Road project slated to begin

By KATHRYN MARTINEZ
news1@kilgorenewsherald.com

A road-improvement project more than a year in the making could start as early as mid-May.

Bill Stoudt, Gregg County judge, said plans to widen FM 349 at Elder Lake Road have been approved by Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and as soon as commissioners approve related agenda items Tuesday and Bob Barbee, Pct. 3 commissioner, readies his crew, the project should begin.

The project is a cooperative effort between Kilgore Economic Development Corporation, Gregg County and Tx- DOT.

KEDC’s share is $170,000. The county and TxDOT are expected to contribute approximately the same amount to the project, in the form of in-kind contributions.

Commissioners Tuesday will accept KEDC’s portion of funding, as well as approve the county’s agreement with Tx- DOT.

TxDOT is providing construction materials and equipment. Gregg County is supplying other labor and equipment and KEDC will pick up portions of the project that the county cannot perform — like striping — which has to be done by approved state contractors.

Other items from Comissioners for consideration on Tuesday
include:

• approval of a request from VFW Post 1183 to use the courthouse lawn, as well as the county’s public address system, podium, portable canopy and 70 chairs, for an annual Memorial Day ceremony;

• approval for Pct. 3 to assist Clarksville City with a culvert installation;

• approval for Pct. 4 to purchase two mowing tractors and a motor grader;

• Laurie Woloszyn, county auditor has requested ratification for payment of fees to auctioneer express for the auction ending April 9, as well as payment of $1,706 to the city of Longview for the sale of the bookmobile;

• discussion and necessary action concerning quarterly reduction of General Fund allocations held in reserve in the Road and Bridge Fund balance for the second quarter of 2007- 2008.

Also, Stoudt has requested approval for an energy efficiency study, at no cost to the county; authorization for 307th Family District Court to apply for a research grant and pre-pay costs not to exceed $2,500 in an effort to establish a Family Drug Court; and that commissioners view a presentation by Jay Dean, Longview mayor, detailing the conceptual design of a multi-purpose coliseum.

Gregg County Commissioner’ Court meets 10 a.m. Tuesday, April 29 at Gregg County Courthouse, in the third-floor Commissioners’ Courtroom.