San Jacinto County News - Breakout

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By Tony Farkas
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SHEPHERD — The Shepherd City Council discussed a possible new housing development for the city which will be built using new technology.

City Secretary Debra Hagler said Greg and Alan Biddle have a housing development in its beginning stages, and plan to start with 16 homes to be used for rental property.

The two will use a different type of construction using a 3D printer that creates items from cement.

Currently, the developers are trying to get drainage approved and doing required studies necessary for permitting. The development will be located near the intersection of Bird and Hallelujah streets.

In other business, the council:

•purchased two vehicles for the Police Department for $51,000 to be paid from ARPA funds;

•accepted resignation of part-time librarian Crystale Thompson, and will advertise for a replacement;

•discussed but took no action on a request to extend the right-of-way on North Railroad Avenue;

•discussed but took no action on a request to place a manufactured home on North Hill Street;

•denied a request for special dispensation on a permit request from LaShonda Carr;

•approved a correction to an ordinance regarding the Police Department; and

•approved shingle replacement and refurbishing of the gazebo and stage at the city park.

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SJNT staff

COLDSPRING — Residents and business owners in the Coldspring community came together on Wednesday in support of the county’s law enforcement officers.

A luncheon was provided at the Coldspring Community Building, donated by Joe’s Italian Restaurant, and donations for the event were used to purchase gift certificates, which were drawn by the officers.

Also, the officers were given prayer books and Rtic travel mugs, and of course, dessert.

Additionally, the San Jacinto County Commissioners Court proclaimed the week of May 14-20 as National Law Enforcement Week during the court’s Wednesday meeting.

Businesses offering donations for those that put their lives on the line every day include:

Joe’s Italian Restaurant, Freddy’s Auto Repair, Eastex Title Co., People’s State Bank, Good Promotions, Oh Taste and See Bakehouse, Brookshire Brothers, McClain’s Food Market, Arizpe Family, Elite Treats, Ductwork Depot, Rainbow Road LLC, Coldspring Community Center, First Sip Coffee House, A+ Donuts, Coldspring Creamery, Kingwood Signs, San Jacinto County Republican Party, Bank of San Jacinto, Somebody Cares Ministry, Trinity River Food Bank and Texan Physical Therapy.

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By Tony Farkas
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COLDSPRING — A proposal for sidewalks and bike paths has garnered a lot of public support, so City Council members plan to take the first steps and submit a grant application.

Mayor John Benestante said that a lot of people came in support of the matter during an open house and at a special council meeting on May 9, so the information has been sent to the city’s grant administrator.

On March 31, the city of Coldspring was invited to submit three applications to The Texas Department of Transportation’s Transportation Alternatives Set-aside Program, which grants funds for locally sponsored bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure projects.

The projects are being designed to create more accessible conduits for pedestrian movement throughout the community, to enhance connectivity, and to promote alternative transportation for non-motorized travelers.

The proposed projects will provide nonmotorized transportation opportunities and accessibility throughout the community, creating a pedestrian network that connects the junior high school, high school, public library, City Hall, and numerous local businesses with the historic downtown area.

TxDOT announced a statewide Call for Projects for TA Program funding in November 2022. The TA program provides funding to plan for and construct a variety of alternative transportation projects that improve safety and mobility for non-motorized travelers and mitigate congestion by providing safe alternatives to motor transport.

The department will select projects for recommendation to the Texas Transportation Commission for current TA funds under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, totaling approximately $250 million (from both the available FY 2022-FY2023 and anticipated FY 2024-FY 2025 federal appropriations).

In other business, the council:

•discussed the Juneteenth Parade put on by the Friends of Hopewell Inc. and event insurance requirements;

•discussed a dilapidated shopping center purchase and cleanup, but took no action;

•discussed a tow company’s plan to lease land to enter a business;

•discussed instituting a system of business permits.

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By Tony Farkas
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COLDSPRING — Funds for a Hurricane Harvey Recovery Buyout Program have not yet been released, meaning there are no funds available to purchase homes that were damaged in the deluge.

At the San Jacinto County Commissioners Court meeting on Wednesday, Tyler Smith of GrantWorks said that his prediction of having the funds at this time fell flat, and funds to buy the homes submitted to the program are not yet available.

Smith said the paperwork reviewal process took longer than expected.

According the General Land Office, the funds should be released by May 28, and then GrantWorks will begin scheduling closings, starting with the most vocal people first, he said.

“Everything is ready to go; we just need the money,” Smith said.

In other business, the county:

•approved a contract with Polk County Landfill, in which the fuel surcharge went up 10 percent, but the flat fee per dump was changed to tonnage, which could save money;

•approved the disbursement of $449,973 in ARPA funds for various road projects;

•proclaimed May 14-20 as National Law Enforcement Week;

•approved the annual materials bid from Adams Contracting for road materials at $27 per ton, but will rebid contracted services since the only bid came in without a name;

•approved Sam Pierce as a reserve deputy with the Precinct 2 Constable’s Office;

•approved a depository bank contract with People’s State Bank;

•approved the disbursement of $82,351.69 budgeted for the Emergency Services District following the required advertising time of 45 days; and

•discussed the necessary expenses for the Innovation Center, which will include recurring costs such as cleaning and utilities, estimated at $29,817 annually, as well as furnishing the building, which is estimated to be $72,451.