Corsicana —
About two dozen Navarro County residents took part in Tuesday's Navarro County Day in Austin, a trip sponsored by the Corsicana and Navarro County Chamber of Commerce.
The trip, held each year the Texas Legislature is in session, gives county residents and governmental leaders an opportunity to visit with legislators and other state government officials, and learn about the latest legislative happenings.
After a brief visit to the House chambers that included an introduction by State Rep. Byron Cook (R-Corsicana), the group was treated to a luncheon in the Capitol office building along with a series of guest speakers, including leaders in education, transportation and water planning, which Cook said was vital to the future of Texas.
Speakers included Mike Levine, executive director of the Texas Sunset Commission; Matt Nelson, manager of regional water planning for the Texas Water Development Board; Michael Williams, Commissioner of Education with the Texas Education Agency; State Sen. Brian Birdwell (R-Granbury); and Phil Wilson, executive director of the Texas Department of Transportation.
Nelson said projected growth in Corsicana and Navarro County by the year 2060 could increase water needs for the region by as much as 50 percent over present usage levels.
Corsucana is expected to reach a population of 35,0000 by the year 2060, with Navarro County's population reaching near 90,000. County water demands are forecast to increase at the 50 percent level, he said.
Managing existing resources and developing responsible usage and conservation plans for all regions in Texas needs to be a priority, Cook said, adding he favors using money from the state's "Rainy Day Fund" to start that future planning.
Williams said Texas schools should focus more on core subjects, requiring four years of math, science, English and social studies, while focusing less on test scores.
"If it's not tested, it's not taught," he said.
Williams said there is room in the system to incorporate career and technical education while still teaching the core subjects, something being debated in the legislature now.
Williams said a long-term solution to funding of Texas schools will have to wait for the courts to decide - something he said is likely a year or two away.
"This is not the time to have that conversation," he said. He also expressed concern about the politics of Washington, saying Texas schools stand to lose over $500 million in federal funding due to the sequester in Congress, which would likely affect special programs.
The long-awaited Highway 31 relief route is on target according to TxDOT's Phil Wilson.
He said the money for the project has been dedicated, and that the project was "blowing and going."
Navarro County's State Senator Brian Birdwell (R-Granbury) said he is spending time working on water planning, service on the Sunset Commission, and the costs of higher education.
- - - - -
Bob Belcher may be reached by email at bbelcher@corsicanadailysun.com. Want to "Soundoff" on this story? Email: soundoff@corsicanadailysun.com
News
Related Photos
-
Photo courtesy Ben Stratmann About two dozen Navarro County residents took part in Tuesday's Navarro County Day in Austin. State Senator Brian Birdwell spoke to the Navarro County group at lunch and then had an opportunity to take this photo in the Capitol rotunda.
-
Daily Sun photo/Bob Belcher Navarro County residents with State Rep. Byron Cook in front of the state Capitol in Austin.
Discussion
Navarro County Day held in Austin
- News
-
-
City proposes route changes for Clean-Up Day
For more than 10 years, Navarro County and the City of Corsicana have co-hosted a county-wide clean-up day. For most residents, it means an opportunity to take their bulk trash to the city’s landfill for free.
-
City to consider rules for airport, swear in new attorney
The Corsicana City Council will swear in the new city attorney, and consider requests for money from local charities when the group meets in regular session at 6 p.m. Tuesday in the council chambers of the Government Center, 200 N. 12th St. The new city attorney will be Kerri Anderson Donica. She ran unopposed for the position, along with Municipal Judge Mike Russell.
-
CISD to hire architects for new campus
The Corsicana ISD Board of Trustees will consider selecting an architectural firm for the new middle school when the group meets in regular session at 6 p.m. Monday, 601 North 13th Street.
-
New pocket park planned
A former plumbing supply shop that has since become nothing more than one wall and one partial wall, is going to become the latest city park in Corsicana.
-
Navarro College students to attend prestigious piano academy
They’re different as daylight and dark — she loves soccer and history, he loves math and science. She hails from Flower Mound, he from Malaysia. She is bubbly, outgoing and excited; he is a bit shy, somewhat reserved.
-
Police Beat
• A woman was arrested for trying to interfere in the serving of two felony warrants around noon Thursday at an apartment at 4301 W. Highway 31.
-
Local Beat
May 15 to July 31
The Navarro Council of the arts presents "With Six You Get Eggrolls" A Fine Art Exhibit featuring the works of Helen Albritton, Barbara Jones, Gladys Espenson, Deb Miller, Stephanie Ford, and Margie Taylor at the Warehouse Gallery from May 15 to July. Exhibit is free and open to the public daily. -
Monday jury for Judge Lagomarsino dismissed
Jury for District Court Judge James Lagomarsino for Monday, May 20, 2013 has been dismissed.
-
Texas residents missing after tornadoes found safe
People who were missing in the wake of the destructive tornadoes in North Texas have been found safe, officials said Friday, but they didn't indicate when residents of one hard-hit neighborhood will be allowed to return to survey damage to their homes.
-
Police department open house Tuesday
The renovation of the Corsicana Police Department got a bit more involved than it was originally intended to. An error with some concrete resulted in water flooding city hall, and forcing replacement of carpeting and flooring. As well, the renovations quickly led to renovations of the municipal court, as well.
- More News Headlines
-
Raw: Trucker Bumps I-5 Bridge Before Collapse
Raw: Texas Deputy Shot by Colo. Suspect Honored
Major Detours Following Wash. Bridge Collapse
American Held in Grisly Czech Murders
Raw: Jersey Shore Reopens for Summer
UK-bound Pakistan Plane Diverted, 2 Men Arrested
Officials: Tsarnaev Friend Linked to Slaying
Obama:Sexual Assault Threatens Trust in Military
Bridge Collapse Survivor: 'Rough Day'
Jersey Shore Open for Business
Raw: Memorial Day Flags Placed at Arlington
New Wheelchair Lift Promises More Access
First Person: Mom Discusses Famous Tornado Photo
Raw Video: Washington State Bridge Collapse
Boy Scouts Approve Plan to Accept Gay Boys
