2005 Archives

2004 Archives

2003 Archives

Friday               April 1, 2005

Port of Houston Authority

United States Senator John Cornyn and U.S. Representative Michael McCaul on Thursday announced their commitment to support legislation aimed at increasing funding for port security. The legislators were joined by Port of Houston Authority Chair Jim Edmonds, U.S. Attorney Mike Shelby, U.S. Coast Guard Captain Richard M. Kaser, Harris County Judge Robert Eckels, and executives from PHA and the ports of Galveston, Freeport and Texas City. Photo

Cornyn said that he is preparing to introduce legislation that is expected to require the Department of Homeland Security to allocate grants based on risk, require funding to meet “essential capabilities” by reducing vulnerability to attack and diminishing the consequences by effective response, require states to quickly pass on federal funds to where they are needed and address the “small state minimum” issue.

“I applaud the efforts of Senator Cornyn to refine the funding process to make sure that resources are allocated to the ports where the risk is the greatest,” Edmonds said.  “It is the best way to get the job done and benefit the citizens who depend on our nation’s key ports.”

The participants agreed that protecting America’s ports is critical to U.S. economic growth and vitality. 

"Ports handle 95 percent of overseas cargo, enable the deployment of our military, and serve as departure points for millions of cruise passengers," said a PHA news release.  "The U.S. Coast Guard estimates that a one-month closure of a major port such as Houston would cost the national economy $60 billion.  Additionally, Houston’s port is home to one of the world’s largest petrochemical complexes. The industry along the Houston Ship Channel is valued at more than $15 billion and is essential to the nation’s energy needs."

"It's important that Homeland Security dollars be allocated on the basis of a risk assessment,” Cornyn said.  “Taxpayer dollars should be directed where they can do the most good – to best protect locations, such as the Port of Houston, that are under the most risk, and if attacked, would have the most detrimental effect on our economy and our nation."

“It is time that the port receive federal funding equal to the importance of Houston," McCaul agreed.  "I am currently working with my colleagues in the house to pass an initiative for risk-based funding that will help make the Port of Houston more secure.”

“Cooperation at the local, state and federal levels is essential to protect not only the port, but the area that surrounds it," added Harris County Judge Robert Eckels.  "I commend Senator Cornyn’s efforts to provide the resources needed to protect this vital center of our economy.”

The U.S. Coast Guard has estimated that ports will have to spend $5.4 billion over ten years to meet newly mandated security enhancements.  That is on top of the more than $3 billion that ports already spend annually on infrastructure improvements and operations, maintenance and personnel expenses just to keep pace with burgeoning world trade.

Houston competes against other ports and also private terminals for security grants from the Department of Homeland Security.  To date, the PHA has been awarded a total of $16.7 million dollars in federal port security grants.

"Since 2002, more than a half a billion dollars in federal funds have been allocated in the first four rounds of the port security grant program," said the news release.  "This accounted for approximately one-sixth of what seaports have identified as necessary."

A fifth round of grants totaling $150 million dollars is pending.

Print Version

League City Politics

The three candidates for mayor of League City have a diversity of opinions on whether a new city administrator should be appointed now, or after the May 7 election.  The three mayoral candidates, as well as the candidates for city council, were the featured guests at today's meeting of Clear Creek Republican Women.  Listen  Download

"The city administrator works for the mayor, by charter, that's by law; it is his appointment to make," said Pat Hallisey, a former mayor of League City.  "I think one month away where there are potentially three who could be the mayor, we have an interim city administrator who is not going anywhere, even if there is a runoff, the department heads that are still there in place and are started on the budget; and I think the mayor is wise not to appoint."

"The city administrator works for the people of the City of League City, directed by the mayor," said Keith Dill, who currently sits on the city council and supports the application of Chuck Pinto, who currently is New Braunfels’ city manager.  "We have an excellent candidate for our city administrator position."

"I think that the issue of the city administrator is another issue that comes down to leadership," said Jerry Shults, who said he will accept the will of the current city council.  "I have enough confidence that if a majority of the council have interviewed an individual and feel strongly about that individual, I'm not sure that I have a position, even if I were mayor, to step in and derail the process."

Photos and a recording of the comments of all of the candidates will be posted on The Online News Station. 

Print Version

Nassau Bay Communications Division

On Monday, the Nassau Bay Communications Division will cease to exist and all public safety communications will be handled through a new joint communications center located at the Webster Police Department.

"This transition has come about due to tough decision making and strategy planning by city officials over the past several months," said Police Chief Ron Wrobleski.  "Durng the city's budget planning last year, city officials tasked the city staff to develop innovative cost saving ideas."

Wrobleski said the new operation will save the city $250,000 per year through salary savings and other cost efficiencies.  He stressed that police officers and the Nassau Bay Volunteer Fire Department will continue to serve the city as they currently do.

Print Version

City of Houston

Houston Mayor Bill White today joined U.S. House Majority Leader Tom DeLay and Police Chief Harold Hurtt in detailing a comprehensive plan to better manage traffic incidents on Houston roadways.

"We're putting in place a lot of tools, from synchronizing traffic lights, to SafeClear and MAP and now this new technology to help us make the city's streets safer and the traffic flow more smoothly," White said.  "It's the most cost-effective money we can spend. We spend hundreds of millions of dollars on construction to move traffic just a little bit faster. With these programs we get a lot more bang for the buck."

White also thanked DeLay for helping secure a nearly $3 million grant to fund the Traffic Incident Management Program.

The program, in its first phase, will focus on IH 10, the Katy Freeway, from downtown to the Grand Parkway and on US 59, the Southwest Freeway, from downtown to Highway 6.

Using helicopters equipped with real-time cameras, police motorcycle units, the Transtar center and other technology, the program will work to reduce the impact of traffic incidents on the freeways and on surrounding thoroughfares and major arterial roadways.

"This grant and the support of our elected officials will assist us in managing the ever-increasing traffic demands on our roadways while making them safer," said Hurtt.  "We must buttress traditional traffic enforcement methods with modern technology to address 21st century mobility demands."

Print Version

La Marque Independent School District

La Marque Independent School District has won Best of Show at the Texas City Arts Festival Student Juried Show. 

"We also won several other honors," said Public Information Officer Lora-Marie Bernard, in an email at publication deadline time.  "Organizers just informed us moments ago of the judges' decision."

Bernard said a news release will be published after all of the details are compiled.

Print Version

Galveston College

Galveston College President Dr. Elva Concha LeBlanc has been elected to a three year term on the 32-member board of directors of the American Association of Community Colleges. 

"Founded in 1920, the American Association of Community Colleges has over four decades become the leading proponent and the national voice for community colleges," said a news release.  "AACC’s membership represents close to 95 percent of all accredited U.S. two year community, junior and technical colleges and their 10.5 million students on over 1,600 campuses across the country."

Print Version

University of Texas Medical Branch

The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston is now taking appointments at its new Women’s Health Center off Interstate 45 at Bay Colony Town Center .  The community is invited to ribbon-cutting ceremonies from 4 to 6 p.m. on April 12.  

"Through the 9,980-square-foot facility, UTMB offers a full range of women’s services, including annual gynecologic screenings and general obstetrics," said a news release.  "The center also houses doctors who specialize in diagnosing and treating reproductive infertility, gynecologic cancer, incontinence, chronic pelvic pain and problems associated with menopause."  

The release notes that the opening of the Women’s Health Center marks an effort on the part of UTMB’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology to become more accessible to women in northern Galveston County . 

“This is a fast-growing community, and we want to provide more convenient service to our patients near Dickinson and League City ,” said Terri Gately, senior practice manager for the UTMB Women’s Health Center .  “We’ve designed this practice to provide an unparalleled level of care, while keeping in mind that a woman’s time is very valuable.”  

For more information, or to make an appointment, call (281)-534-6414; a website will soon be available.

Print Version

Texas A&M University at Galveston

The Texas A&M University at Galveston Big Event, a one day service project "which provides the students of Texas A&M an opportunity to say 'thank you' to the surrounding community for their continued support", is Saturday.  Photos and Release

More than 200 students are volunteering to help with projects on Galveston Island.  This year's projects include painting a local elderly person’s home, creating a walking trail in conjunction with Scenic Galveston, work at the animal shelter, painting at Mt. Zion Church, painting at the Children’s Crisis Center, replacing picket fences on historic properties and beach cleanup.

“This is a great opportunity for the students at Texas A&M University at Galveston to help out within the Galveston community,” stated Brian Newman, chair of the Big Event Committee.

Print Version

Lamar University

The Lamar University Small Business Development Center will celebrate two decades of service to the region by hosting an open house in its new facility at 850 Georgia at a reception hosted by Wells Fargo on the Lamar campus from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on April 13.

“We invite all the friends of the Lamar University Small Business Development Center to come help us celebrate our success and kick off another decade of service to Southeast Texas,” said center director Gene Arnold.   

Since it began operation in 1985, the SBDC has helped establish 1,711 new businesses creating 6,626 new jobs. It has presented 1,455 seminars and workshops with 28,599 attendees.  SBDC consultants have provided 26,785 free confidential counseling sessions to clients from Jefferson, Orange, Hardin, Jasper, Newton, and parts of Chambers counties. 

Most SBDC training sessions are free of charge, or may require only a nominal fee for materials. 

“The Small Business Development Center is vital to economic development for Southeast Texas,” Arnold said.  “It helps support the university’s mission as it contributes to the personal, career, and professional development needs of the region.” 

For more information about the open house or SBDC programs, contact Arnold at (409) 880-2367.

Print Version

212th District Court

Robert Kwok & Associates, LLP on Thursday filed the first known wrongful death intervention lawsuit in the Temporary Restraining Order proceedings already pending in Judge Susan Criss' 212th Judicial District Court in Galveston.

Robert Kwok said that he is representing Glenn Alexander, husband of Lorena "Lori" Cruz-Alexander, "arising from her wrongful death in the tragic BP explosion on March 23, 2005."

In a news release, Kwok said that Cruz-Alexander had resigned her job in the J.E. Merit office at the BP plant and this was to be her final week. 

"Remembered as outgoing and full of life, Cruz worked at the plant with her husband, Glenn Alexander," Kwok said.

"Criss previously granted a TRO filed by attorney Robert Ammons, limiting the scope of BP's investigation," Kwok's release said.  "Earlier this week, Judge Criss ordered BP to allow Plaintiffs' experts and Plaintiffs' lawyers access to the BP Plant, to participate in the BP investigation.  Originally, Judge Criss was to hear arguments by Mr. Kwok and Mr. Ammons about the Temporary Injunction, but just today, BP agreed to abide by the terms of the TRO without necessity of another hearing. The TRO will continue to confine and watchdog BP's investigation into the cause of the explosion."

Kwok said that he is excited to be at the forefront of the lawsuit. 

"The BP litigation is important on many levels, for the families, for Texas City and surrounding communities, and for the future of plant safety," Kwok said.  "A company like BP, with 2004 profits exceeding $15 Billion, must spare no expense and take all necessary precautions to ensure plant worker safety. We intend to find the true root cause of the blast and early evidence already indicates various acts of BP's negligence and gross negligence that caused the explosion and resulting injuries and deaths. Our trial team will continue to uncover evidence and report back as the lawsuit progresses."

Print Version

Texas Transportation Commission

The Texas Transportation Commission on Thursday awarded Williams Brothers Construction of Houston the eighth of nine major construction contracts associated with the reconstruction of the Katy Freeway.  The contract consists of the total reconstruction of 2.27 miles of I-10, from east of Eldridge to west of SH 6 and includes the construction of the new SH 6 mainlanes over I-10. 

The Texas Department of Transportation accepted bids for the work on March 8.  With a bid of $153 million, Williams Brothers Construction came in approximately eleven percent under the TxDOT estimate.  Work is scheduled to begin on the project in mid-April 2005.  

For more information on the Katy Freeway Reconstruction Program including up-to-date information regarding lane closures along the I-10 corridor, visit www.katyfreeway.org or call (281) 589-5924.

Print Version

Galveston Chamber of Commerce

Tickets are still available for Homelessness in Galveston, an interactive symposium luncheon and exhibit sponsored by the Galveston Chamber of Commerce from 11:00 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday, April 7 at the Galveston Island Convention Center at the San Luis Resort.

"This is an opportunity for dialogue with city and county officials, law enforcement and support agencies concerning plans to address chronic homelessness in Galveston," said Christy Benson, director of special projects for the chamber of commerce.  "Come early to visit with agencies that provide services for the homeless."

Tickets are $25 each and $30 for non-members, sponsorship tables of eight are $240.  Noon Monday is the deadline to purchase tickets by mail or in person at 519 25th Street; Galveston, TX; 77550; by phone at (409) 763-5326; by fax at (409) 763-8271; or Online at www.galvestonchamber.com. 

No tickets will be sold at the door.  Seating is limited to 500.

Print Version

Scheduled Meetings
Meetings will be held in the regular meeting place of the city council or other governmental body, unless otherwise specified.

Today, April 1
8:00 Daddy's Dying, Who's Got the Will, Strand Theatre, Galveston
8:00 Shakespeare’s Measure For Measure, Bay Area Harbour Playhouse located at 3803 Highway 3 in Dickinson
8:00 Morning Star, Main Street Theater in Rice Village, 2540 Times Boulevard in Houston
8:00 Bus Stop, College of the Mainland Community Theatre  

Saturday, April 2
Election Day - Dickinson ISD Bond Election
10:00 - 5:00 The Grand Kids Festival, Postoffice Street in Galveston
3:30 Community Informational Meeting with Congressman Ted Poe, Community Room adjacent to the Port Arthur Chamber of Commerce in the Lincoln Tower Building at 4749 Twin City Highway
8:00 Daddy's Dying, Who's Got the Will, Strand Theatre, Galveston
8:00 Shakespeare’s Measure For Measure, Bay Area Harbour Playhouse located at 3803 Highway 3 in Dickinson
8:00 Morning Star, Main Street Theater in Rice Village, 2540 Times Boulevard in Houston
8:00 Bus Stop, College of the Mainland Community Theatre
 
Sunday, April 3 
2:30 Daddy's Dying, Who's Got the Will, Strand Theatre, Galveston
2:30 Shakespeare’s Measure For Measure, Bay Area Harbour Playhouse located at 3803 Highway 3 in Dickinson
2:30 Bus Stop, College of the Mainland Community Theatre
3:00 Morning Star, Main Street Theater in Rice Village, 2540 Times Boulevard in Houston
 
Monday, April 4 
9:00 Galveston County Commissioners Court, Holbrook Building  
9:00 Galveston Livable Communities Steering Committee, City Hall Room 204
12:00 Galveston Impact Fee Advisory Committee, City Hall Room 204
1:30 Jefferson County Commissioners Court
4:00 Galveston Landmark Commission
4:00 Galveston Ethics Commission, City Hall Room 204
4:30 Friendswood City Council Worksession 
5:30 Galveston Independent School District Board of Trustees Special Meeting, Lovenberg Administration Building Library
6:00 Jamaica Beach City Council Workshop
6:00 Hitchcock City Commission Special Meeting 
6:00 Seabrook Economic Development Corporation
7:00 Friendswood City Council Regular Session
7:00 Dickinson Independent School District Board of Trustees
7:00 Hitchcock Independent School District Special Meeting 

Print Version

back to the top

Gulf Coast E-news, published by Guidry News Service, provides comprehensive coverage of posted public meetings in Galveston, Harris and Jefferson Counties as well as regional news impacting the Upper Texas Gulf Coast.

Jim and Lynda Guidry are publishers of Gulf Coast E-news and The Online News Station.

Jim Young is Houston City Correspondent.  Dana Patricia Burke is the Bay Area Houston Correspondent. Chuck Lawrence is Galveston City Correspondent.  Carl Guidry covers events in Jefferson County.  Anita Donatto covers the education beat in Galveston.  

Patty Mayeux and Dana Patricia Burke are editors of Gulf Coast E-news.

Robert John Mihovil is a special photographic correspondent for Guidry News Service  

We are seeking to hire reporters & marketing agents to expand our coverage in Jefferson & Harris Counties. 

Guidry News Service offices at 1818 Church Street, Suite 4, Galveston, TX. 77550 / P.O. Box 2130, Galveston, TX 77553
(409) 763-NEWS (6397), or email us at News@guidrynews.com

Subscriptions to Gulf Coast E-news are $300 per year, or $75 per quarter, plus sales and use tax. 

This electronic  newsletter replaced, and expanded on, the mission of the Galveston Fax, established by Jim and Lynda Guidry on Galveston Island in  July 1996; and Clear Lake Area E-news, begun on January 2, 2002.