Gregg County Rail District tops agenda on Monday

An update on the Gregg County Rail District tops the agenda for Gregg County Commissioners.

The commissoners' court is scheduled to meet Monday at 10 a.m.

About eight months ago, the commission approved the creation of the Gregg County Rail District.

"The district is mainly a conduit through which we can apply for federal grants for rail service," County Judge Bill Stoudt said. "We hope to get funding to help in the creation of rail service from Dallas to Shreveport."

Stoudt said the grants the rail district is seeking can also be used to the construction of rail spurs in conjunction with economic development corporations as well as the creation of a high-speed passenger rail system that would run parallel to the existing lines.

Commissioners are also expected to:

 Consider a request from the American Patriot Association for use of the courthouse lawn for a July 4 service;

 Consider a memorandum of understanding with the Texas Juvenile Probation Commission to allow the sheriff 's department to use the Marvin A. Smith Facility as a minimum security facility; and,

 Consider a request to use the courthouse lawn for a Peace Officer's Memorial Service scheduled May 18 at sunset.

 Consider approval of the quarterly investment report.