KEDC, TxDOT and Gregg County join forces on project
By KATHRYN MARTINEZ news1@kilgorenewsherald.co m

Plans to widen FM 349 at Elder Lake Road have been approved by Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and Gregg County commissioners.

Bob Barbee, Pct. 3 commissioner and his crew, are expected to begin work in the coming weeks, as soon as the state approves the work contract.

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

Commissioners yesterday accepted KEDC's portion of funding and approved the county's agreement with Tx- DOT.

KEDC has paid in a share totaling $170,000. This amount could increase over the course of the project if unexpected expenses arise.

The county and TxDOT are expected to contribute approximately the same amount, in the form of in-kind contributions.

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.

Amanda Nobles, KEDC executive director, said she is delighted with the outcome of yesterday's meeting.

"We are just anxious to see the improvements begin," Nobles said. "Traffic has increased heavily and the improvements will make a dramatic difference in flow."

In other business commissioners approved:

- 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;

- a request for Pct. 3 to assist Clarksville City with a culvert installation; and

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

Commissioners also approved an energy efficiency study at no cost to the county and authorizated the 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.

The next meeting of Gregg County Commissioners' Court is 10 a.m. Monday, May 12 at Gregg County Courthouse in the third-floor Commissioners' Courtroom.