County gains $2.56 million from TDHCA
By SHARON KERR Staff Writer

The Jasper County Commissioners Court returned from Austin Nov. 8 with good news for Jasper County: approval for $2.56 million dollars for restoration of critical infrastructure.

The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs held their board meeting in the Capitol to consider requests from eight counties along with 16 cities and towns. The 24 applications totaled $70+ million; $22.2 million was to be awarded.

Each group was capped at a maximum of $5 million per request, which is why cities like Beaumont elected to file requests separately from Jefferson County. The committee based approval by assigning a point value to various projects. "(Grant writer) David Waxman's office was key in helping us select projects that put our point value high on the list," said County Judge Mark Allen.

Before the competitive awards bidding process began, money was set aside for Hardin County and Bridge City.

Jasper was the last of five to be approved for funds. Requests approved were Jefferson County, $4,750,000; Tyler County, $4,994,540; Lumberton, $5 million; Silsbee, $4,895,000; Jasper, $2,560,460 (leaving $2,239,540 unfunded).

Newton County requested $4,954,371 and was next in line, but received nothing. Port Arthur, sixth, and Beaumont, seventh in line were also left out. Allen explained that in the event that those first in line do not complete some of their projects, "de-obligated funds" may filter down to Jasper and possibly to Newton.

The TDHCA report stated, "During Hurricane Rita, Jasper County experienced 150-160 mph winds that blew down many trees and utility poles county wide. Southern Jasper County sustained the worst damage.

"Most federal, state, and local roadway and drainage systems were blocked or partially obstructed by the numerous fallen trees. Since Hurricane Rita, the remaining debris has continued to deteriorate bridges and drainage structures county-wide.

"The debris has also slowed the flow of subsequent rainwater and caused flooding in areas that have not flooded in the past."

Jasper's original request for $5 million to repair seven bridges and debris removal will have to be scaled back. The next step will be for commissioners to meet with engineers and re-prioritize the project list based on reduced funding. Then projects will then go out for bids.

"It's a process," Precinct 3 Commissioner Willie Stark said, "and it will take some time."

Precinct 4 Commissioner Vance Moss said, "We'll take worst areas and start from there."