Jobs in Kendleton and West Fort Bend County

The Houston Business Journal covers it here. You can read some background about the intermodal site in Kendleton here. Once this project is complete, I expect that there could be 5,000 jobs on this 750 acres. That is exciting.

A PROBLEM IN PRECINCT 1

"Feral hogs root up $400 million per year in damages"

The Fort Bend Star has more. The money quote is:

With a gestation cycle of only 114 days, there can be three litters a year, fourt to eight pigs per litter. Do the math.

Do the math indeed.

THE BIG TIME

I was quoted in the Fort Worth Star Telegram. Commissioner Meyers and I traveled to Austin last week to the Texas Transportation Commission to try and reverse a proposed policy that was really going to hurt Fort Bend County.

The County put in a pass-through application with TxDoT for funding for the extention of FM 1093. We basically had a deal with TxDoT when they went back and changed the rules. The proposed change put the whole project at risk and could have cost the county $4 - $8 million. Commissioner Meyers and I went to see if we could talk the Transportation Commission into changing its position.

The money quote:

We've played by the law. Now you guys changed the rules and put this project in jeopardy," Fort Bend County Commissioner Richard Morrison told Transportation Department officials. "I'm here to ask TxDOT to honor their end of the agreement."

It must have worked, the Commission agreed our suggestion was reasonable and adopted the Fort Bend's version on Tuesday, June 8. The trip to Austin was worth it and it save Fort Bend taxpayers between $4 - $8 million. I would like to thank the Commission for listening to our concerns and changing their minds.

PRECINCT 1 MUD AND LID INFO

I get asked all of the time, "who are my MUD officers, who are my LID officers?" So I've posted all of Precinct 1's MUD and LID officers on my Fort Bend County website. Here is the link.

WATCH OUT FOR THIS

This is a very bad idea.

HELPFUL INFORMATION

I was asked a question the other day about how the County spends taxpayer money. The auditor sent me these two pie charts. I think they are helpful.

GOOD NEWS FOR NORTH RICHMOND AND FORT BEND COUNTY

Construction has begun on the 24,000 square foot Mamie George Community Center in Fort Bend County, near the intersection of Collins Road and Clay Road. Completion is scheduled for Fall 2010.

The Mamie George Community Center and other Catholic Charities sites will provide much needed services to Fort Bend County's low income residents, particularly seniors. The center will support service delivery to an average of 400 people per day.


This will be great for our folks in North Richmond. Learn more at www.catholiccharities.org.

FRESHWATER SUPPLY DISTRICT NO. 1

The folks in Fresno and Arcola have been trying to get fresh water to drink for a long time. To their credit, they set up the Freshwater Supply District and have constructed a water supply system to deliver their water. The only problem is that their funds are limited and the work can only proceed in sections.



The County is urging our Congressmen to help the District to secure funding under the Corps of Engineers' "New Starts" program to speed the deliver of drinking water to Fresno and Arcola. I hope it works.

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.