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Bedias gets $845,000 grant for wastewater improvements
The Texas Water Development Board recently approved a $845,000 grant to the city of Bedias to finance significant wastewater improvements.
"This is a wise use of taxpayer dollars for a badly needed project in a small but thriving community," State Rep. Lois Kolkhorst said. "This grant helps Bedias continue to improve its health standards, quality of life and economic growth."
Kolkhorst has been working with the board and Bedias Mayor Mackie Bobo to qualify for funding from the department's Economically Distressed Areas Program for planning, acquisition and design to provide first time wastewater service for the rural Grimes County city.
Bedias, located in northern Grimes County, has an estimated population of 662 people and the project will provide wastewater service to about 263 water customers.
Bedias will use grant for planning, acquisition and design. Tasks include preparing a facility engineering report, obtaining environmental approval and design for a project to provide first time wastewater collection and treatment. Kolkhorst said there's still more work to do, as Bedias will need to obtain a permit for the Wastewater Treatment Plant, as well as acquiring easements to locate collection system lines.
The project will include the construction of a facultative lagoon wastewater treatment plant and a collection system consisting of about 263 connections, 44,970 linear feet of 6- to 8-inch gravity sewer lines and 4,775 linear feet of force mains, officials said.
Bedias has obtained connection funding for the project through the Office of Rural Community Assistance. In 2007, Kolkhorst carried legislation to reauthorize that assistance during her work on the Texas Sunset Commission.
"I'm pleased that the state could step in after the initial effort to secure a USDA grant became a loan [rather than a grant] and it wasn't large enough to cover the scope of the project," she said. "Our state grant will save the people of Bedias hundreds of thousands of dollars in debt service over the next few years. It required hard work, but in the long run this grant is worth every penny."
Local financial advisor honored for service to clients
David Decker, a branch manager and financial advisor at the College Station office of Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., has been named to the firm's 2009 Executive Council in recognition of outstanding client service and exemplary professional growth.
Executive Council honors are presented only to those financial advisors who have demonstrated an extremely high level of commitment to clients through personal service and professional integrity, organizers said.
Decker, who joined Raymond James in 1999, has more than 25 years of experience in the financial services industry.
Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., is a national investment firm providing financial services to individuals, corporations and municipalities through more than 3,000 financial advisors in 1,900 offices throughout the United States.
United Way selling King Ranch Chicken dinners as fundraiser
King Ranch Chicken Family Dinners will be available to pick up from 3 to 6 p.m. Tuesday at the United Way Centre, 909 Southwest Parkway East in College Station.
The deadline is 5 p.m. Thursday to purchase the tickets. Dinners are $20 and include one family size frozen king ranch chicken and salad.
"We would like to invite the community to participate in this tasty event," said Alison Smith, director of information and referral services for United Way's 2-1-1 Texas and chair of the dinner. "Last year, we sold over 250 chicken spaghetti lunches, and raised over $2,000 for our community. This year, we hope to increase that number. The frozen dinner will be more convenient and the whole family can enjoy it. Instead of having to make dinner when you get home from a long day of work, pick up a home cooked meal, but without the hassle."
Pre-orders are required and tickets may be purchased from any United Way employee or by calling Alison at 696-4483 ext. 113. Orders can be faxed to 696-4490. Include name, number of dinners you would like to order, phone number and how you plan to pay at pick up. Cash, check and credit card (Visa, MasterCard and Discover only) are accepted.
-- Staff reports
