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Texas rush hour traffic among nation's worstDallas, Houston, Austin tops for wasted hours in traffic jams
Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston and Austin topped the list of Texas cities for the wasted hours drivers spend in traffic jams, according to a national study released this week.
Overall, traffic congestion in Texas is no worse than in other states, according to the authors of the 2007 Urban Mobility Report by the Texas Transportation Institute at Texas A&M University. "For almost all urban areas...there was more delay, more wasted fuel and higher congestion cost in 2005," David Schrank (right), a research engineer who co-authored the study with fellow researcher Tim Lomax (left), said in the report. "Congestion is worse in urban areas of all sizes." [more]Comptroller posts proposed franchise tax rules
Expected to be adopted in December, proposed rules that will implement changes in the state's franchise tax have been published in the Texas Register, according to State Comptroller Susan Combs (pictured). Combs said it is "important for all franchise taxpayers, especially those who will be required to report franchise tax for the first time, to review these proposed rules." As a result of changes by the Texas Legislature in 2006, the tax base and tax rate for the franchise tax was changed and goes into effect Jan. 1, 2008, meaning some 200,000 additional entities will now have to file franchise tax reports. The first major filing report will be May 15, 2008. Combs said based on new formulas and discounts, entities with total revenue of $434,782 or less and entities that calculate they owe less than $1,000 in franchise tax will not be required to pay the tax, but will still have to file a report. The new tax is expected to generate more than $3 billion per year in revenue to help subsidize local school property tax relief. To view the proposed rules, click here. Strategic Partnerships salutes Texas' Lone Stars
This week's salute is to Raette Smith Hearne, Director, Agency Administration, Texas Comptroller of Public AccountsCareer highlights and education: BBA - University of North Texas; MBA - University of Texas at the Permian Basin; Governor's Center for Management Development. Ten years banking; communications director for a nonprofit; 23 years of city and state government. What I like best about my job is: the uniqueness of each day - no day is ever the same nor is it ever mundane. Advice I would give a new hire in my office: Learn the core functions of the agency to determine how best to derive efficiencies within your scope of responsibility. If I ever snuck out of work early, I could probably be found: volunteering with the local cancer organizations. People would be surprised to know that I: absolutely hate shopping. Book, magazine or newspaper article I've read recently that really influenced my thinking: Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World. Each week, the Texas Government Insider profiles a key government executive or decision-maker. If you would like to suggest a "Lone Star," please email us at editor@spartnerships.com. Anti-toll road activist sues state over ad campaignToll road objector Terry Hall has filed a lawsuit in state court to stop the Texas Department of Transportation's (TxDOT) multimillion-dollar campaign promoting toll roads and the Trans-Texas Corridor. Hall, representing the San Antonio Toll Party and Texans Uniting for Reform and Freedom asserts that the "Keep Texas Moving" campaign violates a law prohibiting state officials from using their influence for political purposes. The lawsuit also seeks to block transportation officials from lobbying Congress for more tolling, such as a proposal to toll on interstates. The state maintains that TxDOT is well within its legal rights in promoting toll roads and that the agency has an obligation to educate Texans about its projects. The agency will reportedly spend $7-$9 million in state highway funds on the campaign and other promotional efforts, including training officials for talk radio appearances. A filing by the state attorney general on behalf of Steven Simmons, interim executive director of TxDOT, and Coby Chase, director of the agency's government and public affairs division, asks the court to deny Hall's claim and dismiss her petition. A hearing is scheduled for Monday. Smitherman reappointed to another term at PUC
Barry Smitherman (pictured) was reappointed last week by Gov. Rick Perry to the three-member Texas Public Utility Commission (PUC). Smitherman, a former Harris County assistant district attorney, has been a commissioner since 2004. His new term expires Sept. 1, 2013. He holds a bachelor's degree from Texas A&M University, a law degree from The University of Texas at Austin and a master's in public administration from Harvard University. Texas medical facilities receive $34 million awardA group of Texas medical facilities has received a $34 million, five-year federal award designed to expedite the process of turning new biological discoveries into patient treatments. The award was given by the National Institutes of Health and is one of 12 given to medical centers throughout the country. The funds will be used for support training on conducting clinical research for doctors, PhDs, nurse, pharmacists and bioengineers. Currently, these and other healthcare professionals with promising ideas have to traverse the path from discovery to cure on their own without the necessary assistance from other professionals with clinical expertise. The award avails clinical researchers in Texas access to peers throughout the country working on similar research. Collaborating institutions to benefit from the federal funding include the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Texas A&M Health Science Center's Baylor College of Dentistry, UT Austin School of Nursing, University of North Texas Health Science Center in Fort Worth, Texas Tech School of Pharmacy in Dallas, UT Dallas School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, UT Health Science Center at Houston's School of Public Health's regional campus in Dallas and the Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science at UT-Dallas. TxDOT litter program targets elementary students
Superheroes have been enlisted to warn Texas school children about the evils of littering. These animated, litter-fighting characters are part of a Don't Mess With Texas pilot program targeting elementary children in five markets: Austin, Lubbock, McAllen, Midland-Odessa and Tyler-Longview. The Texas Department of Transportation campaign announced Wednesday consists of animated television ads, a new Web site and outreach with the superhero mascots. The Texas "Litter Force" characters include Hawk, the group's leader; Ultra, a modern-day Super Girl; Bolt, who can hear litter hit the ground from miles away; and K-900, the group's loyal companion who is half-bulldog, half-robot. Their foes include Chipinator, a chip bag who leads the group; Madam Gum, who tosses gum wads on the ground; Pop Top, who fires tabs that grow into new cans; and Ciggy Butts, the biggest outcast, who sends out ashes. "It's easier to prevent a behavior than change one," said Doris Howdeshell, travel division director for the agency. "If we start young, we believe we can prevent kids from ever taking up the littering habit. Our ultimate goal is for Texas to raise a generation of non-litterers." The anti-litter outreach team will visit one or two school districts in each pilot market starting in October. Perry Reappoints Kalafut to Texas Medical Board
Gov. Rick Perry reappointed Dr. Roberta M. Kalafut (pictured) of Abilene to the Texas Medical Board and as presiding officer. Kalafut, a physician, is a member of the Texas Osteopathic Medical Association, the Texas Medical Association and the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Kalafut received her bachelor's degree from Youngstown State University and her medical degree from the Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine. Texas Lottery transfers $1 billion to school fund
A sixth consecutive year of growth in the amount of transfers from the Texas Lottery to the Foundation School Fund was marked this week when lottery officials said the FY 2007 transfer amounted to $1.031 billion. The figure is up from $1.029 billion for FY 2006. "Since Fiscal Year 1998, Texas Lottery proceeds have been dedicated to the Foundation School Fund, which supports public education," said Texas Lottery Commission Executive Director Anthony J. Sadberry (pictured). Sadberry said that not only is this the sixth year for an increase in the transfer amount, but it is also the fourth year proceeds from lottery sales have exceeded $1 billion. While lottery sales for FY 2007 totaled $3.774 billion, the agency paid out $188 million in commissions and more than $4 million in bonuses to lottery retailers. Texas Lottery players received more than $2.3 billion in prizes during the year. Governor appoints State Board of Public AccountancyGov. Rick Perry last week made five appointments to the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy, naming Coalter Baker of Austin as presiding officer. The board regulates public accountants and administers the certified public accountant exam in Texas. Other appointees include Carlos Barrera of Brownsville; Catherine Rodewald of Dallas; David King of San Antonio; and John Steinberg of Marion. TCEQ seeks nominations for environmental awards
The state's highest environmental achievement awards, the 2008 Texas Environmental Excellence Awards, will be presented April 30, 2008, and officials of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) are currently taking nominations for award winners. This is the 15th year for the awards program, which recognizes projects in Texas that significantly reduce waste, prevent pollution and conserve natural resources. It is open to individuals, communities, companies and organizations. "This year we're recognizing the hometown heroes who work tirelessly to tackle environmental challenges," said Buddy Garcia (pictured), chairman of the TCEQ. Nominations should be in one of the following 10 categories: Agriculture, Civic/Nonprofit, Education, Government, Individual, Innovative Technology, Large Business/Nontechnical, Large Business/Technical, Small Business and Youth. Deadline for submitting nominations is Oct. 19. For more information on criteria or to apply online, click here, or contact Dana Macomb, TEEA awards coordinator, at 512-239-4745. Promotions cited at University of Texas at El PasoThe University of Texas at El Paso recently announced the hiring and promotions of the following employees:
Harry Meeuwsen (top right) has been named Director of the Center for Effective Training and Learning. Meeuwsen, a professor of kinesiology, has served as chairman of the Department of Kinesiology and as Interim Dean of the College of Health Sciences. He received a master's degree in physical education from the University of New Hampshire and a doctoral degree in physical education from Louisiana State University. Ken Pierce (top left) has been appointed the university's first Chief Information Officer. Pierce has served as Director of Information Technology since 2004 and has been involved in product development for high-tech startup companies. He has a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Houston and a master's degree in information technology from Capella University.
Armida Ruiz-Martinez (bottom left) is the new Assistant Director for Employee Benefits and Wellness. Ruiz-Martinez has held positions with the University of Phoenix, Texas Tech Health Sciences Center and the U.S. Department of Defense. She earned a master's degree in human resource development from Webster University and a bachelor's degree in business management from the University of Phoenix. Craig Westman (bottom right) has been named Associate Vice Provost for Enrollment Management. He has held positions in enrollment, admissions and recruitment at Ferris State University in Big Rapids, Mich., and in the registrar's office at Florida State University in Tallahassee. He earned his bachelor's and master's degrees in British literature from Florida Atlantic University and his Ph.D. in American literature and humanities from Florida State University. SBOE to honor volunteers across stateFifteen mentors, community and PTA members were honored today by the State Board of Education (SBOE) for their volunteer contributions to Texas public schools. Recognized from each of the SBOE districts at the 13th annual "Heroes for Children" event in Austin were: Flor Rap-Gentry, District One; Benny C. Martinez, District Two; Helen Ballew, District Three; Teresa Gallagher-Bell, District Four; Aline Patterson, District Five; Maura R. Murto, District Six; Barrie Hogue, District Seven; Julie Ribsby, District Eight; Michael D. Roe, District Nine; Sandra Sands, District 10; Charles Alexnader III, District 11; Kim Tillery, District 12; Curtis Liggins, District 13; Barbara Weatherford, District 14; and Andy Justus, District 15. Fort Worth nurses reporting medical intelligence
Fort Worth's school nurses are doing their part to protect students from bioterrorism. Working with the Tarrant County Health Department, Fort Worth ISD nurses are monitoring and reporting all respiratory diseases and illnesses discovered on their watch. The nurses are part of an early warning system that would alert health officials of a bioterrorism attack, such as the release of anthrax spores. With the help of a Department of Homeland Security database, health officials can now access countywide medical information to help detect early signs of respiratory illnesses. The program tracks the age, sex and symptoms of each patient visiting a Tarrant County emergency room. The program eventually will chart activity at doctors' offices and pharmacies. However, the program will not track patients' personal information. San Antonio establishes new bond program department
San Antonio City Manager Sheryl Sculley (pictured) recently created the Capital Improvements Management Services Department, a new department to oversee the city's $500 million bond program. She has appointed Michael S. Frisbie to oversee the department's operations. Frisbie will manage all phases of the design, construction and inspection of the 2007-2012 bond program approved in May by San Antonio voters. His new duties begin Sept. 23. Frisbie has more than 20 years engineering experience. He moved to San Antonio after working as the municipal and traffic engineering manager for a San Francisco-based national engineering design services firm. He holds a bachelor's degree in city engineering from the University of Wyoming. D-FW programs receive federal fundingSeveral Dallas-Fort Worth programs will share in about $7.2 million in federal grants awarded last week from the U.S. Department of Justice. The University of North Texas Health Science Center received $800,000 to develop and deliver a curriculum for two regional missing persons training seminars. The City of Fort Worth received $750,000 for a program that helps increase victim safety in domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking cases. The Arlington Police Department received $480,436 for numerous crime prevention programs. The Generations Center in Dallas was awarded $272,110 for a program that educates the community about methamphetamine abuse. Safehaven of Tarrant County received $255,000 for transitional housing. Texas police departments secure federal grants
The San Antonio and Houston police departments last week received $6 million grants and the Austin Police Department was awarded a $4.79 million grant as part of a U.S. Department of Justice effort to improve public safety communications technology and fight crime. San Antonio and Houston will use the funds to purchase new public radio systems. Austin Police Chief Art Acevedo (pictured) said the funds will help his department more efficiently utilize its resources. The grants were awarded by the Justice Department's Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) office. The three police departments were among 37 law enforcement agencies nationwide that applied for the federal funding. Friendswood planning $1.8 million animal shelterA $1.8 million animal shelter is in the works for the city of Friendswood that not only will feature a new building, but also a one-acre tract of open space for large animals. The city will either have to take the issue before citizens as a bond referendum or pay for it out of reserve funds. Either way, construction on the first phase of the facility is expected to begin in 2009, with a completion date expected by 2020. City officials note that as the human population has increased in the area, so has the need for a bigger facility to deal with the increasing number of shelter animals. Galveston could be first to finish highway project
County Judge Jim Yarbrough (pictured) said Galveston County could be first to complete this type of partnership project as the FM 646 project was being planned by the state before legislation approving the "pass through" funding was approved. The environmental assessment was already completed and the project could begin as early as next spring. The project that would have taken up to 10-12 years if on the state's "to do" list now could only take six years or less. Yarbrough said he is confident that traffic counts to determine usage on the road will assure reimbursement for the bond amount the county will sell. Denton's green firehouse applaudedDenton city officials this week unveiled the city's newest fire station and its first "green" building to the applause of residents and community leaders. The $3.4 million station was built using recycled construction materials and features natural lighting, a 22,000-gallon rainwater harvesting system and a geothermal well system for heating and cooling. Building green added about $225,000 to the construction cost, but city leaders expect to see long-term savings through reduced energy expenses. Builders also designed the station as a healthier environment for firefighters, using paints, adhesives and sealants with reduced chemical emissions. SFA's Pattillo named to two education committees
Stephen F. Austin State University President Dr. Baker Pattillo (pictured) has been named to committees for two statewide education organizations. Pattillo will serve as a member of the executive committee of the Texas International Education Consortium, an organization of 32 Texas public universities that develops, coordinates and conducts international education programs. The SFA president also has been named to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board's General Academic Infrastructure Formula Study Committee. This committee is a subcommittee of the THEC's Formula Advisory Committee. With nearly three-fourths of all funds appropriated to Texas public institutions of higher education allocated through funding formulas, the Formula Advisory Committee reviews those formulas and makes recommendations to the legislature. The General Academic Infrastructure Formula Study Committee on which Pattillo serves includes other specialists, such as higher education business officers and physical plant administrators. Hinojosa wants Senate study of South Texas levees
State Sen. Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa (pictured) of McAllen, has requested that the Texas Senate study construction and funding options to rebuild the structurally flawed Rio Grande Valley's levee system before a catastrophic flooding event occurs along the Texas-Mexico border. "We saw the flood waters take New Orleans and history tells us that it is only a matter of time before we get hit," Hinojosa said. The U.S. section of the International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC) has decertified the levees because they are incapable of withstanding a major flooding event. Whether the Valley levees will be the subject of Senate scrutiny will be known in a few months when Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst announces major state policy issues to be examined in a series of hearings in preparation for the next legislative session in January 2009. UT College of Education named for $1 million grant
A $1 million grant from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board has been awarded to The University of Texas at Austin's College of Education to put in place a research center that will explore critical education issues throughout the state. Dr. Ruben Olivarez (pictured), director of the Superintendency Program, will be the lead investigator for the collaborative effort, which includes three UT campuses - Austin, San Antonio and Pan American, along with Texas State University - San Marcos. The one-year grant will fund 13 projects related to curriculum and instruction programs, teacher preparation, school finance and resource allocation and academic achievement. "This is a unique opportunity for scholars to conduct education improvement research, present their findings to key policymakers and positively influence decisions made on important education issues," said Olivarez. UT-Tyler hires architect for Palestine campus
The University of Texas at Tyler is moving forward with its plans for a Palestine campus, as officials have hired an architect for the project, according to Gregg Lassen (pictured), UT-Tyler vice president for business affairs. The program phase of the project is being finalized with the architect, with the resulting designs to include the new building and a master plan for future development on the campus. The master plan will include identifying potential building sites, landscaping, lighting, parking and more. Construction on the new building is expected to be completed in the summer of 2010. Drug smuggling operations using fake TxDOT trucksTexas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) employees have been put on alert after a truck in East Texas bearing a Texas Department of Transportation logo was stopped and found to be carrying 1,000 pounds of marijuana. Investigators believe drug smugglers are using fake TxDOT trucks to move drugs throughout Texas. Texas law enforcement officials have been urged by TxDOT officials to stop any TxDOT vehicle at any time, as TxDOT employees have been warned to expect to be pulled over. UT-Dallas announces emergency alert system
When it comes to alerting students, faculty and staff to emergencies, the University of Texas at Dallas believes two is better than one. UT-Dallas recently announced a new cell phone emergency alert system which will supplement the current services put in place last year. The existing service is a commercial offering also used by student organizations, sports teams and clubs. "We believe both systems are valuable communication tools," said UT-Dallas President David E. Daniel (pictured). "The redundancy provided by having two systems is reassuring." The new system will be used only in emergency situations to advise those on campus of emergencies that would ask them to take shelter where they are or advise regarding weather closings, evacuations and lockdowns. The service not only can be directed to cell phones, but also to email addresses. Bexar County names Tafolla interim sheriff
Bexar County Chief Deputy Rolando Tafolla (pictured) has been named the county's interim sheriff, to replace former Sheriff Ralph Lopez, who resigned earlier this month. Tafolla was one of five candidates for the position, and will fill out the remainder of Lopez's unexpired term. Tafolla, a 25-year member of the San Antonio Police Department before joining the county, will serve until the General Election in 2008. He holds an associate degree from San Antonio College and a bachelor's degree from Texas State University. Tafolla has been with the Bexar County Sheriff's Office since 1993. Kyle approves hospital development dealThe Kyle City Council Tuesday approved a $48 million incentive package, the city's largest to date, for the construction of a new hospital and shopping center. The Seton Family of Hospitals and Austin-based SCC Development Co. expect to receive a total of $54 million in government subsidies for building a 210-bed hospital, two medical office buildings and a shopping center in Kyle. The city is contributing most of the subsidy, $48.2 million over 20 years, by rebating the development's sales tax revenues and reimbursing developers for infrastructure costs. Hays County is expected to contribute more than $6 million in incentives, including rebating one-third of the development's sales tax revenue for 15 years. The commissioners court will vote on the agreement in the next three weeks. The Hays school district also has committed $400,000 for street improvements near the development and several schools. Before the project breaks ground, Seton's board still has to approve the deal. The city agreement requires Seton to meet several targets, including completing a 100-bed hospital and maintaining a payroll of at least 250 full-time employees by the end of 2012. In the following years, Seton must maintain a payroll of at least $10 million. The hospital will eventually have 210 beds. The development company must begin road construction by June 2008 to receive city subsidies, according to the agreement. Houston professors receive medical awards
Two Houston-area medical professors have been honored with the 2007 National Institute of Health (NIH) Director's New Innovator Award. Twenty-nine recipients across the nation this week received the five-year, $1.5 million grant as part of the award that is reserved for new investigators who have not received a NIH grant. Dr. Kjersti Aagaard-Tillery (right), an assistant professor of maternal-fetal medicine at the Baylor College of Medicine, will use the grant to continue her studies into how maternal obesity affects the health of fetuses and predisposes them to develop obesity and related diseases as they mature. Dr. Pedro Fernandez-Funez (left), an assistant professor of neurology at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, will study the biology of prion proteins, which cause neurodegenerative disorders. Collin College to open Higher Education Center
Collin College is preparing to open a Higher Education Center in McKinney that will, by 2010, allow college students to remain in their home county to work on their bachelor's and master's degrees. The center will partner with other four-year institutions of higher education to offer upper-level degree programs. Already signed on as partners are the University of Texas at Dallas, Texas A&M University-Commerce, Southern Methodist University, Texas A&M University-College Station, Texas Woman's University, Texas Tech University, Baylor University and the University of North Texas. Collin College President Dr. Cary Israel (pictured) said bachelor's and master's degrees in such fields as education, business, engineering, nursing and liberal arts will be offered. The goal is to make higher education more accessible and more affordable, he said. Collin College officials also expect a law school and medical center to be part of the center. The program would be the first of its kind in Texas. El Paso medical school makes leadership change
In a leadership change, Dr. Robert Suskind (right), founding dean of the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center at El Paso, has been replaced in that position by Vice Dean Dr. Jose Manual de la Rosa (left). Suskind had served only nine months and took the job in El Paso after overseeing the accreditation efforts at Chicago Medical School. The El Paso school is looking at a fall 2009 opening date and national accreditation board members are expected to visit the campus in two months. De la Rosa has been serving as vice dean of extramural affairs, and is said to be familiar with the accreditation process. New vice president for research appointed at UNT
As the new vice president for research at the University of North Texas (UNT), Vishwanathah "Vish" Prasad (pictured) said he plans to build UNT into one of the nation's leading research universities. University President Dr. Gretchen Bataille Tuesday announced Prasad's appointment to the research position vacated two years ago with the resignation of T. Lloyd Chestnut. Prasad was selected by a 15-member panel following a six-month-long national search. Prasad, currently serving as executive dean of the College of Engineering and Computing at Florida International University (FIU), will begin his new duties Oct. 22. Prasad joined FIU as the dean and distinguished professor of engineering in 2001, and was elevated to the position of executive dean in 2005. Previously, he served as associate dean for research and graduate studies and leading professor of engineering at Stony Brook University - State University of New York, associate professor of mechanical engineering at Columbia University, visiting assistant professor of mechanical engineering at Clemson University and lecturer in mechanical engineering at Patna University in India. Prasad earned a bachelor's degree from Patna University in India, a master's from the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, and a doctorate from the University of Delaware. Comptroller distributes $447 million sales tax payments
Texas Comptroller Susan Combs this week distributed $447.3 million in September sales tax payments to local governments, a 10.4 percent increase compared to a year ago. So far this calendar year, local sales tax allocations are up 7 percent compared to the same period in 2006. Combs sent September sales tax allocations of $302.9 million to Texas cities, up 9.1 percent compared to September 2006. Texas counties received September allocations of $27.3 million, an increase of 12.1 percent over last year. To view sales tax allocations by city, click here. To view allocations by county, click here. Land board delays sale of West Texas mountainsThe Texas School Land Board Tuesday rejected all six of the bids for the 9,200-acre Christmas Mountains in West Texas. Because of a mistake in the published map of the sale area, the land board delayed the sale until November. The board will initiate a new bid process for the tract near Big Bend National Park. Conservation groups have opposed the sale, maintaining the land was donated to the state for protection and public use. Top bidders said they would restrict public access to the land. HISD backing down on amount of its bond needs
Amid a host of complaints, the Houston ISD has revised downward the amount of its upcoming school bond election. Previously announced as an $805 million issue, school officials are now working to pare down the amount. The reductions in the bond amount were realized by renovating instead of replacing numerous campuses and some schools will be consolidated. While the Greater Houston Partnership has in the past supported HISD bond proposals, President Jeff Mosley (pictured) said the organization will not take a stand either way until HISD officials address the concerns of the community. Mosley said there is nothing that "can't be resolved" relative to the spending proposal. San Angelo looking at big construction yearConstruction business will be booming next year in the San Angelo area, as the city, Angelo State University and a local military base begin construction projects that total millions of dollars. The projects are not all just building, but also include parks, water and sewer, roads and highways. More activities at Goodfellow Air Force Base and Angelo State have numerous building projects while the airport, fire department and SAISD have replacement and repair projects on their agenda. More inmates than beds in Houston County Jail
Houston County officials are facing some hard decisions regarding the county jail following word from the Texas Commission on Jail Standards that the jail is overcrowded. While the sheriff is considering renting bed space from other counties to accommodate the overflow, other county officials are discussing either an expansion or replacement of the current jail facility. County Judge Lonnie Hunt (pictured) said the county is exploring all its options, but preliminary figures show expansion of the current jail would cost approximately $8 million and the cost for rebuilding the jail would be approximately $13 million. Hunt said the commissioner's court is looking not only at meeting the needs of the jail today, but also in the future. Because the existing jail was built with certificates of obligation, a bond vote would not be necessary to fund the project. Baylor awarded grant to aid lymphoma researchBaylor College of Medicine has received an $11.5 million grant from the National Cancer Institute to research new ways to fight lymphoma and a form of chronic leukemia. The school will work with other Houston institutions including The Methodist Hospital, Texas Children's Hospital, Ben Taub General Hospital and the Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Irving officials moving forward alone on complex
The proposed Las Colinas entertainment complex in Irving is moving forward, but the city has decided to drop its relations with a group of developers and instead go it alone. Part of the project, an entertainment center and convention center, is already on the drawing board and expected to open in 2009. City officials see both as a way of increasing tourism and conventions in the area and offering more entertainment possibilities for residents. Mayor Herbert Gears (pictured) said a number of other development partners are ready to discuss the proposal with city officials. A vote in November will allow city residents to decide if they want a tax imposed to help pay for the entertainment complex. City officials are considering a vehicle tax for those who use the center, a ticket tax that will not exceed 10 percent of the price of admission and a hotel room tax not to exceed 2 percent. Get your free copy of the Texas Government InsiderThe Texas Government Insider is a free weekly newsletter. If you are not a subscriber, or if you would like to sign up your friends or co-workers to receive a free copy, click here. |
CCG looks for less expensive, creative ways
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Renewable Energy Roundup, Green Fair slatedThe 8th annual Renewable Energy Roundup and Green Living Fair is slated for Friday through Sunday, Sept. 28-30, in downtown Fredericksburg. With major funding from the State Energy Conservation Office and other corporate sponsors, the event features exhibits, demonstrations, workshops, live music, a natural organic food cafe and children's learning activities. Speakers will include Steve Diver, an organic growing specialist; Rick Piltz, the Washington whistle-blower on climate change research; and Greg Pahl, journalist and author. More than 50 other expert speakers will be on hand as well. To view the schedule of events, click here. For more details, click here. BioTexas Summit slated Sept. 24-25 in AustinThe fourth annual BioTexas Summit, co-sponsored by the University of Texas Medical Branch and the Texas Healthcare and Bioscience Institute, will be held Monday and Tuesday, Sept. 24 and 25, at the Sheraton Austin Hotel. This year's summit, Vaccines and Global Health Issues: All You Never Wanted to Know about Vaccines and How One Could Change Your Life, will be highlighted by keynote addresses by Billy Tauzin, president and CEO of Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA), and Mauro Ferrari, professor at the Brown Institute of Molecular Medicine and chair of the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston. Registration for the summit ends on Thursday, Sept. 20. The focus of this year's summit is vaccine development and global health and it will also feature panel discussions. To view the agenda, click here. To register, click here. Executive Women in Texas Government sets conferenceCommissioner Hope Andrade of the Texas Transportation Commission and Claudia Stravato, executive director of Planned Parenthood of Amarillo and the Texas Panhandle, will be keynote speakers for the upcoming Executive Women in Texas Government 21st Annual Professional Development Conference. The conference will be from 7:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 19, at the Renaissance Austin Hotel. During lunch, attendees will hear from businesswoman Linda Larsen on "The 7 Principles of Powerful Persuasion: Mastering the Art of Getting to 'Yes!'" Other activities during the conference will include a silent auction, more than two-dozen exhibits and numerous networking opportunities. Proceeds from the silent auction will benefit the EWTG scholarship program. There also will be some 30 workshops that will provide participants with opportunities for hands-on learning and development of leadership skills for multiple career levels. The 2007 Woman of the Year presentation and reception will begin at 3:30 p.m. The conference is open to all professionals and is designed for those who work in Texas government at all levels or those in affiliated organizations that support the purposes of EWTG. For more information, click here. To register, click here. E-records conference offered in OctoberThose hoping to reach up to 300 Texas government officials involved in the management of electronic records and compliance can exhibit at the annual e-Records Conference on Oct. 30, 2007 at the Pickle Center in Austin. Hosted by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission and the Department of Information Resources, this one-day event provides an opportunity to meet staff from Texas agencies and universities who may be interested in content and records management products and services. The cost to exhibit is $350. The agenda focuses on implementing a program for effectively managing electronic records, including e-mail, instant messaging, wikis and blogs. The featured speaker is Jesse Wilkins, who has worked in the document industry for 12 years as a vendor, user and consultant. He has worked with public and private sector clients to develop strategies, design processes and implement systems to manage electronic records, e-mail and collaboration tools more effectively. For more information and to register, click here. |
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Rush hour traffic congestion in Texas' larger metro areas ranks among the worst in the United States and, as every impatient driver will confirm, it's only getting worse.
The report calculated a staggering human and dollar toll for time the nation's drivers spend idling in traffic. The average rush-hour driver spent an extra 38 hours of travel time and consumed an extra 26 gallons of gasoline for a total cost of $710 due to congestion in 2005.
Although there are numerous highway projects throughout the state that are using the new "pass through" method of financing, Galveston County could lay claim to being the first in the state to complete such a project.
County officials are working on a $50 million project to widen a portion of FM 646 in the county. By using the "pass through" method, the county puts up the money for the project and is then reimbursed by the state based on the number of vehicles that use the roadway.
