthcare services. The 3-1-1 program is the primary point of contact for general government non-emergency services for cities and counties.

The first 3-1-1 system went online in Baltimore in 1996. Since then, 3-1-1 systems have been established in cities such as Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, Austin, Detroit, Chicago, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Pittsburgh, Minneapolis and Baltimore. The largest, of course, is New York City's $25 million center, where a network of interpreters is available to accommodate 170 different languages.

Work begins on new park
on Sam Rayburn Lake

With the help of a $500,000 grant from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission, work recently began on a $2 million park on Sam Rayburn Lake in Angelina County.

The park will feature five new boat ramps, public restrooms, a pavilion and amphitheater that should attract more anglers, retirees and vacationers to the area, said County Judge Wes Suiter (pictured). The pavilion can accommodate 400 people and serve as headquarters for fishing tournaments and other activities that will increase economic development, Suiter said. Construction should be completed in April.

Frisco approves sale
of $25 million in bonds

The Frisco City Council recently approved the sale of $25 million in general obligation bonds. The bonds will be used to pay for a new $8 million public safety communications system, $1 million for design of a community cultural arts and science center and $16 million in road improvements.

Hard-to-come-by research data

Need to know more about contracting vehicles or certain types of large contracts about to expire? Interested in competitor intelligence or obtaining contact information for all governmental entities within a region? How about a list of upcoming opportunities matching a specific criteria in other states?

SPI's research teams offer all this...and more. Call for details. Reagan Weil 512-531-3900 or rweil@spartnerships.com.

Where are they now?

Where do folks go when they leave state government? Some go to work in the private sector or for nonprofits. Some transition to executive-level positions in higher education while others may seek elected local government positions. And some just retire and spend a lot of time with their grandkids at the fishin' hole. This column focuses on where former state government officials and employees are now.

Rob Junell began his law career in 1977 as an attorney with Scott, Hulse, Marshall and Fuille of El Paso. He was first elected to the Texas House of Representatives in 1988, where he served 14 years, including several terms as chair of the powerful House Appropriations Committee. He has more than 25 years experience in civil litigation and on July 18, 2002, was appointed by President George W. Bush as U.S. District Judge for the Western District of Texas. He was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on Feb. 10, 2003, and remains in that position.

Robert Berdahl is a former president of The University of Texas at Austin, a post he held from 1993 to 1997. He left UT after being named chancellor of the University of California, Berkeley, where he served from 1997 to 2004. Following his tenure as chancellor, he remainder at the university as a member of the faculty. In May 2006, Berdahl was named president of the Association of American Universities, a position he still holds. Prior to joining UT, Berdahl was dean of the University of Oregon's College of Arts and Sciences and Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Commerce ISD selects Johnson as interim head

Trustees for Commerce Independent School District recently selected Larry Johnson as the district's interim superintendent. He is scheduled to report for duty on Aug. 4

Johnson formerly served as superintendent at Quinlan ISD for 16 years before retiring on June 30. He will serve in the interim position until the board finds a replacement for former Superintendent Mike Roberts, who resigned July 14 after joining the district last summer. Board members have hired a consulting firm to help in their search for a new superintendent.

Conroe agrees on $27M
for capital improvements

Conroe city officials recently agreed to issue two certificates of obligation in August totaling $27.1 million to pay for several capital improvement projects. A total of $17.1 million is planned for general city projects while $10 million will pay for water and sewer improvements.

Projects in the list include downtown revitalization, a downtown parking garage, new soccer and softball fields, park improvements, new water and sewer lines and several street and road improvements and repairs.

Cleburne ISD hires three new administrators

In a recent special called meeting, trustees for the Cleburne Independent School District hired a new assistant superintendent, a chief financial officer and an executive director of human resources.

Board members selected Dr. Darlene Callender as an assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction. Callender previously served as an assistant superintendent in Dripping Springs ISD. David Johnson, a CPA who previously served as chief financial officer for Keene ISD, will be the district's new chief financial officer. Randy Stone, who currently serves as curriculum administrator, is the new executive director of human resources for the district.

SPI launches new 'Special Services' division

Strategic Partnerships, Inc., has launched a new Special Services Division, which will include some of the state's premier and most experienced providers of services. SPI, working in conjunction with affiliates throughout the United States, will now offer services that include strategic planning, meeting facilitation, grant writing, keynote speakers, event planning, executive searches, economic development services, strategy development, mediation, customized training, executive coaching and more. Some of the "luminaries" working with SPI will be featured in future issues of the Texas Government Insider... This week we feature Sandra Bloodworth.

Sandra Bloodworth (pictured) has nearly 20 years experience in the meetings and events arena. She coordinates, negotiates and performs any other tasks related to a meeting or event. Her business has developed a reputation as a leading meeting professional service. As both a HUB and Austin-certified business professional, Bloodworth handles conferences, pre- and on-site registration, golf tournaments, board meetings, staffing for large events, VIP management, hotel negotiations and travel arrangements. From small to major events, Bloodworth knows how to get things done. Brian Palmer, president of the National Speakers Bureau notes, "Don't be fooled. Behind that Southern charm and Texas drawl lies a woman who knows how to effectively put together and run a meeting, and commands the respect of leaders in the meetings industry."

For a complete portfolio of services offered or to inquire about specific services, contact J. Lyn Carl at 512-531-3936 or jcarl@spartnerships.com.

Irving supports work on entertainment complex

Irving City Council members recently agreed to allow city staff members to work with private developers on a proposed Las Colinas entertainment center to be adjacent to the city's planned convention center in Las Colinas.

A private developer proposed a $200 million, 600,000-square-foot, five-level entertainment complex that features a concert hall, live music venues, restaurants, a recording studio and retail shops. The convention center is expected to open in November 2010 and the entertainment complex is expected to open in early 2011.

Jasper ISD to use firm in superintendent search

After receiving fewer applications than expected, trustees for the Jasper Independent School District agreed to hire a search firm to help them find a new superintendent.

Dr. Jimmy Creel, the interim superintendent, said board members decided to extend the application period and hire a search firm after receiving only six applications for the superintendent's job. These applicants will still be considered, Creel said. If the district advertises another 30 days, Creel said the district could have a new leader in place as early as late October or late November.

Move ahead of the competition!

In governmental marketplaces, it's important to find and qualify opportunities as soon as possible. SPI researchers analyze budgets, planning documents, appropriations requests and more on a daily basis in order to find upcoming opportunities. As a result, SPI is untouchable when it comes to pointing clients to upcoming opportunities. For details on how to contract with SPI for research only contact Reagan Weil at rweil@spartnerships.com or call 512-531-3900 and ask for Reagan.

Aransas Pass narrows search for city manager

After receiving approximately 20 applications for city manager, Aransas Pass Interim City Manager Mike Sullinger recently requested members of the city council to narrow their choices down to three candidates to interview for the city manager's position. Three or four of the candidates are very strong, Sullinger said.

Spring Hill ISD approves sale of $29 million in bonds

Trustees for the Spring Hill Independent School district recently approved the sale of $29 million in bonds to pay for new schools and renovations to existing schools. Voters in May approved $41.8 million in bonds for facilities improvements.

Although the largest item on the bond package is a $30.5 million new high school, the first project scheduled is a $1.15 million addition to the primary school. The board expects to receive bids in January, begin construction in February and complete the addition by March 2010. The district expects to receive bids in May 2009, begin construction in June and occupy the building in August 2011.

Colbert to seek new city manager to replace Smith

After terminating the employment of City Manager Sharon Smith, Colbert city officials will discuss a search for a replacement at their Aug. 12 council meeting. No reason was given for the termination.

UTEP receives grant to find better way to prevent flu

The University of Texas at El Paso recently received a $333,000 grant from the Department of Health and Human Services to find a better way to fight influenza viruses than the standard flu shot.

Awarded through the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, the three-year grant will be administered by German Rosas-Acosta (pictured), an assistant professor of biological sciences in the Department of Biological Sciences.

Socorro ISD hires firm
to find superintendent

Trustees for Socorro Independent School District recently selected the Region 19 Education Service Center to help find a new superintendent to replace former Superintendent Sylvia P. Atkinson. Two board members argued for hiring a national search firm that could draw a larger pool of candidates.

Dallas court administrator submits resignation

After 23 years of managing Dallas County's day-to-day business as top administrator, Allen Clemson has submitted his resignation and will leave at the end of January 2009. Clemson has worked for the county since 1979, when he hired on as human resource director. He took over as administrator for the commissioner's court in 1985.

Recent Reports

• 2009-2013 HHS Strategic Plan - July 11, 2008
• Permanency Planning Report in Response to Senate Bill 368, 77th Legislature, Regular Session, 2001 - July 2008
• 'Eye on Government'
• 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 GIS Forum 2008
• 6th Biennial Legislative Communications Conference
• Texas State University Small Business Development Center training schedule
• TWC Texas Business Conferences
• LBJ School Professional Development Calendar
• Upcoming Executive Women in Texas Government events

Texas Government Insider Archives

Volume 1 - 6 Archives · 11/7/03 - 7/25/08

San Jacinto College selects new Central president

The Board of Trustees for San Jacinto College recently approved Dr. Neil Matkin (pictured) of the Virginia Community College System as the new president of the Central campus. Slated to begin work on Aug. 7, Matkin replaces longtime president Dr. Monte Blue, who served 25 years as president of the Central campus.

Matkin, who grew up in Orange, is currently the vice chancellor for information technology services for VCCS, which has 23 community colleges located on 40 campuses throughout the state. He holds a bachelor's degree from Ambassador College, master's degrees from Golden Gate University and the University of Dallas in Irving and a Ph.D. from Texas A&M University in Commerce. He also has served as the chief administrative officer for the Illinois Century Network of the Illinois Board of Higher Education and served on the faculty at Ambassador University in Big Sandy.

Palo Pinto ISD selects Cederstrom superintendent

Trustees for Palo Pinto Independent School District recently selected Eric J. Cederstrom as superintendent to replace Norma Yates. Formerly a principal with the Burnet Consolidated Independent School District, Cederstrom has a bachelor's degree from the University of North Dakota and his master's and Ph.D. from Texas Tech University.

Governor makes appointments

Governor Rick Perry has announced the following appointments:

• Vandy Anderson of Galveston, Board of Pilot Commissioners for Galveston County
• Sally H. Prill of Galveston, Board of Pilot Commissioners for Galveston County
• Craig Enoch of Austin, Judicial Districts Board

Denton ISD approves new early childhood facility

Denton Independent School District trustees recently approved a new $16.4 million early childhood education facility. The district will use bond funds and interest earnings from bonds approved in 2004 to pay for the facility. Voters approved $8 million for a new early childhood center in 2004.

Superintendent Ray Braswell (pictured) said the facility will house 420 students and could be completed as early as August 2010. The district's current early childhood facility was built in 2000 with 18 classrooms and has 315 students enrolled.

San Antonio College gets grant for math, engineering

San Antonio College recently received a $551,944 grant from the National Science Foundation for its math, engineering and technology program.

The grant will be used to provide scholarships for economically disadvantaged students who want to pursue a certificate or degree in math, engineering, science or technology. Students with the scholarship have access to comprehensive academic and career counseling, supplemental instruction, tutoring, study groups, field trips and faculty and peer mentors. The grant will pay for as many as 30 annual $4,000 scholarships for four years.

Decatur ISD considering proposal for student laptops

Trustees for the Decatur Independent School District are weighing the benefits and concerns of a proposal to issue a laptop computer to each student in the district. The district's director of technology recently recommended giving each student a laptop computer to help the students become more competitive with students throughout the world by offering more up-to-date information.

While one board member questions whether the laptop computers would be better than current instruction using textbooks, Superintendent Gary Gindt said research indicates that students in districts with similar technology are more enthusiastic about learning and less likely to drop out. The district expects to pay $1,266 for each new laptop. Funds for the new laptop computers would come from a $27.9 million bond approved in May. The board designated $5.4 million of that bond for technology.

Round Rock, Hutto installing red-light cameras

Citing the need to increase safety at intersections, Round Rock and Hutto city officials recently approved the installation of red-light cameras at several busy intersections. In Hutto, the city council approved red-light cameras at three intersections and expects the cameras to be operating on Aug. 12. Police Chief Harold Thomas said motorists caught on camera running a red light during the first 30 days will receive a warning. Beginning Sept. 11, violators will be fined $75, he said.

Round Rock officials have not announced a date or location for cameras, but David Bartels, the planning and programs administrator, said officials hope the cameras will be operational in three to four months. Officials have not decided whether to extend a grace period for fines, Bartels said.

Donations to fund UH petroleum engineering

Energy industry leaders Devon Energy Corp. and Marathon Oil Corp. will help fund a new petroleum engineering undergraduate program at the University of Houston. The degree plan should help alleviate concerns about the oil industry's aging workforce, a third of which are estimated to be over age 50. The program, expected to be approved by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board this fall, will comprise a "modular" curriculum allowing students to gear their degrees toward areas of specialization, including reservoir engineering and petroleum geology. The new Bachelor of Science degree will also require elective hours in subjects such as project management, economics and energy law.

Joseph W. Tedesco (pictured), Elizabeth D. Rockwell endowed chair and dean of engineering, said the companies' support "underscores the need for a petroleum engineering undergraduate program in this region."

Selling to governmental marketplaces in Texas?

This will keep you connected

Mary Scott Nabers' columns run regularly in the Austin, Houston, San Antonio and Dallas Business Journals and each column features contracting opportunities in all segments of government - state, city, county, K-12 public schools, higher education and healthcare.

If you miss the articles in the journals, go to the SPI Web site, where they're posted each week.

Greenville moving closer
to new wastewater plant

Greenville city officials told council members the city is moving forward with plans for a new Wastewater Treatment Plant to replace its treatment facility built in 1953. The current wastewater treatment plant has recorded 24 permit violations since 2000 because of its inability to correctly process waste because of its age.

The city has filed a formal application for construction of a new plant with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, said Director of Public Works Massoud Ebrahim. Approval of the application can take as long as six or seven months, he said. City staff also is researching the types of equipment that would best meet the needs of the city. Ebrahim said he expects the city could ask for bids on the facility in mid-2009.

Royce City ISD approves new intermediate school

Royce City Independent School District trustees recently approved construction of a new intermediate school to serve the west and southwest portions of the district. The new school will initially open to sixth graders and the fifth grade class will be added later, said Superintendent Randy Hancock (pictured).

The new intermediate school will share a parking lot and playing fields with the middle school that serves seventh and eighth graders, he said. Hancock said he expects the new intermediate school to open in fall 2009. Rockwall County and the city of Fate have pledged cooperation in upgrading the current rock road leading to the property and bringing utilities to the site. Plans call for the two-story building to feature a light-filled media center/library that will anchor the building's interior.

Elgin ISD projects come in $700,000 below estimates

Elgin ISD Superintendent Bill Graves recently told school trustees that renovations to the high school and construction of a new middle school came in $700,000 below estimates. By adding those funds to interest earnings on the bonds and other savings on projects, Graves said the district will have $1 million for other construction and capital improvement projects.

While no projects are firm, Graves said he would like to add shade structures over elementary playgrounds. The district has two years to identify and prioritize those projects, he said.

Sugar Land officials propose $36.7M in improvements

Along with a proposed $169.2 million city budget for 2008-2009, the Sugar Land City Council is looking at $36.7 million for 2009 capital improvement projects. The projects include drainage, storm sewer and park improvements as well as emergency generators for city facilities, streetscape improvements and design costs for a fire station expansion. The proposal also recommends an expansion of the public works facility, phase II of Brazos River Park, an upgrade of Dulles Avenue, extension of University Boulevard, expansion of the west wastewater treatment plant, a surface water treatment plant and the addition of more hike and bike trails.

TGI ad space available

If you're not advertising in TGI, you're missing out on an opportunity for some very targeted messaging. TGI reaches more than 31,000 readers each week. Interested in details, call Patti Maugham at 512-531-3900 or click here.

League City mayor fires deputy city administrator

League City Mayor Toni Randall recently surprised some city council members when she fired Deputy City Administrator Mary Chambers. Chambers was employed with the city for almost seven years, where as a deputy administrator, she assisted in managing public works, parks and cultural services and land management.

Randall said she could not talk about the reason for the firing because of a possible lawsuit over demolition of a bridge in Glen Cove subdivision. The mayor is a resident of the Glen Cove subdivision and has criticized city staff for failing to provide proper notification that the bridge would be torn down at the developer's request. Neither the mayor nor council members would confirm whether a new deputy administrator will be hired.

Salado ISD names finalist
in superintendent search

William "Billy" Wiggins has been named Salado ISD's superintendent finalist out of some 40 applicants. Wiggins will replace interim superintendent Dr. Robert W. Denton, who has been serving in the position since April.

Wiggins has served as superintendent of the Port Aransas School District since 2003. There, in what Salado board member Miriam Ervi described as a "selling point," subpopulation (minority and low-income students) performed at the same level as those from the general population. Wiggins also has experience serving as principal and assistant superintendent at Hardin-Jefferson ISD in Sour Lake.

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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.

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Texas GIS Forum 2008 slated for Oct. 27-31

The Texas Natural Resources Information System, a division of the Texas Water Development Board, is hosting the Texas GIS Forum 2008 on Oct. 27-31 at the J.J. Pickle Research Campus in Austin. The forum is billed as the "largest Geospatial Technology forum in Texas." Sponsorships are available and the forum will also feature exhibitors. To register, click here. For information for sponsors and exhibitors, click here. Registration for the forum is available to individuals from government agencies (federal, state, local), universities, industry representatives, sponsors and exhibitors. The group is also seeking presentation proposals, with an Aug. 15 deadline. Some of the topics sought in the proposals include innovative uses for GIS, alternative GIS environments, budget GIS projects, Web-based GIS advancements, GIS or remote sensing for emergency response, etc.