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SURRMA reports on state road funding
By Bill Hankins
The Paris News
Published February 9, 2010
Sulphur River Regional Mobility Authority Chairman Don Wall told county commissioners Monday there are $268 million in projects in Lamar County “and getting them done is not going to happen overnight.”
Wall said the projects SURRMA has been fighting for have not been funded and it will be some time before monies can be found for those projects.
“The only funding we have obtained so far is Highway 79 in Hunt County,” he said. “That funding is expected to be available by Oct. 1.”
Wall was at commissioners court to give the annual report on SURRMA and to applaud the county for re-appointing Paris businessman Curtis Fendley to the SURRMA board.
Wall said SURRMA has $700,000 left over in right-of-way funds from two grants received earlier, and the organization is continuing to look for funding for other highway projects.
Commissioners heard from Aikin Elementary School fifth graders who came to the court with proclamations for three projects.
Project HEART (Healing Encouragement and Aid through Rough Times) was introduced by middle school student Matthew Draeger, who said the project is aimed at helping families separated by military action.
Project CHILL (Children Helping Individuals Learn to Loosen Up) is designed to help relieve anxiety, depression and stress for students and adults.
Project WASH (Widening Areas to Sanitize Hands) was introduced by student Kyran Holje, who said people don’t wash their hands often enough or well enough to prevent infectious diseases.
Commissioners praised the youngsters for their outstanding efforts to improve society and designated the month of February as HEART Month, CHILL Month and WASH Month.
In other action, commissioners received County Treasurer Shirley Fults’ report from December that showed the county had $9.4 million in available funds, including $5.27 million in certificates of deposit.
County Auditor Kevin Parsons also gave his financial report, showing the county ended 2009 in solid shape financially.
Commissioners also accepted an amendment to lease terms on county property leased to the state.
The new lease to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Parole Division is for property at 2673 North Main St.
The state will pay the county $5,545 per month on the property, a reduction of five percent over last year.
The county agreed to make improvements on the property.
Commissioners also voted to purchase three police package vehicles for the County Sheriff’s Department, and purchase or lease a brush cutter for Commission Precinct 3.
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