County to lose some GLO grant subsidies

Contractors pours cement for the parking lot of the Innovation Center on Friday morning. Courtesy photo by Mark Wood

By Tony Farkas
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COLDSPRING — Because of a drop in applications, San Jacinto County will lose some grant funding from the Texas General Land Office for purchasing property damaged during Hurricane Harvey.

The County Commissioners Court on Friday approved an amendment to a contract with the GLO at its regular meeting.

County Judge Fritz Faulkner said the county was awarded $11 million for recovery, and after a push by the GLO, 111 applications were received. After doing due diligence on the applications, many dropped out, and the county has a little more than 40 applications.

County officials asked for an extension in the application process; however, when the GLO looked at the information, it was determined the county would never spend the full $11 million, but $8.8 million only, which includes demolition, Faulkner said.

The GLO wanted to revise the contract and put the funds back into the grant pool.

“The request came from the GLO, not us,” Faulkner said. “They won’t release funds until contracts are signed, and cannot get more applicants since the deadline has passed.”

Commissioner Mark Nettuno said the county was giving back $2.9 million; Commissioner David Brandon added that the county can’t reapply for returned money.

In other business, the court:

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•approved another $10,000 for overtime for jailers until positions are filled;

•approved the purchase of software which will link certain county offices;

•proclaimed Feb. 23 and Deputy Constable Neil Adams Day;

•accepted the resignation of Precinct 4 Constable Alvin Wyatt;

•appointed Precinct 4 Deputy Constable Brian Cosme as constable to replace Wyatt;

•approved a memorandum of understanding with the Shepherd Police Department for communications;

•approved designating county equipment as salvage;

•approved a lot split for 60 acres in the Berry Beasley Survey for the Allen Estate; and

•approved an agreement with the Texas Division of Emergency Management for office space.