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Commissioners support Rails to Trails project
By Bill Hankins
The Paris News
Published October 27, 2009
Lamar County Commissioners put their stamp of approval on a Rails to Trails project Monday by voting support of an application for a grant for funds for a pedestrian, biking, equine trail from the eastern city limit of Reno to the eastern boundary of the county.
Eight people came to the court to voice support for the project, which is only a portion of the proposed 130-mile trail from New Boston to Farmersville.
Overall, backers of the project have applied for $19 million in funds to complete construction of the 130 miles.
The application for the five-mile section in Lamar County is a supplement to the funds sought for completion of the project.
The application is being made to the Texas Department of Transportation for a grant through the transportation enhancement program.
Mindy Moree of the Lamar County Chamber of Commerce told commissioners the trail will be an economic boon for the county, a safe trail for youngsters to take to school and for everyone to use.
Jill Drake of the county attorney’s office said the trail will provide a great opportunity for bikers and hikers, “and I can’t wait to get my family of bikers on the trail.”
Reno Mayor Buddy Heuberger came to commissioners court in support of the trail application.
Commissioners were told it likely will be this time next year before the final word on the grant will be released, but the funds will be used for reimbursement for any work done on the trail project.
“These trails have been successful all across the country and we already are getting recognition for this one,” Lamar County Judge Chuck Superville said.
In other action, commissioners voted to continue to support Lamar County Human Resources Council, Inc. through a grant.
“Your donation is important as we would not be able to qualify for other funding without it,” LCHD’s Tanteta Hilliard told the court.
LCHD provides Meals on Wheels to almost 1,000 county residents.
“We want to look at serving weekend meals to those in rural communities,” Hilliard said.
“In addition to meals, this is a good welfare check for those who might otherwise have been forgotten,” Superville said.
Commissioners threw their 1,105 votes behind their nominated candidate Bill Harris for the board of directors of the Lamar County Appraisal District.
Harris is an assistant prosecutor in the county attorney’s office.
Commissioners voted to enter an agreement with the City of Paris in an application for $167,686 for the continued operation of the Lamar County Felony Crimes Unit.
The court also agreed to let bids for an early warning system for the county’s rural fire departments.
Funds are to be obtained for the system from a Homeland Security grant.
Commissioners were told early warning sirens are being considered for Roxton, Pattonville, Blossom, Deport and Powderly.
The commission accepted $20,000 from Delta County for the sale of equipment.
In other action, commissioners:
• approved the purchase of two truck-tractors for Precinct 2;
• approved a copier lease program for 62nd District Court, and
• discussed, but took no action on a lawn care program for the courthouse.
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