Golden Triangle Days in Austin are almost two months away, but discussions are already ongoing to share important issues in Orange County with legislators. Ida Schossow with the Greater Orange Area Chamber of Commerce provided the Commissioners Court Tuesday with legislative priorities when they visit with state representatives and senators in Austin.
Healthcare is one of the items included in the list of priorities especially with the closing of the emergency room at Baptist Hospital this month. Economic Development Competitiveness topped the list which also included items on education, work force development, environmental qualities stewardship, insurance, taxes, transportation and energy infrastructure. Schossow stated, “It is very important for us to be in Austin, we do go every other year, we go on a regional level with Beaumont and Port Arthur.” Smaller chambers like Bridge City and Vidor are involved with them as well. March 5-7 will be Golden Triangle Days at the state capital.
The Commissioners approved Tuesday allowing the Greater Orange Area Chamber of Commerce to use the parking lot at the Courthouse’s Administration Building on February 18-19 for the Mardi Gras Parade. The chamber will be responsible for any clean up that is necessary after the parade.
Assistant County Attorney Doug Manning presented the 2017 Racial Profiling Report for the District Attorney’s Office to the Commissioners. Manning indicated this may be the last year for this report since legislation has since done away with it.
The Court authorized the county submitting its application for the Texas Community Development Block Grant. The grant is for $275,000 and will be used to install water lines in the Dixie and Rebel additions of the Mauriceville area. Contracts were awarded for the 2017-2018 block grant projects. David J. Waxman will handle the administration of the project, and Schaumburg & Polk will be the engineers.
Superintendent Rickie Harris of the West Orange-Cove School District accepted a proclamation from the Commissioners Court honoring the state champion West Orange-Stark Mustangs football team for their exemplary performance and the pride they have brought to Orange County. A parade honoring the Mustangs will be held Saturday, January 28.
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