Monday Morning Report
|
The Executive Committee of the Austin-San Antonio Corridor Council meets Wednesday, August 19, 2:00 pm at the Council offices in San Marcos. RSVP to council@thecorridor.org. Agendas are forthcoming.
Jan Lehman, founder of the Austin, TX-based executive search firm, Lehman Associates and former Corridor Council Executive Committee member, has recently been named to the boards of two nonprofit organizations in Central Texas, the Salvation Army’s Austin Metropolitan Command and the board of People’s Community Clinic. Congratulations, Jan!
Infrastructure
The Austin-San Antonio Commuter Rail District has applied to the Federal Railroad Administration for $17.5 million in funding for environmental clearances and preliminary engineering services related to developing passenger rail and relocating Union Pacific in the Corridor (7/30). TxDOT will be submitting the official application on behalf of the District.
State Representative Ruth Jones McClendon has called a 10:00 am press conference today (8/3) at Sunset Station, 1174 East Commerce Street in San Antonio to discuss the future of rail transportation in Texas and appropriations approved by the Legislature for rail relocation and improvement projects in the Austin-San Antonio Corridor. Press Release.
At their meeting in San Angelo last week, TxDOT commissioners approved a $457 million list of projects that included $83 million for buy right of way and move utilities for expansion of Interstate 35 from four lanes to six lanes in parts of Bell and McLennan counties.
Alaska Airlines starts service this week between Austin and Seattle, San Jose, and other West Coast destinations at rock-bottom introductory prices ('You betcha!''). Non-stop flights to Portland are in their expansion plans, as well as destinations in Alaska and Canada. Details.
San Antonio leaders toured Portland (Oregon, not Texas) last week to look at the area's light rail and commuter rail systems, coming away convinced that the Alamo City needs more transit. An article in yesterday's Express-News does a good job of laying out the tax and real estate development implications of inner-city transit, and it's worth a read here.
Economic Development
San Marcos landed a big economic development fish last week: Grifols, Inc., a global healthcare company, announced it would build a 72,000 square foot facility to develop blood plasma by 2010, adding over 190 jobs to the local economy. Total investment is estimated at $75 million. Details.
The old Faust Hotel in New Braunfels is changing hands after 18 years: San Antonio-based former owner Bob Abbey said last week he had sold the 80-year old landmark to Vance Hinton, whose wife owns the Kork wine bar downtown. Comal County tax records appraise the property at $1.1 million. Details from the Express-News.
Congressman Lloyd Doggett will make a special presentation on Conservation Finance and Washington’s Promotion of Green Jobs nationwide on Tuesday, August 25, 2009. For Details and registration click here.
Tom Britton has been selected as the new president of the Hutto Chamber of Commerce. Britton is former president of the Greater Heights Chamber of Commerce in Houston.
Capital Metro in Austin passed their Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Triennial Review. The US Code requires the FTA to review and evaluate compliance with Federal procedures, practices and records every three years. Details.
The Temple Committee for Economic Growth has gathered almost 5,000 signatures in its campaign to change local liquor laws, which would allow a high-end retailer of gourmet food and alcohol to develop an outlet in the city. If the Bell County elections office validates 4,300 signatures, the matter will go before voters in November.
UT Austin ranked seventh as the best party school; however the school ranks higher at fifth place when it comes to preparing students for their careers, according to the Princeton Review, which surveyed 122,000 students at the country's top colleges for this year.
$1.7 billion in Recovery Act funds are being dedicated to help spur business activity and economic growth in rural communities throughout the US by Department of Agriculture. Those eligible include cooperative organizations, corporations, partnerships, nonprofits, public entities and individuals. Applications will be accepted until Sept. 15, 2010, or until all funds are expended. For information, click here.
“Man is the only animal that can remain on friendly terms with the victims he intends to eat until he eats them.”
~ Samuel Butler