JUSTICE CENTER SHOPS

Calling all merchants and lawyers. This small retail development is planned for Williams Way just south of the new Fort Bend Justice Center. I see a great spot for a law office, a restaurant, and a copy service. The overview is below.



Make your best lease today before its all gone.

THE TUNNEL

"ANYTHING COULD HAPPEN"

As many of you know I have been voicing my concerns about this year's budget. The official process begins again on January 27. Here is what is happening in Williamson County (a county similar to Fort Bend).

Williamson County appraiser Alvin Lankford told county commissioners Tuesday because of a decline in overall new housing and commercial construction the county could possibly lose 3 percent, or $1 billion, worth of taxable value for the 2010-11 fiscal year budget. “Right now these are approximate numbers and they could change,” Mr. Lankford said. “Anything could happen.”

I'll keep you posted.

Bob's Tacos

My friend Bob Alanis over at Bob's Taco Station is finally getting the recognition he deserves. He'll be on "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives" on January 18th. Go here to learn more.

FORT BEND'S HISTORIC COURTHOUSE

I know many people see the outside of Fort Bend's courthouse in Richmond, Texas. Here is a great shot of the historic courtroom that now houses the 240th Judicial District Court of Texas.

The Chronicle has more pictures here. Merry Christmas, happy holidays and happy new year.

TRANSPORTATION ENHANCEMENT FUNDS

Precinct 1 has put in an application for TxDOT Transportation Enhancement Funds to approve the intersection at FM 762 and US 59. "The Herald" has more here. This is a competitive/discretionary program, so we may not be awarded the money.

This will be a good project if I can raise the funds to make the 20% match (provided we receive the grant). I'll keep everyone posted as to how it goes. We should hear about it by July of next year.

WELL RECEIVED

The "Fort Bend Herald" was at the meeting last night. Here is what they had to say. I'd like to thank all of the folks that attended and everyone that helped.

I recently returned from Washington, DC where I garnered support for the project from Senators Hutchinson and Cornyn as well as Congressman Olson. I am especially grateful to Congressman Olson and his staff for the help that they offered.

The project’s funding, in part, is dependant on the TIGER Grant Application submitted by the our office. The announcement of the awards under the TIGER Grant will be in the first week of February, 2010. Please call or write our elected officials in Washington, DC and thank them for their help and ask for their continued support.

CONGRESSMAN PETE OLSON
1650 Highway 6, Suite 150
Sugar Land, TX 77478
Phone: (281) 494-2690
Fax: (281) 494-2649

SENATOR KAY BAILEY HUTCHISON
1919 Smith Street
Suite 800
Houston, Texas 77002
713-653-3456
713-209-3459 (FAX)

SENATOR JOHN CORNYN
5300 Memorial Drive
Suite 980
Houston, TX 77007
Main: 713-572-3337
Fax: 713-572-3777

If you have and questions about the above project, call me at 281-344-9400.

Update. Here is the Chronicle's take.