Orange County will be asking the Texas Department of Transportation to address the service road bridges of Interstate 10 over Adams Bayou. The Commissioners Court Tuesday approved a resolution proposed by Commissioner Johnny Trahan to raise the bridges.
Citizens contacted the commissioner about the frequent flooding at the service road bridges because of their low elevation and the piling supports under the bridges. Trahan compared the two bridges to man-made dams during rain storms snagging debris and limbs which causes the water to rise above the roadway. “We want them to raise these bridges to a suitable height where the water can actually travel under them,” Trahan said.
The Commissioners approved submitting the notice of intent for the county to seek grant funding for a list of hazard mitigation projects. County Engineer Clark Slacum told the Court that he would include a few additional items from those projects that were discussed at a workshop last week with the Hazard Mitigation Committee.
Interim Emergency Management Coordinator Leon George and Special Projects Coordinator Michelle Tubbleville were appointed as new members to the Hazard Mitigation Committee replacing former Emergency Management Coordinator Ralph Valenciano. Commissioner John Gothia said he should be able to attend more meetings now and asked to remain on the committee. Gothia has been caring for his sick mother. She is fortunately doing better.
Sheriff Keith Merritt was approved to purchase four new vehicles for his department. Merritt requested the Commissioners Court that he be allowed to purchase four Chevy Tahoes to replace four of his vehicles that were totaled by either Harvey or in crashes. The cost will be $179,400.
The Commissioners Court delayed action this week on purchasing four copiers for different departments at the courthouse and possibly one for the Sheriff’s Office. Commissioner Trahan asked Purchasing Agent Connie Cassidy to check if the county could save money by purchasing all the requested copiers together. Cassidy indicated she should know by next week’s Court meeting when the Commissioners could approve the purchase of the copiers in bulk or separately if necessary.
The Disaster Recovery Center run by FEMA at the Orange County Convention and Expo Center served 83 citizens this past week. The Commissioners approved renewing the agreement with FEMA to use the Expo Center for another four weeks until April 24.
The Commissioners Court approved a proclamation recognizing Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Month in May. Kenny Stansberry is a motorcyclist and spoke about the need for all motorists to be aware of other vehicles like motorcycles on the road. Stansberry informed the Commissioners of some good news that motorcycle fatalities have been reduced since 2008.
-Dan Perrine, KOGT-
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