Toll road use up despite increases in gas prices

Texas drivers apparently will trade price for convenience

Even while grumbling about the high cost of gasoline and the economic downturn, Texas motorists in the Dallas, Austin and Tyler areas are still willing to pay for the convenience of using toll roads. Some Houston toll roads, however, have fewer motorists, according to several Texas toll road operators.

The Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority, which serves Travis and Williamson counties, the North Texas Tollway Authority in the Dallas area and the Northeast Texas Regional Mobility Authority, which operates in the Tyler/Longview area, all experienced growth in toll road use when comparing transactions and traffic in 2008 to 2007.

But the Harris County Toll Road Authority reported a small decrease in traffic when comparing the period between March and June in 2008 to the same period in 2007.

The North Texas Tollway Authority saw overall growth in toll road usage in May and June of 2008 compared to the same time in 2007, but some segments of the system have recently experienced a slight decrease, said Sherita Coffelt, a public information officer for NTTA. The increases ranged from a more than 3 percent increase on two tolled segments to a 0.7 percent decrease on one section in May and June, she reported.

"Overall, the NTTA System traffic growth is positive," Coffelt said. "We began to see stress on the traffic on the President George Bush Turnpike in May and June.

State's leadership lays out plan for TxDOT financing

Letter to commissioner seeks bond sales authorized by voters

Less than a week after Texas Transportation Department (TxDOT) officials laid out a proposal to consolidate the agency's 25 district offices in an effort TxDOT officials said would save the agency as much as $35 million but cost as many as 600 job positions, the state's leadership laid out its own plans for long-term solutions to the state's transportation problems.

In a letter to Texas Transportation Commission Chair Deirdre Delisi (pictured), the leadership - Gov. Rick Perry, Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst and House Speaker Tom Craddick - recognizing the financial challenges TxDOT faces, offered some funding solutions they say they will carry into the upcoming session of the Texas Legislature, which convenes in January 2009.

The three cited population growth, rising construction industry costs, possible loss of millions in federal highway funds and the Texas Mobility Fund reaching its capacity as obstacles to funding necessary transportation projects.

DOJ to investigate state's schools for disabled

Texas' schools for persons with disabilities will be investigated by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) as a follow-up to the department's investigation of two state schools after reports of abuse and neglect there. The investigations occurred after allegations of civil rights violations. Federal officials now are said to believe that similar violations may be occurring in the state's other 11 of its 13 facilities.

Officials with the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) note they are unsure when the review of the additional facilities will occur but said they would cooperate with the DOJ.

It is not the first time some of the facilities have come under scrutiny. Advocates for the residents of the facilities periodically complain of abuse and neglect in the state schools. Although superintendents have been changed at eight of the schools and additional staff have been hired, the allegations have persisted.

DPS commission names new interim director

Stan Clark, highway patrol commanding officer for a north Texas region, has been named interim director of the Texas Department of Public Safety, effective Sept. 1. He will serve in the position until a permanent director is found.

Clark, who has been with DPS since 1973, has worked in Tyler and McAllen as a sergeant and was promoted to lieutenant in 1993. He was later promoted to captain before transferring to the Capitol Police in Austin in 1996. In 1999, he moved to the chief's office at DPS headquarters in Garland.

Chairman of the Texas Public Safety Commission Allan Polunsky said Clark is "committed to implementing the commission's vision for the most modern state police force in the country."

Rawson winner of TASSCC President's Award

Texas' Chief Technology Officer Brian Rawson (pictured) was named winner of the President's Award for IT Excellence at the recent annual conference of the Texas Association of State Systems for Computing and Communications (TASSCC).

In other awards, the Texas Department of Public Safety won the Excellence Award for the Innovative Use of Technology for its Trooper in Car Project.

The Excellence Award for Innovative Use of Technology went to the Department of State Health Services for its Needs Evacuation Tracking System (SNETS). SNETS is a statewide citizen evacuation system that can provide real-time information on evacuees. It uses a variety of radio-frequency identification (RFID), wireless and mobile data technologies. It also centralizes information supporting the safe transport of hurricane evacuees to ensure their whereabouts are known and could be reported. SNETS is the product of multi-agency development. It is maintained by GDEM on behalf of the State of Texas.

The Excellence Award for the Innovative Use of Technology went to the Texas Digital Library (TDL) of the Texas Digital Library Consortium.

Governor cites appointments in press office

Mark Miner, former director of communications for Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst, has been named communications director for Gov. Rick Perry. Other appointments announced in Perry's press office include Allison Castle being named press secretary and Katherine Cesinger named deputy press secretary.

Miner served on Dewhurst's staff through two regular and six special sessions of the Texas Legislature. He also previously served as communications director to former Virginia Gov. Jim Gilmore where he was senior communications strategist and was chief spokesman for the Gilmore Administration. Miner holds a bachelor's degree from Michigan State University.

Castle has served as deputy press secretary to Perry since August of last year. She is a former associate in a private sector public affairs firm and has more than nine years' communications experience in the public and private sectors. She holds a bachelor's degree from The University of Texas at Austin.

Cesinger returns to the Governor's Press Office as deputy press secretary, replacing Krista Piferrer who is leaving to become communications director for Baptist Child and Family Services in San Antonio. Cesinger previously served as Perry's deputy press secretary prior to becoming communications director for the Governors Competitiveness Council.

Miner and Castle replace longtime Perry spokesman Robert Black who is leaving to begin a public affairs consulting business. Their appointments are effective Sept. 1.

TCEQ accepting applications for school bus retrofitting

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has announced it will be accepting applications for funding to retrofit older school buses with emission-reducing technology. The grants totaling $8 million will be awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis. Application deadline is Nov. 14.

According to Commissioner Larry R. Soward (pictured), an $800 retrofit can reduce carbon emissions by up to 80 percent. "Some school districts have already installed pollution-control devices as part of their general maintenance schedule," he said.

The Texas Clean School Bus program reimburses school districts to install the technology. About $5 million in grants was awarded last year to retrofit more than 2,000 buses. For more information, visit the Texas Clean School Bus Web site, or call 512-239-3100.

Texas agencies launch 'Blue Alert' network

Texas launched the Blue Alert network this week to assist in the capture of offenders wanted for killing or injuring federal, state or local law enforcement officers. The network was formulated by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), the Governor's Division of Emergency Management (GDEM) and the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT).

Similar to the AMBER and Silver Alert programs, the Blue Alert network's technology quickly disseminates information statewide, displaying offenders' vehicle information via the TxDOT dynamic message signs and media broadcasts. DPS and GDEM are currently recruiting Blue Alert partners among public and commercial television and radio broadcasters; private commercial entities; local, state and federal government entities.

"Each day when they put on their uniforms, our law enforcement officers place themselves in harm's way to protect and serve the people of Texas. In turn, Texans should have the opportunity to do their part to help these officers in their time of need," said Gov. Rick Perry who launched the Blue Alert network, pursuant to an Executive Order. "The Blue Alert Program will be a powerful tool that leverages the eyes and ears of many toward the apprehension of criminals who threaten our protectors."

TxDOT updates Web with 2030 Committee info

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) recently updated its Web site to include a section on the new 2030 Committee. The committee has been tasked with estimating Texas' future transportation needs and will release a report in December announcing the resources required to meet these needs.

The committee, consisting of 12 independent business and transportation experts, will have held six public hearings throughout Texas by the end of September. To learn more about the committee, click here.

Tech School of Nursing honors First Lady Anita Perry

The Texas Tech University's Board of Regents recently approved naming the university's Health Sciences Center School of Nursing for former nurse and First Lady of Texas Anita Perry.

The school will be known as the Anita Thigpen Perry School of Nursing. In the accompanying photo, shown visiting with Gov. and Mrs. Perry (center) were (from left) TTUHSC President John C. Baldwin, Alexia Green, dean of the TTUHSC School of Nursing, and Texas Tech University System Chancellor Kent Hance (right).

Perry earned a bachelor's degree in nursing from West Texas State University and a master's degree from The University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio. She held nursing positions in surgery, pediatrics, intensive care, administration and teaching. As First Lady, she has continued to promote health care issues and concerns for Texans of all ages.

Savage appointed to the Health Disparities Task Force

Sarana Savage was recently appointed to the Health Disparities Task Force by House Speaker Tom Craddick, succeeding Dr. Hilton T. Perez who recently resigned. Savage's term is effective immediately and will expire on Feb. 1, 2010.

"As a persistent advocate for community health care in Texas, Sarana will be an excellent addition to this task force," Speaker Craddick said. "I look forward to working with her to improve the state's health care system."

Savage is currently the board president of the Midland Community Healthcare Services (MCHS) Board of Directors, serving since October 2004. She worked for the Texas Department of Health from 1988 until her retirement in 2004, having also taught in the Midland Independent School District for 10 years.

TPWD approves $402M budget for FY 2009

The Texas Parks and Wildlife 2009 capital and operating budget was approved this week by the TPW Commission, $402.9 million, slightly less than the previous year's $405.8 million.

"In 2009, we'll start a new round of big-ticket bond repair projects, and that will leave a mark of improvement on our state that will be felt for generations to come. One of our biggest challenges as an agency in 2009 will be to continue to deliver conservation services in the face of steep cost increases for fuel and commodities," said TPWD Executive Director Carter Smith (pictured). Smith also said the agency will continue with better fiscal controls, capital construction initiatives, increased minor repairs and increase operations funding for state parks.

The budget also includes $272.6 million for salaries, related benefits and operating expenses, $21.6 million for grants, $101.1 million for capital projects and $7.6 million for bond debt service. Park funding will increase $15.8 million above 2007 levels for state park operating expenses and increased staffing and for minor repairs.

The 2009 budget also includes $9.55 million in additional funding for local park grants, $7.4 million in freshwater fishing stamp funds to build a new East Texas fish hatchery in Jasper and some $850,000 for game warden operations connected with border security and $1 million in state general revenue for game warden operations statewide.

TPWD awards parks, recreational grants; trails grants

City and county parks and other sites across Texas were awarded collectively some $10 million in parks and recreation grants this week by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission. Among the grants were $1 million each from TPWD's Urban Outdoor Recreation Grants program to Dallas, Travis County, San Antonio and Houston. Houston also was awarded another $1 million from the Indoor Recreation Grants program.

The grants, for communities with populations of 500,000 or more, are for matching grants of up to $1 million. The urban grants are used to acquire and develop parkland while the indoor grants are for construction of public recreation centers, community and nature centers. Grant recipients must permanently designate the sites for public recreational use and agree to both operate and maintain the grounds.

An additional $2.9 million in outdoor grants was awarded to eight communities in Texas with populations of less than 500,000. Seventeen communities shared some $760,000 from the agency's Small Community Grants program, which provides matching funds of up to $50,000 for communities of 20,000 or fewer. The funds can be used to purchase, develop and beautify city parks or for the construction and repair of trails, ball fields, fishing, boating and hunting facilities, picnic areas, playgrounds, swimming pools, camp grounds, gardens and other recreational facilities.

To view a list of grants and projects by county, click here.

Additionally, TPWD approved $5.3 million in Recreational Trails Grants, a record amount that will be distributed for 10 trail improvement projects in state parks. These funds come from a portion of the federal gas tax generated by off-road vehicle gasoline sales. The grants go toward creation and maintenance of motorized and non-motorized recreational trails. Texas' share of a federal formula-based allocation was more than $3.7 million. The agency had another $1.5 million to allocate after previous year projects finished under budget and some projects were canceled. Only 30 of the 70 proposals were recommended for 2008 funding.

To view the funded trail construction projects by county, click here.

Lott-Canada Facility earns historical marker

Texas Historical Commission Director Larry Oaks was on hand recently for the unveiling of a historical marker at the Lott-Canada Facility at Coastal Bend College, commemorating the historical value of the building. The facility in Beeville, which currently houses the Coastal Bend College continuing education program. It has also been used for adult education programs, avocational classes and customized training.

The historical significance of the building dates back to the late 1870s when it was built as a school for African-American students, the children of former slaves.

Since then, the facility has been used by the Beeville ISD, most recently as administrative offices. It was leased to Coastal Bend and reopened last March. It now holds a museum that details the school's purpose and the accomplishments of the many African-American students who were taught there. Coastal Bend has pledged to continue to preserve the building's past.

"We identify things that make us special and we make sure that the things that define us stay here," said Oaks as the historical marker was revealed (accompanying photo) by Yvonne Lott King and Nolan Canada Easterling, descendents of the Lott and Canada families.

Oaks recognized Mose Lott and Allen Canada, who built the original school that was lost in a fire. The replacement brick building, named in their honor, was funded in part by the Julius Rosenwald Fund, named for the man who was CEO of Sears and funded more than 5,000 African-American schools in the South. Lott-Canada is one of few Rosenwald Schools still standing and one of only 30 that still remain in Texas.

Coastal Bend President Dr. Thomas Baynum said the marker will serve as a reminder of what was accomplished at the school.

Revenue from business tax short of prediction

The revenue projection of $6 billion for Texas' new business tax has been lowered to $4.5 billion, according to the state's revenue estimator. The new business tax, passed in 2006 and implemented last year, was intended to overhaul the state's old franchise tax and makes up about 15 percent of the state's total tax revenue, second to the sales tax.

About half of the money is planned to go to the state's Property Tax Relief Fund, created under a court order in 2006 to help cover the $14 billion cost of buying down school property tax rates by a third. Some $600 million in sales tax income will compensate for much of the lost revenue as well as a projected $400 million increase from the severance tax on oil and gas drilling, John Heleman, the state's chief revenue estimator said.

The tax has affected harshly small businesses and as a result they have formed a coalition to lobby the Texas Legislature to overhaul the tax. Gov. Rick Perry has said he will propose using some of the state's surplus money, around $2 billion, for tax relief, either to homeowners through property tax cuts or to businesses through cuts to the new tax. Companies are taxed at 1 percent - 0.5 percent for retailers - of gross receipts under the new tax.

Three appointed to the Dallas Area Rapid Transit board

Three members have been appointed to the Board of Directors of Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART). Representing Garland will be businessman Tracey M. Whitaker (left); former Plano City Council member Loretta L. Ellerbe (middle) will represent Plano; and Claude R. Williams Jr. (right), a general dentist in private practice, will represent Dallas on the board.

Whitaker, in addition to his extensive business resume, has also served as an adjunct professor at Dallas Baptist University and is currently on the board of directors of a crime coalition. Whitaker, appointed to the DART board by the City of Garland, holds a bachelor's degree from Bishop College and a master's degree from DBU.

Ellerbe has served on the Plano City Council representing the Regional Transportation Council and the National League of Cities Transportation/Infrastructure Steering Committee. Ellerbe, who also chaired Plano's Planning and Zoning Board and serves on the Collin County Plan Board, is known for her active role in the community. She was appointed to the DART board by the Plano City Council.

Williams, appointed by the Dallas City Council, is a former member of the Medicaid Dental Advisory Board for the Texas Department of Health. He earned his master's degree from Lynn University and his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Baylor College of Dentistry.

More teachers turn to online certification testing

Online teacher certification testing in Texas is rapidly growing in popularity with more than 50,000 tests being taken via the Internet in the past year, according to the State Board for Educator Certification. Online testing affords teachers the ability to receive their scores within seven days of taking the certification exams.

Texas leads the nation in moving toward online certification testing, currently offering 13 tests available online and adding seven tests in September. By the 2010-2011 school year, 34 of all 78 certification tests will be available online. School districts benefit as well from the quick generation of scores as they make hiring decisions - districts do not offer hiring contracts to teachers who have not passed certification tests. Secure online testing sites are located at universities, education service centers, community colleges and Prometric testing centers.

"Texas is definitely on the cutting edge of online certification testing in the U.S.," said Janet Cook of the Educational Testing Service, the state's testing contractor. "Teachers in Texas are just finding it much more convenient."

UT-Pan Am receives USDA rural development grant

The University of Texas-Pan American is one of 23 nonprofit groups and higher education institutions to receive a grant from the South Texas Rural Cooperative Development Center. The grant totaling $198,446 is geared toward improving rural economic conditions by providing technical and start-up assistance to cooperatives.

The effort will cover up to 75 percent of the cost to "mentor entrepreneurs and grow local business with technical advice and research," according to U.S. Agriculture Secretary Ed Schafer. The "hometown support" will strengthen rural economies, Schafer said.

USDA Rural Development seeks to help rural residents form cooperative businesses and embolden existing ones by offering technical assistance, conducting research and promoting public awareness of cooperatives.

UTEP dean named to U.S. health advisory subcommittee

Robert Anders (pictured), dean of The University of Texas at El Paso's School of Nursing, has been appointed to the Defense Health Board's Psychological Health External Advisory Subcommittee by Secretary of Defense Robert Gates. Anders, a fellow of the American Academy of Nursing, will apply his expertise to the U.S. Armed Forces during his appointment.

Citing rising levels of post-traumatic stress disorder, suicide rates and substance abuse problems among soldiers returning from war, Anders said his expertise "will assist these individuals by making sure their needs are met."

Anders previously served as associate dean of the College of Health Sciences and director of the School of Nursing at UTEP. He received his bachelor's degree from Union College in Lincoln, Neb., and his master's and doctorate from the University of Hawaii. He retired as a lieutenant colonel after 24 years of service with the United States Army Corps in 1992.

USDA awards rural water, wastewater grants, loans

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has awarded $547 million in grants and loans to rural communities throughout Texas to provide safe drinking water and improve wastewater treatment systems. The awards will be distributed through the USDA Rural Development's Water and Environmental Program.

U.S. Agriculture Secretary Ed Schafer said maintaining the quality of rural life "with safe and reliable water systems is vital to the health of the surrounding agricultural community."

Texas grant and loan recipients include the following:

• Culleoka Water Supply Corporation: $1,372,000 in loans;
• City of Douglassville: $349,000 in loans; $143,200 in grants;
• City of Blanket: $1,067,000 in loans; $208,372 in grants; $117,000 in direct loans; $505,128 in direct grants;
• Falcon Rural Water Supply Corporation: $2,915,000 in loans; $1,245,000 in direct grants;
• Glendale Water Supply Corporation: $1,090,000 in loans; $808,700 in grants;
• Military Highway Water Supply Corporation: $3,846,000 in loans;
• City Of Mount Vernon: $2,267,000 in loans;
• PB&SC Water Supply Corporation: $2,055,400 in loans;
• City of Penitas: $460,000 in loans; $1,080,000 in direct grants;
• Perry Water Supply Corporation: $260,000 in loans;
• Sebastian Municipal Utility District: $200,000 in loans; $1,122,325 in direct grants;
• City of Teague: $2,605,541 in loans; $704,459 in direct loans;
• Tom Green County Fresh Water Supply District No.2: $521,000 in loans; $1,179,000 in direct grants;
• Tucker Water Supply Corporation: $360,000 in loans; and
• Union Water Supply Corp.: $1,496,000 in loans.

Dallas approves convention center hotel commission

A Dallas City Council committee has approved the creation of a commission to oversee the construction and funding of a 1,200-room convention center hotel.

Plans to build an "iconic" structure assimilated into the famous Dallas skyline would add 10 percent to 20 percent to the project and would draw on outside investment rather than taxpayer dollars, city officials said.

Construction costs have been capped at $400 million. The entire project, including the procurement of a tract of land next to the Dallas Convention Center, is projected to cost about $555 million.

Investiture of UH's Renu Khator set Sept. 18

The University of Houston System will commemorate the investiture of Renu Khator (pictured) as its eighth chancellor and UH's 13th president at 2 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 18 at Cullen Performance Hall.

Khator became UH president and UHS chancellor in January, previously serving as provost and senior vice president at the University of South Florida for 22 years. Also a celebrated scholar in the field of global environmental policy, Khator has published five books and several articles on this subject.

The investiture is the official bestowal of the symbols of the president's office and will be attended by faculty, staff and students. In conjunction with the investiture, the ceremony's events will include The Farfel Distinguished Lecture Series and The Elizabeth D. Rockwell Ethics & Leadership Lecture Series with guest speaker Thomas L. Friedman, a foreign affairs columnist for The New York Times since 1995 and winner of several Pulitzer Prizes for his newspaper commentary. The free lecture is open to the campus community. Tickets, which are required for admission, are available by calling 713-743-2255.

Regents approves design, budget for UTEP buildings

The University of Texas System Board of Regents has approved designs and budgets for two major construction projects at The University of Texas at El Paso: a health sciences/nursing building and a chemistry/computer science facility (pictured). Construction on the $130 million venture is slated to begin later this year.

The College of Health Sciences and School of Nursing, currently housed in the former Hotel Dieu School of Nursing, will house classrooms, labs and research space. It is projected to be completed in 2010 and will be located on Wiggins Road. The Chemistry and Computer Science building will provide upgraded classrooms and lab/research space.

The funding, provided in part by a $124 million allocation from the board, marked the largest construction investment in the school's history.

Promotions help expand UTEP research effort

The University of Texas at El Paso Office of Research and Sponsored Projects is gearing up with a series of promotions to become a leading research university.

Among recent changes is the promotion of Ann Gates, who received both her bachelor's and master's degrees at UTEP, to Associate Vice President for Research. Gates has long been a leading researcher at the university. Her new duties will include helping faculty develop research programs and coordinating multidisciplinary proposals.

Other promotions include: Manuela Dokie to associate director/research compliance officer; Michelle Kistenmacher to research administration manager and Susan Avena to research integrity officer.

$21M available to replace polluting vehicles

The AirCheckTexas Drive re-launched its Clean Machine Program and began accepting vehicle replacement applications Aug. 18. The program offers financial incentives to repair or replace vehicles that either fail the state emissions test or are more than 10 years old.

The North Central Texas Council of Governments has allocated $21 million toward the project. Vehicle owners in Collin, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, Johnson, Kaufman, Parker, Rockwall and Tarrant counties may be eligible to receive vouchers for $3,000 toward the purchase of a newer car or truck and $3,500 toward the purchase of a hybrid vehicle from participating auto dealers. Residents of these counties began submitting applications for replacement assistance Aug. 18 and are able to receive vouchers worth up to $600 for emissions-related repairs.

The previously launched program in fiscal year 2008 experienced a significant response with more than more than 21,000 applications submitted between Dec. 12, 2007, and July 3, 2008, in addition to the 11,500 replacement vouchers and 1,500 repair vouchers issued. AirCheckTexas is one of many strategies initiated in the region to improve air quality in the region. For more information about AirCheckTexas, click here.

Baylor University appoints interim president

The Baylor University Board of Regents has appointed Dr. David E. Garland (pictured), dean of the George W. Truett Theological Seminary, interim president of the university. Dr. Howard K. Batson, chairman of the board, announced the appointment Tuesday. Garland will succeed Harold R. Cunningham, who has served as president since July 2008. Garland will assume his new duties immediately and continue to serve as dean of the seminary. Garland has been with Baylor since 1997, when he joined the faculty as a Bible professor. In 2001, he was named associate dean for academic affairs and was named The William M. Hinson Professor of Christian Scriptures in 2005.

Before joining Baylor's faculty, Garland taught at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary for 21 years. He holds a bachelor's degree from Oklahoma Baptist University and a master's and doctoral degree from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.

UT Health Science Center renames school

The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio is renaming its School of Allied Health Sciences in accordance with a national move away from the term "allied health." The school is now the School of Health Professions in recognition of the school's mission to educate future medical professionals in fields as divergent as clinical laboratory science and occupational therapy to respiratory therapy and dental laboratory technology.

The UT System Board of Regents approved the name change this month, which will not affect any accreditations. Marilyn S. Harrington, dean of the School of Health Professionals, said the name change reflects students' "indispensable functions in the care of patients."

"This name is a new way to express that," she said.

UT-Brownsville provost announces plans to retire

Dr. Jose G. Martin (pictured) is set to retire as provost of The University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College, President Dr. Juliet V. Garcia announced at the university's Fall Convocation.

Martin will step down early next year to focus on sustainable energy research, architecture and engineering science.

Martin previously served as chairman of the Department of Chemical and Nuclear Engineering at the University of Massachusetts at Lowell before taking the charge of dean at UTB/TSC's College of Science, Mathematics and Technology in 1996.

Chair of Edwards Aquifer subcommittee named

Steve Raabe has been named chair of the Recharge Facility subcommittee at the monthly Edwards Aquifer Recovery Implementation Plan (EARIP) meeting.

The subcommittee will consider the option and costs of enhancing recharge into the aquifer as mandated by the Texas Legislature's Senate Bill 3.

EARIP's efforts are geared toward a consensus-building process to protect endangered species in the face of climate change at the aquifer. Members of the subcommittee include environmental group representatives, water purveyors, stewardship groups and river authorities in addition to federal and state agencies.

Tech partners with E. Williamson Higher Ed Center

Texas Tech University has partnered with the East Williamson County Higher Education Center (EWCHEC), a new multi-institutional teaching center, in an effort to bring college and workforce training programs to East Williamson County. TTU joins Temple College and Texas State Technical College as new partners. The institution is the first university to join in the effort.

Temple College President Glenda Barron (right) said the venture is "an integral part of Temple College, and we are pleased to be able to work with all of the partnering institutions to bring excellent educational opportunities to all of East Williamson County."

Texas Tech CEO Bob Hickerson (left) said the university is proud to be a part of the visionary initiative and that both EWCHEC and TTU "see great potential in this collaboration and the fast-growing Williamson County area it will serve."

The program was created by the Texas Legislature just over a year ago as a collaborative effort between local school districts, higher education partners and community officials.

EWCHEC will expand to its own 70-acre campus in Taylor with construction slated to begin in September. Phase I of the construction includes a 24,000-square-foot building that will house a library, bookstore, offices and classrooms.

Boerne ISD installs bus cameras to catch offenders

Boerne Independent School District is installing cameras on two school buses in a bid to catch drivers who pass the vehicles while they are loading or unloading children. The rest of the fleet - 68 buses - will be outfitted with dummy cameras.

Footage of offenders will be viewed by a municipal judge who will determine the fine amount. Cameras mounted on the sides of buses will activate as soon as the bus door opens and the stop lights begin flashing.

The effort, slated to be up and running in time for the fall semester, is designed to heighten awareness of the law. "If we can keep those kids safe while they're loading ... then it's of top priority," David Uecker of Boerne ISD said.

San Antonio proposed budget calls for consolidations

San Antonio City Manager Sheryl Sculley's (pictured) proposed 2009 budget merges consolidate planning and development services into one department and would have the historic preservation department answer to the city manager's office directly. The move would result in staff reductions. The budget also includes $70,000 marked for a "strategic historic preservation plan."

The consolidations would save money in addition to eliminating the planning director position, a post which Sculley has been unable to fill for over a year despite a national, yearlong search effort. Rod Sanchez, development services director, would take on that charge in addition to his current duties.

As a result of the merges, some in the planning and design communities are concerned the city may give way to more development and sideline planning efforts. Sculley, meanwhile, has said she will "closely monitor" that proper, careful planning continues.

DHS offering security grants to Port of Corpus Christi

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is offering more than $8 million in federal grants to organizations that safekeep the Port of Corpus Christi. The grants, drawn from both this year's and last year's Port Security Grant Program funds, are part of the DHS' Security Infrastructure Protection Program, which supports risk management.

The funds are open to any agency enhancing port security, including the sheriff's, police and fire departments, and emergency management organizations, according to port Chief of Police Arch Archambo.

Deadline for application submission is Sept. 22, which may be extended, according to Archambo. For more information, click here.

Marshall department working out kinks in four-day week

The City of Marshall's street department is adjusting to the rigors and quirks of a four-day work week. The measure was proposed by Commissioner Ed Hoffman during preliminary budget meetings.

The proposal - which is set to save some 20 percent in fuel costs and boost employee morale by divvying up the department into two Monday-Friday shifts - has been met with both positive and negative response. Director of Public Works Brian Breeding said issues concerning payroll and holiday time need to be addressed. Specifically, those working the Tuesday-Friday shift miss out on Monday holidays such as Memorial Day and Labor Day, which allows those who work Monday-Thursday a four-day weekend.

For holidays worked, employees are only allotted eight hours of leave instead of 10, which cuts into earned vacation time and pay. City Manager Frank Johnson urged patience in settling these matters, while Commissioner John Wilborn (pictured) questioned the fairness of the measure. "Many cities do this and do it successfully," Johnson said. Wilborn, however, contends the four-day work week presents a "big problem" if employees end up receiving less money.

Bryan ISD mulling delay in purchasing laptops

Trustees for Bryan Independent School District may delay a proposed program that called for each student to eventually be issued a laptop computer that could be taken home.

At a recent board retreat, board member Maritza Pena Hoffman (pictured) suggested the district delay buying new laptop computers until funds are available to buy the computers for all students. Three of the four middle schools in Bryan provide laptops for all students in some grades. Most were purchased through grants during the past four years.

While trustees questioned the technology director about the possibility of using wheeled carts with 24 laptops, sometimes called computers on wheels, she said the carts are an option. But, she added, students will not be allowed to take computers home and research shows that students who take laptops home improve their math and reading scores. Superintendent Mike Cargill supported phasing in laptop computers one grade at a time and a year at a time using grant funds to pay for the program. Trustees took no vote on the issue.

NIH awards $10 million in grants to UTSA

The University of Texas San Antonio recently won $10 million in grants from the National Institute of Health for faculty development and individual research projects in neurology, nanotechnology and immunology. NIT awarded the grants to universities with programs to develop scientists from minority backgrounds.

The San Antonio Minority Basic Research Support for Continuous Research Excellence, which was created by UTSA to increase the number of minority scientists in biomedical research, received a $9 million grant, the largest of the two grants. This five-year grant will be used to support biology department faculty members, including:

• Janakiram Seshu, an assistant professor investigating Lyme disease, who won a $1.4 million grant;
• Yufeng Wang, an assistant professor who uses computational biology to study genes involved in malaria parasites, won a $1.2 grant; and
• Nicole Wicha, who is studying brain mechanisms involved in bilingual language comprehension, won a $1.4 million grant.

NIT also awarded an additional $1.1 million grant to support faculty enrichment and research projects in neurobiology. This grant will help young scientists collaborating with other universities to study basic mechanisms of brain functions, said Charles Wilson, a biology professor who supervises the grant. Projects include studying brain signals that help stem cells develop into specific tissues and a closer look at electrical signals in the brain that communicate feelings of success involved in drug addictions, he said. The grant funds also will fund campus visits by distinguished lecturers and new three-dimensional imaging technology for neuroscientists.

TAMU, Austin Community College renew agreement

Officials from Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences have renewed an articulation agreement with Austin Community College to provide a route for students to attend Texas A&M University.

The "2 + 2" partnership is geared to increase educational opportunities for students in Central Texas, according to Dr. H. Richard Adams (pictured).

As one of 12 schools to participate in an articulation agreement with the Texas A&M Biomedical Sciences program, ACC has ushered seven students through the program since 2003. "After they successfully complete the prerequisites, they are then automatically admitted into the biomedical sciences program here at Texas A&M," said Dr. F.H. "Skip" Landis, assistant dean for biomedical sciences. "Our program has established a legacy of successfully preparing graduates for and placing them in professional schools," he said.

Alice ISD weighing $1.5M shortfall against wish list

Trustees for Alice Independent School District are facing tough decisions as they weigh a $1.5 million budget shortfall against a $1.9 list of spending requests that has already been narrowed down. Board members are considering a proposed $43.9 million 2008-2009 budget while anticipating only $42.4 million in revenue.

While the district will get a $700 million increase in local tax revenues this year due to rising property values, district officials also expect a $1 million decrease in state funding and a $100,000 decrease in federal funding than it received last year.

Among the spending requests under consideration are a $525,621 request to purchase furniture and other items such as 65 LCD televisions costing $78,000, a $65,000 canopy for the commons area and a $60,000 security camera system for the new William Adams Middle School. Other requests under consideration are for $190,621 to expand a running track and $186,000 for the new Alternative Learning Center.

New leader to oversee phase-out of Brooks AFB

Jaime Hurley (pictured) recently became the first female director of the Brooks City-Base when she took over the reins of the facility scheduled to close as a military base in 2011. She replaced Eric Stephens as director of the 311th Human Systems Wing, the host unit at Brooks Air Force Base, which has operated more than 90 years.

During the next three years, Hurley will oversee the relocation of more than 2,000 military and civilian employees as they move into new jobs in San Antonio, in other Texas cities or out-of-state. She asked Air Force personnel and civilians to be patient as they face tough decisions and adjustments.

The first major move is scheduled in about one year, when 500 to 600 staff with the Air Force Medical Operations Agency will transfer to Lackland AFB. In 2011, more employees will move to Randolph AFB, Wright-Patterson AFB, Robbins AFB and the Aberdeen Providing Ground. Hurley is optimistic that civilian staff who want to stay in San Antonio will have the opportunity, citing an announcement last month to build a new $100 million hospital complex at Brooks and with San Antonio still in competition for a nearly $500 million agricultural research lab.

Lufkin officials rank capital improvement projects

Lufkin city officials recently placed expansion of a baseball field at the top of a list of capital improvement projects city council members ranked in order of priority.

Adding a new two-field complex with concession stands, restrooms, storage, parking and spectator areas at a cost of $700,370 was at the top of the list. The next projects in the rankings were renovation of the Pines Theatre for $1.48 million, upgrading Fire Station #1 for $303,000, expanding Kit McConnico parking lot for $234,940 and replacing restrooms at several city parks at a cost of $109,850.

The most expensive item, $6.42 million for building a new street, East Whitehouse Drive, was ranked sixth by council members while a proposed $1.5 million street reconstruction project on Atkinson Drive was ranked ninth and a $2.62 million street reconstruction on Moffett Road was ranked 10th. The list is subject to change as council members continue to discuss the proposed CIP plan.

DHS rejects Cameron County border fence/levee plan

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security recently rejected a plan by Cameron County to combine flood prevention levees with a planned border fence, saying the proposal was not feasible and would be too costly. A letter from U.S. Customs and Border Protection also said it would not be "feasible" to collaborate with the International Boundary and Water Commission in a joint levee-barrier project.

Cameron County Judge Carlos H. Cascos (pictured) predicted that DHS would move ahead quickly with its plan to install 37 miles of border fencing in the county. Cascos said he plans to request a written statement from the IBWC assuring that the levees will meet FEMA guidelines and requirements.

DHS officials, however, have agreed to two other alternate plans, a levee-border fence proposal submitted by Hidalgo County and an alternate plan from by The University of Texas-Brownsville and Texas Southmost College after university officials won a recent court ruling. The U.S. Army Corp of Engineers is soliciting bids for fencing in Cameron County from seven companies.

U.S. Interior Department awards grants to agencies

The U.S. Department of the Interior recently awarded three water conservation grants to two irrigation districts and a water utility in the Rio Grande Valley. The grants are a part of the agency's Water 2025 program to maximize water resources in dry Western states.

The Brownsville Irrigation District won a $300,000 grant to help pay for a $600,000 project to conserve water in its canals by converting 1,800 feet of canal into pipeline, to install gates and devices to measure water storage levels. This action is expected to save 147 acre-feet of water per year. The Cameron County Irrigation District No. 2 garnered nearly $263,000 from the federal grant to install gates and measure water flow through one of its canals. The project, with a total cost of $534,000, will save an estimated 3,250 acre-feet of water per year.

The McAllen Public Utility received a $300,000 grant to install 6,000 feet of underground pipeline and install a water-measuring device on the pipe. The project, with a total cost of $1.6 million, is expected to save the city about 700 acre-feet of water per year.

Odessa studies how to pay for future park upgrades

After spending $11.9 million in park renovations during the last 10 years for an aquatics center, a spray ground and three new baseball fields, Odessa city officials recently warned residents that a tax increase or bond election will be needed for future park upgrades.

The city still has $2.7 million reserved for improvements to the 50-acre Sherwood Park, the most heavily used recreation facility, said City Manager Richard Morton (pictured). Those funds will not pay for all of the improvements needed, he said, estimating it would cost $9.5 million just to upgrade Sherwood Park with new walking trails, playground equipment, picnic areas and the tennis courts. It will take almost $1 million just for the playground equipment, Morton said.

While the city still needs to install more playground equipment at McKinney Park and improve several neighborhood parks, there is a moratorium on the city borrowing more money to continue upgrading parks, so the public will have to decide whether to raise taxes to maintain a viable park system, Morton said. Council members took no action, saying they needed more time to study the issue before reaching a decision on whether to ask voters to approve bonds for park improvements and maintenance.

Tarrant Hospital District approves $618 million budget

The Tarrant County Hospital District board of directors recently approved a $618 million budget that calls for $45 million in capital improvements and the addition of eight new physicians and 200 support staff.

Administrators for the district, which does business as JPS Health Network, recommended nearly $11 million for building renovations, $5.1 million for information technology upgrades, $4.7 million for new equipment and awarding a new $1.7 million janitorial contract.

JPS interim Chief Executive Robert Earley recommended that the board revisit the budget in midyear, after federal officials decide whether to send JPS more than $41 million in supplemental funds. The hospital district has projected a $52 million surplus by the end of next year and is committed to spending most of that surplus on capital and new programs, said Chairman Steve Montgomery.

Baytown approves $557,900 for jail, field improvements

Baytown City Council members recently authorized $457,900 to renovate the city's old court and jail and $100,000 for improvements to several baseball, football and soccer fields.

The sports field renovations are expected to include bleacher repairs, new fences, backstops and concrete spectator areas to a variety of playing fields at several city parks, said City Manager Garry Brumback (pictured). The funding came from the ½-cent sales tax approved in 2001 dedicated to the Municipal Development District.

The plan to renovate the city's old court and jail include remodeling the old court area into offices and a briefing room and moving a weight room from the courts area to an addition at the back of the Police Academy. The renovations will be paid for by the Crime Control and Prevention Department, which is funded through a quarter-cent voter-approved sales tax increase in 2006.

San Angelo group backs two-part, $149M bond proposal

The Facility Advisory Committee of the San Angelo Independent School District recently recommended that trustees approve a $149 million bond proposal split into two propositions to be placed on the Nov. 4 ballot.

The committee recommended that Proposition 1 ask for $117 million to pay for renovations and expansion at eight elementary schools, one middle school and both high schools and that Proposition 2 for $32 million would pay for a new competition gym and cafeteria at Central High School as well as renovate the natatorium. Under the plan approved by the committee, Proposition 2 could pass only if voters approve Proposition 1. Trustees are expected to vote on whether to hold a November bond election at their Aug. 25 meeting.

Work at Central High School would be about 65 percent renovation and 35 percent new construction, the architect said. Some older buildings at the high school will be demolished and a new entryway will be built. Proposition 1, if approved, also would pay to increase campus security by adding fencing to limit entry points and installing more security cameras. No campuses will be closed during construction. The committee had earlier backed a plan calling for building a new Central High School, but decided against that plan because of the rapid increase of construction costs.

UT System sets aside merit pay, commercialization funds

The University of Texas System Board of Regents has set aside $15 million to incentivize outstanding teaching and commercialization efforts. The measure was instituted to enhance merit among the UT System schools following discussions by system leaders.

To recognize outstanding faculty members, $10 million has been set aside in the 2009 budget, and $5 million will be allocated to a research commercialization center at The University of Texas at Austin. Regent Chairman H. Scott Caven Jr. (pictured) said the board recognizes "our responsibility to help foster excellence at UT institutions" and that he believes these initiatives will strengthen that commitment.

Echoing Caven's comments, UT System Interim Chancellor Dr. Kenneth I. Shine said these measures "illustrate our system's unwavering commitment to elevate the scholastic environment at our institutions and to remain on the cutting edge of research."

Industrial Development Corp. asked to fund study

The New Braunfels Industrial Development Corporation has been asked to throw in $95,000 in funding for a proposed study of the downtown area's economic potential. The study would outline the city center's market potential and propose future development.

What construction crunch? Government building
on record-setting pace

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

The nation's housing market may be at "crisis" level, but construction is booming for government entities.

The U.S. Census Bureau reports that governments (federal, state and local) will spend a record $300 billion on construction this year. Increasing populations drive the need for more schools, more transportation infrastructure and even more academic buildings for higher education.

Those billions of dollars translate to all types of contracting opportunities as well as an increase in jobs.

On the government infrastructure front, the Federal Aviation Administration division of the U.S. Department of Transportation recently announced millions of dollars in grant funds to airports throughout the country.

Copperas Cove approves $25.5 million bond election

Copperas Cove City Council recently approved a $25.5 million bond election for Nov. 4 to allow voters to decide whether to authorize debt for a police station, two bypasses and road reconstruction.

Council members also authorized the hiring of a new police officer and a risk manager/management analyst for one year. The risk manager/management analyst will report to the city manager's office and assume some finance and human resources duties relating to liability and safety. Councilman Mark Peterson (pictured) said ensuring public safety is the prime priority for council members.

Brazos Transit System to receive $335,000 grant

The Brazos Transit System recently received a $335,000 federal grant to improve the transit system in Angelina County. Brazos Transit also operates in Cleveland, Nacogdoches and Bryan/College Station.

The grant will pay for repairing buses, updating the system and possibly providing drivers with a pay raise, said T.H. Wilson, Sr. who manages Jennings Station in Angelina County. Brazos Transit System serves several hundred riders per day and that number is increasing with higher gas prices, Wilson said. Texas received more than $30 million in funding for transit systems. Of that $30 million total, $11.6 million was awarded to small, urban transit systems, such as Brazos Transit.

Galveston County to call
for $135 million bond issue

Galveston County commissioners are expected to call for an election in November to ask voters to approve $135 million in bonds to pay for improvements to county roads, facilities and drainage projects.

The bond proposal will include $50-$75 million in road improvements and $44-$45 million for facilities, said Galveston County Commissioner Stephen Holmes (pictured). The proposal includes renovation of a former retail facility in Texas City to house county offices, including health district employees. The proposal also calls for improvements to the county animal shelter. Holmes said he expects commissioners to vote on the bond proposal on Mon., Aug. 25.

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.

Dr. Eduardo J. Sanchez, M.D., had a family medicine practice in Austin from 1992 to 2001, serving as health authority and chief medical officer for the Austin-Travis County Health and Human Services Department from 1994 to 1998. That was followed by service as the Commissioner of the Texas Department of Health from 2001 to 2004. In 2004, he was named commissioner of the newly formed Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) and left that post to become director of the Institute for Health Policy at The University of Texas School of Public Health. He is currently the vice president and chief medical officer for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas.

William C. "Bill" Levin, M.D. graduated from the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston in 1941. After completing his internship and residency, he returned to UTMB in 1944 as an instructor in Internal Medicine. He then held a number of titles at UTMB, including director of the hematology division and clinical research center. In 1974, he was named president of UTMB, a position he held until 1987. He continued to teach in the Department of Internal Medicine until 1992. He is currently president emeritus of UTMB.

Labor Department awards $7.4M hurricane grant

The U.S. Department of Labor recently awarded a $7.4 million grant to help Texas clean up the mess made by Hurricane Dolly. The grant, which was awarded to the Texas Workforce Commission, will provide temporary jobs to an estimated 475 people to clean up damage from the hurricane.

Aransas, Bexar, Brooks, Calhoun, Cameron, Hidalgo, Jim Wells, Kenedy, Kleberg, Nueces, Refugio, San Patricio, Starr, Victoria and Willacy counties are eligible for the grant. It will be used for the cleanup, demolition, repair, renovation and reconstruction of public structures, facilities and lands within affected communities. The grant also will be used to provide retraining services for Texans who cannot return to work and humanitarian assistance to disaster victims. Of the total $7.4 million grant, $2.45 million initially will be released, with the balance released as the state demonstrates a continued need for disaster assistance.

Midland County approves $22M November election

Midland County Commissioners recently approved placing a $22 million bond election on the Nov. 4 ballot to pay for a jail expansion.

If approved, the bonds will fund construction to add more than 8,300 square feet for four housing units and to upgrade the kitchen, laundry and medical facilities of the county jail. The plans also call for energy-efficient materials to help reduce utility bills. The jail expansion is needed, said county officials, to ease overcrowding that began in 2004.

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 Manuel Diotte.

Manuel "Manny" Diotte is one of the America's most compelling motivational and inspirational speakers and a world renowned author. He keynotes conventions, conferences, annual meetings, workshops and seminars and can customize his speech to any speaking event. Diotte has developed unique programs exclusively designed to help America's top organizations achieve breakthrough results in record-breaking time. His program is content-rich, interactive and will challenge participants to re-think their market and people strategy. He addresses leadership, customer service, team building and self-improvement, all with a dynamic, interactive, engaging and humorous style. Participants in Diotte's program will discuss strategies to increase sales, profit and market share, identify the qualities of top teams, learn how to avoid the top hiring mistakes, reduce employee turnover, fix revenue links, grow people and sales, build a foundation for the unexpected and more.

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.

Austin group gets $70K
for computer refurbishing

The Austin Partners in Education group recently received a $70,000 grant from Intel Corp. to continue with development of a computer refurbishing program at Burnet Middle School.

Last year the high tech firm donated more than 450 computers to Austin Partners in Education for recycling, which led to the Austin Independent School District pilot program to teach computer refurbishing. The Andy Roddick Foundation also provided support to Austin Partners in Education. The goal is to provide 1,000 computers a year to AISD and train students for future technology careers.

Royce City suspends
Philippi as city manager

The Royse City Council recently voted to remove City Manager Karen Philippi from her position. The vote to place Philippi on five days suspension before removing her from the position followed another vote for approval for city officials to seek a line of credit because of a budget shortfall of more than $1 million.

SPI adds John Breier as newest senior consultant

John Breier (pictured) has joined Strategic Partnerships, Inc., full-time as a senior consultant, and brings years of experience in local government, business development and marketing to the SPI team. Breier has spent the last 10 years in management of chambers of commerce and economic development organizations, most recently as president and CEO of the Midland Chamber of Commerce for the last five years. Prior to his service in Midland, Breier was vice president for economic development at the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce for two years and president and CEO of the Beaumont Chamber of Commerce for three years.

Breier took a short break from local government and quasi-government work in 1998 to serve in state government as director of the Business Development Division of the then-Texas Department of Economic Development.

Weatherford agrees on six city improvement projects

In discussions on its proposed city budget, the Weatherford City Council agreed on six projects to include in the general capital projects fund. The projects are the Town Creek Trail, Marshall Park, Holland Lake Road, Washington Drive, a new signal and construction of a new public works service center.

All of the projects can be completed in one year if council approves the funds, said Robert Hanna, the assistant city manager. Citing the fact that some construction and materials costs have risen by as much as 28 percent since 2002, he said there is value in moving forward rather than delaying projects, as he expects prices to continue to increase. Hanna also noticed that the list was not final and subject to change until the budget is adopted.

El Paso receives $565,000 grant for fire department

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security recently awarded a $565,000 grant to the El Paso Fire Department to support its duties as first responders. The grant will be used for training and support operations as well as to buy firefighter safety and rescue equipment.

Floresville receives $1M grant for community college

The U.S. Department of Commerce recently awarded a $1 million grant to the Early College Technology Center to help students of the Floresville Independent School District earn a high school diploma and an associate's degree at the same time. The Early College Technology Center is a proposed satellite campus of the Alamo Community College. The campus also would offer community college courses to all students in the evening.

Funds from the grant will be used to buy equipment needed to educate students in nursing, aerospace engineering, computer programming and networking, said Superintendent David Vinson (pictured). The program is slated to begin in January 2010.

Wall to be new director
of TAMU center

Cindy Wall, an associate division director of the Texas Engineering Extension Service, was recently selected to serve as the executive director of the Texas Center for Applied Technology.

A division of the Texas Engineering Experiment Station under the umbrella of the Texas A&M System, the center focuses on issues related to industry outsourcing of research, military privatizing of major components and the growing role of homeland security.

Sugar Land to ask voters
to approve center

Sugar Land City Council recently agreed to ask voters to authorize funding for a new entertainment center to be built on 52 acres next to the University of Houston-Sugar Land.

If approved by voters, it would consist of a minor league baseball stadium, a concert hall, festival site and cultural arts center, similar to such facilities in Frisco and Grand Prairie. On Nov. 4, voters will be asked to decide on proposals to expand the Sugar Land Development Corporation sale tax and to adopt three new venue taxes, a ticket tax, a parking tax within the district, and increasing the citywide hotel occupancy tax from 7 percent to 9 percent to pay for the proposed entertainment complex.

UT-Brownsville School of Education names new dean

Dr. Miguel A. Escotet (pictured) has been named dean of The University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College's School of Education. Citing today's global education needs, Escotet said he hopes to expand the school's reach into regions throughout Mexico, South America and the Caribbean. Escotet's resume includes tenure at Florida International University, and he has been a visiting professor at Fort Lewis College in Colorado and The Pennsylvania State University in State College, Pa.

Escotet, a native of Spain, earned a professional and research degree at Javeriana University in Bogota, Colombia. He holds a master's degree from The University of Texas at Austin and a doctoral degree from the University of Nebraska.

Hallsville ISD purchases
land for new school

Trustees for the Hallsville Independent School District recently approved the purchase of 91.6 acres of land at a cost of $1.6 million as a site for its new high school. The land is located northeast of the intersection of Cider Lane and Cal Young Road.

Comanche selected for $150,000 state grant

The city of Comanche recently was awarded a $150,000 grant to improve infrastructure in the downtown area.

The grant will be used to rehabilitate several buildings, some dating back to 1870, that were damaged from storm-water run-off. The Texas Capital Fund awarded the grant. The Texas Capital Fund is part of the federal Community Development Block Grant Program that awards about $10 million annually to assist small, rural cities and counties with improvements.

UT Medical Branch receives $2.05 million grant

Researchers at the University of Texas Medical Branch recently won a $2.05 million, five-year grant from the National Institute of Aging. The grant will be used to determine whether regular aerobic exercise and dietary supplements can help people older than 65 preserve muscle mass and function, said Dr. Elana Volpi (pictured), a professor of in the department of internal medical and principal investigator for the grant. The study will be the first long-term investigation into whether nutritional supplements and aerobic exercise actually benefits normal, but sedentary older people, Volpi said.

Earlier studies at UTMB that involved short-term, acute intervention suggested that both aerobic exercise and essential amino acid supplements can produce good results and that combining the two may yield an even better outcome.

Recent Reports

• Sunset Staff Report on Texas Residential Construction Commission
• Sunset Staff Report on Texas Commmission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education
• Sunset Staff Report on Texas Commission on Fire Protection
• Sunset Staff Report on Credit Union Department
• Department of Aging and Disability Services presentation to House Select Committee on Services for Individuals Eligible for Intermediate Care Facility Services, Aug. 22
• REVISION to An Audit Report on Pharmacy Benefit Manager Contracts at Selected State Agencies and Higher Education Institutions
• A Classification Study of Exempt Positions
• An Audit Report on the Single Family Mortgage Revenue Bond Program at the Department of Housing and Community Affairs
• '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

• SPI "Selling to Government" training workshop
• 5th annual Tee IT Up Texas golf tournament
• CONSEC 2008
• Executive Women in Texas Government 22nd Annual Professional Development Conference
• 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 - 8/15/08

Carthage ISD approves $15 million bond election

Trustees for Carthage Independent School District recently authorized a $15 million bond proposal to be added to the Nov. 4 ballot.

Funds from the proposed bonds, if approved, would be used to purchase new buses, technology upgrades, new furniture and a new softball dressing room. Bond funds would also provide $3 million for improvements to Carthage High School and $1.2 million for a new football stadium, said Superintendent Glenn Hambrick.

Montgomery wins grant for network database

Montgomery County recently received a $300,000 grant from the Governor's Division of Emergency Management to develop an information-sharing network on personnel, resources and equipment for the Houston region for use in emergencies.

The project will manage information on resources available for Houston as well as Harris, Montgomery, Fort Bend, Galveston and Brazoria counties that can be used during disasters to meet the specific needs of each area, said Randy McDaniel (pictured) the emergency management coordinator for Montgomery County. The goal is to develop a system where an emergency worker is able to swipe a card at a disaster site, be identified with the correct areas of expertise and be issued credentials to go to work. The database will be helpful to emergency responders in Montgomery County as well as provide a one-stop shop for other areas of the state seeking help with emergencies, he said.

Governor's apppointments

Governor Rick Perry has made the following appointments:

• James R. Matz of Harlingen, Coastal Coordination Council
• Bob McCan of Victoria, Coastal Coordination Council

Snyder ISD schedules $27.6 bond election in November

Trustees for the Snyder Independent School District recently approved calling a $27.5 million bond proposal to renovate Snyder High School and build a new athletic facility. If approved, the bonds would pay for renovations to the choir hall, the band hall and Worsham Auditorium, including new or refurbished seats, a new catwalks, roof repairs, ceiling and lighting repairs, upgrading the sound system and improvements to the lobby and restrooms.

The new athletic facility will include a new weight room, field house, practice gyms, restrooms, press boxes and grandstands on both sides of the existing stadium if voters approve the bonds. The proposal also includes plans to add 250 new parking spaces around the high school.

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.

Conroe to expand and improve two city parks

The Conroe City Council recently approved two agreements that will enlarge two city parks, Roberson Park and Carl Barton Jr. Park, as well as add new facilities such as playing fields, picnic tables, a new pavilion and new restrooms. The agreement calls for the city to sell 9.66 acres on the edge of Carl Barton Jr. Park for residential development and to accept a donation of a four-acre tract that allow a second entrance into the park. Plans call for the city to add a pavilion, play structure, restrooms, picnic tables, soccer fields and baseball fields to the park.

Robinson Park, a 1.6-acre neighborhood park, will double in size and get a basketball goal, play structure and picnic table. The city bought an adjoining 1.75-acre site for $50,000 to expand the park. Construction is expected to begin in the summer of 2009.

Corpus Christi recommends $193M school bond

The 41-member Citizens' Advisory Committee recently recommended that Corpus Christi Independent School District seek a $193 million bond in November 2008 or May 2009.

The committee, appointed by school trustees, has met since April to consider options to address shifts in the district's demographics and facility needs. Superintendent Scott Eliff said trustees are expected to make a decision at their Aug. 25 meeting on whether to call for a November election.

Austin County authorizes $6M bond election for Nov. 4

Austin County Commissioners recently approved a $6 million bond election primarily to improve county roads to be placed on the Nov. 4 ballot.

Increased traffic on the roads requires that the improvements include building a base to prepare the road and providing adequate drainage with culverts before pouring blacktop, said County Judge Carolyn Bilski. It is not as simple as just pouring asphalt of top of the existing roads that were built 30 years ago to carry only five or six cars a day, she added.

Hallsville seeks $250,000 grant for lift station

Mayor Charles Dawson (pictured) is encouraging Hallsville residents to support the city in its application for a $250,000 grant to build a new lift station to handle growth.

The city is applying with the Office of Rural Community Affairs for a Texas Community Development Block Grant for the grant.

City of Alice appoints
new city manager

The City of Alice has appointed Raymond De Los Santos as city manager. The one-year contract comes with an annual salary of $83,000 and a six-month severance package option. De Los Santos received an honorable discharge from the Air Force in 2002. After graduating from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi in 2004, he worked in the Department of Public Safety Crime Lab in Corpus Christi and as a field representative for a U.S. congressman.

De Los Santos will replace Hector Hinojosa, who is serving as interim city manager after Albert Uresti did not seek renewal of his contract.

Hurst approves $12 million for new conference center

Hurst City Council members recently approved issuing $12 million in certificates of obligation to pay for a 46,500-square-foot conference center that will be a part of the revitalized Town Center. The remaining $300 million cost of the Town Center project will be funded primarily by private investors. Construction on the conference center is expected to begin in fall 2009. The Town Center is a mix of restaurants, retail and hotels.

Council members also approved $4 million in certificates of obligations to pay for water, sewer, street and drainage projects.

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 thousands of readers each week. Interested in details, call Patti Maugham at 512-531-3900 or click here.

Plano to break ground on new $7.3 million project

Plano city council members recently approved a $7.3 million contract for the 800-acre Oak Point Park and Nature Preserve, which will become the city's largest park. Phase three includes a 276-space parking lot, a concrete trail to connect at several points, three pedestrian bridges, a restroom building, pavilion, tree planting, irrigation, erosion control and newly established native grasses.

City Manager Tom Muehlenbeck (pictured) said the new park will become the crown jewel of parks in Plano and could easily become a regional attraction. This phase of the project should be completed in fall 2009. City officials hope to include funds to build a visitors center with many environmental and energy friendly features included in the next bond program. The park, which hosts an annual balloon festival, includes seating for 1,000 people on terraces and limestone retaining walls, permanent sound and lights, a roofed structure, restrooms and a production control room.

Criminal Justice Division allocates nearly $21 million

The Governor's Criminal Justice Division (CJD) has distributed more than $20.9 million to 179 crime-victim programs throughout the state. The funds are awarded under the federal Victims of Crime Act Fund (VOCA) according to the governor's victim restoration strategy. The grants are awarded to help victims of child abuse, sexual assault and other crimes reach full mental, emotional and physical health.

CJD allocates $113 million in state and federal grants annually to support criminal and juvenile justice systems and victim restoration efforts throughout the state. For an entire list of allocations, click here.

National Science Foundation awards $600,000 to Trinity

Trinity University recently won a $600,000 grant from the National Science Foundation to provide financial aid to 44 students planning to major in science or technology.

The grants are part of NSF's Financial Aid for Science and Technology Program to encourage more students to study biology, chemistry, computer science, engineering, geosciences, mathematics and physics. Each recipient of the student grant program will receive up to $4,600 per academic year to offset need-based loans. The grants will begin in fall 2009 and continue through Dec. 2012.

Haskell ISD names
interim superintendent

Haskell Independent School District has named David Hutton its interim superintendent and has started a search to find a permanent replacement.

Hutton will replace James "Buck" Gilcrease, who left to head Hillsboro school district. Hutton's administration resume includes a stint as Menard's superintendent. In his new role, he will review and revise communication and administrative policy for the district as he deems necessary.

Midland postpones city manager decision

The Midland City Council recently postponed for one week a discussion regarding a new city manager. Mayor Wes Perry blamed the delay on the need to have all council members present for the important vote.

The discussion and a vote on the new city manager most likely will occur on Aug. 25, Perry said. While city council met and interviewed five candidates for the position, only one of the candidates, Courtney Sharp, currently city manager in Mount Pleasant, was requested to return to Midland for a second visit to meet with city staff and citizens.

Rusk County seeks state grants to replace bridges

Rusk County officials are seeking grants from the Texas Department of Transportation to replace two wooden county bridges considered to be hazardous. The Murvaul Bayou Branch Bridge on CR 3127 is funded with a planned letting date of March 2010, said Larry Krantz of the Tyler District Office of TxDOT. The second bridge is not yet fully funded and has no scheduled let date, Krantz said. The cost of replacing one of the bridges is estimated to be $428,400, with a local match of $42,840 required.

The grants would come from TxDOT's Unified Transportation Program that provides assistance to counties to repair or replace old bridges on county roads.

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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.

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SPI hosts 'Selling to Government' training workshop

Strategic Partnerships, Inc., announces its Austin "Selling to Government" workshop, which provides training for public sector sales executives. The event will be Sept. 16 at the Renaissance Hotel. The training is the same that SPI's corporate training team has delivered to Fortune 100 companies across the country, but features an expanded curriculum as well as an opportunity for one-on-one interaction with seasoned public sector decision-makers including former elected officials, CFOs, city managers, mayors and government executives. Facilitators will provide numerous best practices for increasing revenues in the government marketplace and will offer real-time assistance regarding current public sector sales obstacles participants may be facing. For more details, click here, or contact Patti Maugham at (512) 531-3900 or pmaugham@spartnerships.com. For a registration form, click here.

SGMP planning September meeting at Chez Zee

The Lone Star Chapter of the Society of Government Meeting Professionals will meet from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 11, at Chez Zee Restaurant at 5406 Balcones Drive in Austin. Joyce Sparks, CMP, Governor's Center for Management Development, will be the guest speaker and address the skills and knowledge one needs to be successful in their organization. The meeting will begin with a networking reception. Non-members may attend the first meeting free. On the second visit, government planner members and non-members pay $5, contract planners pay $5 and suppliers pay $20. The chapter offers educational programs, a newsletter, community service activities and leadership opportunities and it fosters communication and understanding between planners and suppliers. A government planner is a federal, state or local government employee who has the responsibility for planning or implementing any type of meeting, conference or convention as part of his or her official duties. Employees of private organizations, a majority of whose membership is comprised of government employees, may also qualify as government planners if they plan and implement meetings as part of their official duties. To RSVP click here.

6th Biennial Legislative Communications Conference set

The 6th Biennial Legislative Communications Conference is slated for Oct. 7 at The Commons of the the J.J. Pickle Research Center. The conference will feature several panels of government officials, legislators, policy wonks and others who will provide information relative to the upcoming 81st session of the Texas Legislature. The event is hosted by Strategic Partnerships, Inc. and The University of Texas at Austin Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs, and is a "must attend" event for anyone with an interest in the legislature and the workings of state government. To view the draft agenda for the event, click here. To register, click here.

TML's annual conference, exhibition slated Oct. 28-31

"Texas Cities - Innovation Meets Progress" is the mantra for the upcoming Texas Municipal League 96th Annual Conference and Exhibition. The event is set for Oct. 28-31 at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio. The event kicks off with registration on Oct. 28 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday will feature the TML Board of Directors meeting, the Exhibit Hall grand opening and the opening General Session and presentation of awards. Tours of the San Antonio River Improvements Project and the San Antonio Emergency Operations Center highlight the Thursday agenda, along with a luncheon keynote speaker by "Freedom Writer" Manuel Scott. Friday features a Women in Government breakfast, a downtown San Antonio tour via Segway and a delegate luncheon with keynote speaker "attitude kicker" Sam Glenn. Concurrent sessions will be held throughout the conference addressing issues such as energy conservation, workforce development, leadership, media relations, several legislative topics and more. For more information and registration forms, click here. There is a discount for early registration and a discount for online registration.

Tee IT Up Texas government IT tourney set Oct. 24

The Fifth Annual Tee IT Up Texas! Texas government IT customer appreciation golf tournament is set for Friday, Oct. 24, at the Lions Municipal Golf Course in Austin. Check-in and lunch will begin at 11:30 a.m. A shotgun start will begin at 1 p.m. and the awards ceremony is slated for 6 p.m. The format is a four-person scramble with awards to the first and second place teams and individual contest winners for longest drive and closest pin. Door prizes also are available. IT vendors doing business with Texas public sector IT customers are encouraged to register a four-member team consisting of at least two government players. Registration is limited to the first 30 paid teams. Registration deadline is Oct. 10. For more information, click here. To register, click here.

Executive Women in Texas Government set conference

The Executive Women in Texas Government 22nd annual Professional Development Conference will be Monday, Nov. 24, at the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort in Lost Pines, Texas. Hailed as a meeting of "ideas, solutions and connections," this year's event will feature keynote speakers Dr. Tina Dupree (AKA as the Chicken Lady) and Major General K.C. McClain, Commander Air Force Personnel Center, Randolph Air Force Base, Texas, and workshops relating to development of executive level management skills, expanding leadership capabilities and networking and mentoring. The event will begin with a 7 a.m. registration. The first keynote speaker will be heard during the opening general session at 8:30 a.m. followed by two morning workshops and breaks for exhibits and networking. The EWTG Woman of the Year presentation will be made during lunch, with another afternoon workshop on tap and the closing general session and second keynote speech at 3:15 p.m. Sponsorships are available and exhibitors are also being accepted. For more information on the conference and registration, click here.

CONSEC 2008 event set in Austin Sept. 22-25

CONSEC 2008 is slated for Monday through Thursday, Sept. 22-25, at the J.J. Pickle Center in Austin. This year's event centers around "Risk Management and Business Continuance: Achieving Success." The first day of the event will feature a "fireside chat" with Professor Howard A. Schmidt, President and CEO of R&H Security Consulting LLC and former White House Cyber Security Advisor. Day two is a one-day forum for executives and senior management while day three features speakers on emergency crisis communication, planning for pandemic and life lessons in information security. The final day will feature a variety of workshops. To view the brochure with the event agenda, click here. To register, click here.

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 expecting presentations on issues such as innovative uses for GIS, alternative GIS environments, budget GIS projects, Web-based GIS advancements, GIS or remote sensing for emergency response, etc.