04/21/2009
Green Squad Says Start Sustainability Effort With ‘Low-Hanging Fruit’
Waste Management’s “Green Squad” said businesses that are in the early stages of “going green” should start with projects that are fairly easy to implement and adopt.
“We advise you to go after the ‘low-hanging fruit’ first,” said Lauren R. Lange, AICP, LEED AP, a member of the Green Squad.
Lange and Ashley Faseler, LEED AP, also a Green Squad member, laid out the process a company should follow in its quest “Go Green” at the Cy-Fair Houston Chamber of Commerce’s General Membership Luncheon April 21. They said there are many benefits to “going green” and it is not as costly as one might think.
“It is a myth that going green costs a lot of money,” Lange said. “There are some up-front costs, but there are many long-term benefits. There are also governmental incentives available, and more and more consumers are demanding green practices from businesses. We advise you to get ahead of your competition.”
Before launching any projects, Lange said it is vital to get buy-in from decision-makers, establish a committee to conduct research and make recommendations, and then establish goals and baselines for the green effort.
The committee should start out by developing a “Green Mission Statement,” and outline a “Green Vision” and “Green Core Values.”
Lange said it is also important to establish where the company – or individual – is on the sustainability – or “How Green Are You?” spectrum.
Most companies that are at the front-end of a green effort are on the “light green” end of the spectrum. They are in the early stages of implementing green practices that do not require a significant change in employees’ behavior, such as a recycling program.
The “green” stage of the spectrum is where employees start changing their behavior. At this point, the company has assessed environmental impacts, outlined goals, implemented some conservative efficiencies, and established a green procurement policy.
In the “dark green” stage, the company has taken the next step and planned and/or implemented large capital projects. Moving toward the “blue” end of the spectrum, means sustainability is deeply imbedded in a company’s culture, and all long-term plans involve green practices. Wal-Mart is a good example of a company at this end of the spectrum, said Lange.
So, where to start?
The recommended “low-hanging fruit” projects can be divided into several categories.
ENERGY
• Change lighting
• Install light sensors to shut off lighting during daylight hours
• Utilize software that puts computers into sleep mode when not in use
• Purchase from “green” energy companies
WATER
• Install low flow toilets and faucets
• Switch landscaping to Xeriscaping or native plants
• Implement sound stormwater management practices so that filtered water flows from the company’s site into bayous and drainage systems
WASTE AND RECYCLING
• Reduce waste (ex. Set printers to double-sided printing)
• Reuse office items such as toner cartridges
• Recycle – start a recycling program
PURCHASING
• Use green suppliers and vendors
• Use green office supplies
• Request that your janitorial service use green cleaning products
TRANSPORTATION
• When purchasing company vehicles, select alternative fuel vehicles
• Give incentives for employees to carpool, bike or walk to work
• Retrofit existing company vehicles to reduce emissions
“If you want a more in-depth analysis of your company, hire a consultant to perform a ‘gap analysis,’ to determine what more you can do to move up on the green scale,” Faseler said.
Once a company is on its way to going green, it is important to share that information with customers and the community. She said several third-party organizations have certification programs, including the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED program for new construction and reconstruction projects; the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s “Energy Star” program for energy efficiency in buildings; the ISO 14001 program for global recognitions of companies’ environmental management systems; the Green Seal program for products and services; and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality’s Clean Texas program for facilities with sustainable goals and projects.
“We (Waste Management’s Green Squad) can also help you figure out where are on the spectrum and help get you started on a green program that is tailored to your company,” Lange said.
04/21/2009
Law enforcement is looking for a few good sponsors
Businesses needed to help with Sprint presents Salute to Law Enforcement on Saturday, May 2 at Willowbrook Mall
From donations to sponsor food and beverages, golf carts, banners and more, The Salute to Law Enforcement is reaching out, asking area businesses to join in the 15th annual event which is the largest, single-known law enforcement exhibition open to the public. The 2009 Salute, presented by Sprint, Cy-Fair Houston Chamber of Commerce, Spring ISD Police Department and Willowbrook Mall, will be held Saturday, May 2 at Willowbrook Mall and estimates are that approximately 50,000 individuals will attend the free, one-day event.
“This Salute is an excellent way to highlight the law enforcement individuals and agencies that play such vital roles in our communities,” says Walt Plonski, general manager of the shopping center. “With the variety of the 100 different law enforcement agencies, officers, exhibits and more who participate in the Salute, the event helps to educate citizens, adults and children. Visitors enjoy meeting the officers and seeing all the equipment such as helicopters, the presidential limousine, motorbikes and animals. Parents are able to get free DNA Life Prints of their children. Willowbrook Mall is proud to help support the Salute and we encourage other businesses and companies to pitch in and help, too.”
Sponsors are the Allstate Insurance/The Lipton Agency, Bayside Printing Company Inc., Capella University, Comfort Suites, Costco Wholesale, Cy-Fair Houston Chamber of Commerce, Cy-Fair Federal Credit Union, Cy-Fair Republican Women, Executive Inn and Suites, Harris County Commissioner Jerry Eversole, Houston Community Newspapers/The SUN, Jersey Meadow Golf Course, Klein Funeral Homes and Memorial Parks, Lone Star College–CyFair, Bob and Darcy Mingoia, Motel 6, Spring ISD, Sprint, Sweet Tomatoes, University of Houston-Downtown and Willowbr ook Mall .
For more information about sponsor opportunities, visit www.salutetolawenforcement.org or call 281.373.1390.
Willowbrook Mall is located at FM 1960 and Texas 249 in northwest Houston. For directions, call 281.890.MALL or visit www.shopwillowbrookmall.com.
04/21/2009
Applications due for Salute to Law Enforcement scholarship
All spring 2009 graduating seniors who are headed to college to pursue a college level program in criminal justice are invited to apply for the Chief Alan Bragg Salute to Law Enforcement Scholarship. The scholarship is awarded in celebration of the 15th Anniversary of the Salute to Law Enforcement, which is presented by Sprint, Cy-Fair Houston Chamber of Commerce, Spring ISD Police Department and Willowbrook Mall.
Considerations in awarding the scholarship include financial need, current participation in criminal justice activities, student leadership and scholastic ability. Students in all Houston-area school districts are eligible. Applications are due by Monday, April 20 and the scholarship winner will be announced Saturday, May 2 at the Salute event.
The 2009 Salute to Law Enforcement will be held on Saturday, May 2 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Willowbrook Mall. The annual event is the largest known gathering of law-enforcement agencies in the country and is expected to attract around 50,000 visitors. This year, the Salute is held the weekend before National Police Week, which begins on Monday, May 4, and will help to draw attention to the law enforcement profession.
For an application, visit www.salutetolawenforcement.org or call 281.373.1390.
Willowbrook Mall is located at FM 1960 and Texas 249 in northwest Houston. For directions, call 281.890.MALL or visit www.shopwillowbrookmall.com.
04/21/2009
50,000 citizens expected at Salute to Law Enforcement on Saturday, May 2 at Willowbrook Mall
Presented by Sprint, Cy-Fair Houston Chamber of Commerce, Spring ISD Police Department and Willowbrook Mall
The largest known single law enforcement exhibition that’s open to the public is set to start at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 2 at Willowbrook Mall. The Sprint Salute to Law Enforcement, presented by Cy-Fair Houston Chamber of Commerce,
Spring ISD Police Department and Willowbrook Mall, will bring together more than 100 law enforcement agencies and officers who will stand ready to greet the public, displaying a unified law enforcement effort and event for citizens. More than 50,000 children and adults are expected to attend the free event.
Scheduled for Saturday, May 2, the Salute will draw attention to National Police Week, which begins Monday, May 4, and it will provide additional exposure for law enforcement in greater Houston.
The Salute, held in on the west side of Willowbrook Mall, at FM 1960 and Texas 249, will include the following:
• DNA Life Print. Parents can receive an FBI-certified 10-digit biometric fingerprint file, a DNA sample, a high resolution, full-color photograph and current statistical information at no charge.
• More than 100 law enforcement agencies and officers
• SWAT teams, Secret Service, beat officers, EMTs and more
• 50,000 visitors expected
• Helicopter, ambulance, mobile command center
• Officers on horseback, drug-sniffing dogs
• Presentations and displays inside and out of Willowbrook Mall
The Salute is free to the public, but funds raised from sponsorships are contributed to the cost of the event, the scholarship fund and the support of the 100 Club, an organization that supports members of the local law enforcement community.
Again this year, the Cy-Fair Houston Chamber of Commerce will award a scholarship to a 2009 graduating senior who will be pursuing a career in criminal justice. The scholarship will be based on financial need, current criminal justice education activities, student leadership and scholastic abilities.
The Salute begins at 11:00 a.m. with an opening ceremony that will include singing of “The Star Spangled Banner,” a performance by the St. Thomas Episcopal Bagpipe Ensemble and recitation of the names of local officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty.
Sponsors are the Allstate Insurance/The Lipton Agency, Bayside Printing Company Inc., Capella University, Comfort Suites, Costco Wholesale, Cy-Fair Houston Chamber of Commerce, Cy-Fair Federal Credit Union, Cy-Fair Republican Women, Executive Inn and Suites, Harris County Commissioner Jerry Eversole, Houston Community Newspapers/The SUN, Jersey Meadow Golf Course, Klein Funeral Homes and Memorial Parks, Lone Star College–CyFair, Bob and Darcy Mingoia, Motel 6, Spring ISD, Sprint, Sweet Tomatoes, University of Houston-Downtown and Willowbrook Mall .
For more information, visit salutetolawenforcement.org or contact Chief Alan Bragg, Spring ISD Police Department, 281.891.6901.
Willowbrook Mall is located at FM 1960 and Texas 249 in northwest Houston. For directions, call 281.890.MALL or visit www.shopwillowbrookmall.com.
04/20/2009
Chamber announces Mary Evans as new President
Mary Evans has hit the ground running.
The Chamber board announced Evans as new Chamber President on Friday, April 17, and she was in the office training with outgoing President Erin Al-Salman the following Monday morning.
“ As the new President for Cy-Fair Houston Chamber of Commerce, I look forward to working with this membership-driven organization to stimulate economic development and to continue efforts for a high quality of life for the 732,000 people living in the region,” Evans said.
Chamber Board Chairman Reginald Lillie said Evans is the right person to lead the Chamber into the future.
“This is another special time for the Chamber,” Lillie said. “We have mixed emotions right now – we are sad to see Erin go, but honored to have a leader like Mary take us to the next level. With the skills and background she has, we are confident she will do that. “
Evans brings more than 20 years of experience in marketing, public relations, and event-planning in the commercial real estate industry. Her areas of focus were regional shopping centers, office buildings, and land development, and included ongoing innovation in marketing planning/execution and creative strategy.
Prior to accepting the role as Chamber President, Evans was employed through General Growth Properties as Marketing Manager of Baybrook Mall in the Friendswood-Clear Lake area. There she directed brand marketing, advertising, public relations, event-planning, and customer service operations. While at Baybrook, she was recognized by the International Council of Shopping Centers as a MAXI finalist for two programs involving public relations and community relations.
In 2005, Evans and five marketing associates were featured in Houston Woman magazine for leading marketing initiatives for six of Houston ’s most popular malls.
Before joining General Growth Properties, Evans was the Regional Manager of Marketing & Public Relations for Crescent Real Estate Equities, Ltd. She was in charge of overseeing corporate marketing strategies for high-profile properties such as Greenway Plaza , Houston Center , and Post Oak Central, as well as five office properties in Austin .
Evans has been a professional member of BOMA (Building Owners Managers Association), ICSC (International Council of Shopping Centers), and BAHEP (Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership), and has worked on fund-raising efforts with Bay Area-Houston Habitat for Humanity, Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, and the Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center .
Al-Salman’s last day with the Chamber was April 24.
“Erin has been a great President, and we are proud of everything she has done for the Chamber,” Lillie said.
Al-Salman, who has been Chamber President since November 2007, said she is leaving the position to spend more time with her daughter and son, and she has accepted a position with TPRB Advertising that will allow her more time at home.
“I hope to continue to be involved in the Chamber,” Al-Salman said. “This organization is vital to the community I grew up in and still live in today, so I want to be part of the entity that helps shape my community.”
04/16/2009
Chamber on a roll with Ten Pin Challenge
Cy-Fair - Northwest Houston businesses and residents will have an opportunity to combine fun and support for a good cause at the Chamber’s Eighth Annual Bowling Tournament on Tuesday, May 26, from 6 to 9 p.m. at Copperfield Bowl , 15615 Glen Chase Drive.
A portion of the proceeds from the event will benefit Dr. Earl Campa’s Endowed Scholarship at Lone Star College–CyFair. In the past seven years, the Chamber has raised over $23,000 to benefit scholarship endowments for the college.
Each of the five-person bowling teams will receive dinners of bowling cuisine and goodie bags. Trophies will be awarded for the first-, second- and third-place teams.
Brookside Funeral Homes, Business Network International, Comfort Suites, Copperfield Church, Cypress Pony Land Company LTD, Dickens Delivery Service Inc., Executive Inn & Suites, First Community Credit Union, Hewlett-Packard Company, Houston Chronicle, Houston Community Newspapers/The Sun, iT’Z Houston, Jersey Meadow Golf Course, Leadership North Houston Alumni, Lone Star College–CyFair, Members Choice Credit Union, Metropolitan Publishing Company Inc., MillerCoors, Motel 6, Raba-Kistner Consultants Inc., Signs Now and Waiting to Exhale have already committed to sponsoring the event.
A wide variety of sponsorship opportunities are still available. To become a sponsor or to reserve your team’s spot call Sherri Padalino at the Chamber Office at 281-373-1390.
In addition, the Auction Committee is looking for all types of donations including sports memorabilia and tickets, restaurant meals, hotel stays, airline tickets and much more. To make a donation to the auction call Jennifer Ellis at the Chamber Office at 281-373-1390.
For more information please call 281-373-1390 or visit our website www.cyfairchamber.com.
04/09/2009
Honoring Local Heroes at the 15th Annual Sprint Proudly Present Salute to Law Enforcement
Come join the 15th Annual Sprint presents Salute to Law Enforcement event which will be held on Saturday, May 2 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Willowbrook Mall. There will be more than 100 law enforcement agencies to visit. The event is the largest known single law enforcement exhibition open to the public, attracting almost 50,000 visitors annually.
The Salute offers citizens the opportunity to meet law enforcement representatives, tour vehicles and gather literature about safety. About 100 different agencies will be represented, with more than 200 officers and 90 or more indoor and outdoor exhibits.
The Salute begins at 11:00 a.m. with an opening ceremony that will include singing of “The Star Spangled Banner” and recitation of the names of local officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty. We are also happy to announce the winner of a scholarship in the amount of $1,000 for sons or daughters of law enforcement officers who will be graduating from high school in the spring of 2009.
Throughout the day, visitors will have the opportunity to meet law enforcement representatives and be able to:
- Tour emergency vehicles
- Climb aboard a helicopter
- Tour the Harris County Sheriff's Department mobile command center
- Explore a CCEMS ambulance
- Meet officer on horseback
- See the drug sniffing dogs
- See partrolling robots
- Receive handouts fo the children
- Enjoy opening ceremony and on-stage demonstrations throughout the day and
- More exhibits inside and outside
Sprint will be sponsoring the DNA Life Print for all children attending the event. Parents can greatly increase their chance of quickly recovering a missing child if they can immediately provide an FBI -certified 10 digit biometric fingerprint profile, a DNA sample, a high resolution full color photograph, and current statistical information.
Additionally, exhibits will have video presentations about a variety of subjects. Booths will provide opportunities for auto ID, anti-theft devices and light/heat sensitive displays.
Sponsors at print time are the Allstate Insurance/The Lipton Agency, Bayside Printing Company Inc., Comfort Suites, Cy-Fair Houston Chamber of Commerce, Cy-Fair Federal Credit Union, Executive Inn and Suites, Harris County Commissioner Jerry Eversole, Jersey Meadow Golf Course, Klein Funeral Homes and Memorial Parks, Kwik Kopy Business Center #117, Lone Star College–CyFair, Bob and Darcy Mingoia, Motel 6, Spring ISD, Sprint, Sweet Tomatoes, University of Houston-Downtown and Willowbrook Mall.
For more information about this event or to RSVP for your agency, officers, scholarship applicants or organization call Chief Alan Bragg, Spring ISD Police Dept. at 832-764-4901, info@SaluteToLawEnforcement.org or alanb@springisd.org . For sponsorship information or scholarship applicants call Sherri Padalino at 281-373-1390, sherri@cyfairhcamber.com or visit www.cyfairchamber.com or www.salutetolawenforcement.org.
04/02/2009
Sprint Proudly Presents Salute to Law Enforcement
Come join the 15 th Annual Salute to Law Enforcement event which will be held on Saturday, May 2 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Willowbrook Mall. There will be more than 100 law enforcement agencies to visit. The event is the largest known single law enforcement exhibition open to the public, attracting almost 50,000 visitors annually.
The Salute offers citizens the opportunity to meet law enforcement representatives, tour vehicles and gather literature about safety. About 100 different agencies will be represented, with more than 200 officers and 90 or more indoor and outdoor exhibits.
The Salute begins at 11:00 a.m. with an opening ceremony that will include singing of “The Star Spangled Banner” and recitation of the names of local officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty.
Throughout the day, visitors will have the opportunity to meet law enforcement representatives and be able to:
- Tour emergency vehicles
- Climb aboard a helicopter
- Tour the Harris County Sheriff's Department mobile command center
- Explore a CCEMS ambulance
- Meet officer on horseback
- See the drug sniffing dogs
- See partrolling robots
- Receive handouts fo the children
- Enjoy opening ceremony and on-stage demonstrations throughout the day and
- More exhibits inside and outside
Sprint will be sponsoring the DNA Life Print for all children attending the event. Parents can greatly increase their chance of quickly recovering a missing child if they can immediately provide an FBI -certified 10 digit biometric fingerprint profile, a DNA sample, a high resolution full color photograph, and current statistical information.
Additionally, exhibits will have video presentations about a variety of subjects. Booths will provide opportunities for auto ID, anti-theft devices and light/heat sensitive displays.
Sponsors at print time are the Allstate Insurance/The Lipton Agency, Comfort Suites, Cy-Fair Houston Chamber of Commerce, Cy-Fair Federal Credit Union, Executive Inn and Suites, Harris County Commissioner Jerry Eversole, Jersey Meadow Golf Course, Klein Funeral Homes and Memorial Parks, Lone Star College–CyFair, Bob and Darcy Mingoia, Motel 6, Spring ISD, Sprint, Sweet Tomatoes, University of Houston-Downtown and Willowbrook Mall.
For more information about this event or to RSVP for your agency, officers, or organization call Chief Alan Bragg, Spring ISD Police Dept. at 832-764-4901, info@SaluteToLawEnforcement.org or alanb@springisd.org . For sponsorship information call Sherri Padalino at 281-373-1390, sherri@cyfairhcamber.com or visit www.cyfairchamber.com or www.salutetolawenforcement.org.
04/02/2009
Texas economy fares better than most in midst of national recession
The national recession has had an effect on the Texas economy, but the state is faring well compared to others, said Robert Wood, Director of Local Government Assistance and Economic Development in the Texas State Controller’s Office.
“We are slipping, and we are starting to see some cracks in our strong economy but we are significantly better off than many states,” Wood told members of the Cy-Fair Houston Chamber of Commerce’s Governmental Affairs Committee April 2. “We are one of few states that do not have a budget deficit.”
Wood said if Texas were its own nation, it would have the 12 th largest economy in the world. He said historically Texas lags the nation going into and out of economic slowdowns.
In 2008, Wood said, the state added 180,000 jobs through September, and then lost 25,000 in the fourth quarter (last three months) of 2008. That fall continued in 2009, with 50,000 jobs lost in January, and 40,000 in February.
“We did end 2008 on positive note while nation was losing jobs, and we led the nation in gaining jobs,” Wood said. “That speaks well of our state, our mindset and our work ethic.”
The state’s unemployment rate was 6.4 percent in January and 6.5 percent in February. That rate is climbing, but is still has remained at or below the nation’s unemployment rate for 25 straight months, Wood said.
The Texas housing market has also avoided the “boom and bust” trend other states are experiencing.
“Our housing market has slowed,” Wood said. “Housing permits down by one-third statewide, and appraised values are down about 5 percent. We are not doing great, but we are doing better than most.”
The foreclosure rate is 1 in every 896 homes, compared to 1 in 70, as the state of Nevada has experienced.
The state’s first quarter 2009 sales tax income is up 2.8 percent when compared with the first quarter of 2008. However, the motor vehicle sales tax is down 19 percent for that same period.
“Consumer confidence is stronger than that in many states, but it is down,” Wood said.
Wood said he believes that the Texas economy is slower to react to slowdowns because it is a strong economy that does not get “hit as hard or as quickly.”
“We have worked hard to diversity the Texas economy – oil and gas is still very important in state but nowhere near as dominant,” Wood said.
In 1987, the Texas Legislature established the “Rainy Day” fund. The state started the 2009 session with about $6.7 billion, and if not touched, it will grow to more than $9 billion by the end of the next biennium.
Among its many responsibilities, the State Controller’s Office furnishes the Texas Legislature with a biennial estimate at the beginning of each legislative session.
Wood said the January 2009 biennial estimate predicted $75 billion in new revenue, and a $2 billion surplus, which brought the grand total to $77 billion in new revenue over the next two years.
Then along came the promise of federal stimulus funding, he said, and that changed everything. Texas expects to receive about $16 billion under the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act of 2009.
There are still a lot of questions over how that money can be spent – ex. Can the stimulus money be spent before a state has to spend down reserves? – so state leaders are working out the details with federal officials.
“Most (of the funding) will go through agencies, and some may be available as competitive grants for businesses and block grants for governments,” Wood said.
In addition, he said, a lot of money will flow to local governments.
“You need to ask us questions about what will be done with this money,” Wood said. “You need to give input – we need your input.”
Wood said his department provides economic reports for cities and counties, and also produces economic impact statements. The department also shares best practices, and provides technical assistance, to local governments.
The Controller’s Office serves as the state’s tax collector, bookkeeper and treasurer, and also conducts research. In 2007, the agency launched “The Window on State Government” – a section on the www.window.state.tx.us web site that details where and how state tax dollars are being spent.
Wood said the spending patterns can be viewed by agency, vendor, category, etc.
“About $450 million is spent by your government every day,” he said. “People want to know where their tax money is going. There are no excuses for not providing that information.”
04/02/2009
TXDOT officials urges Chamber’s continued support of Cy-Fair area mobility projects
State transportation officials often hear from individuals and groups who oppose planned road and mobility projects, but rarely hear from those who are in support of them, said Pat Henry, the Texas Department of Transportation’s director of project development.
Henry told Cy-Fair Houston Chamber of Commerce Mobility Committee members that it is important to voice that support or a project could be pulled off the drawing board, as in the case of the State Highway 6/FM 529 intersection overpass in the Copperfield area.
Henry said the Cy-Fair Chamber has a great track record of communicating support for – and lobbying for – projects that would benefit the Cy-Fair area. Please continue along those lines, he said.
One of those projects - the construction of the new Grand Parkway “Segment E” from Interstate 10 to U.S. 290 near the Bridgeland master-planned community – is on a list of road and bridge projects that could benefit from the federal stimulus funding package allocated for transportation projects in the eight-county Houston region.
Under the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act of 2009, the state of Texas will receive $2.25 billion for highway and bridge projects with $488 million going to the Houston region
Henry said the Segment E project is slated for $181 million. A preliminary engineering study on a proposed U.S. 290 commuter rail system project is part of a $2 million package also included on the candidates list.
Though traditional funding is tight, TXDOT is moving forward with key projects that could reduce congestion on busy highways and connector roads that feed the Cy-Fair area.
“We just had a meeting in Austin
about the (Highway) 290 project – we are trying to keep it moving,”
Henry said.
The Highway 290/Hempstead Highway reconstruction project, a key project on the Cy-Fair Chamber’s mobility agenda, is in the latter stages of the final environmental impact analysis process. Henry said because part of it is a tolled facility – on Hempstead Highway – TXDOT has been asked to do a regional toll analysis to determine how a toll system affects economically disadvantaged residents in the Houston region.
That analysis will delay the FEIS process, but the project team is hoping to complete it in the summer or fall, he said. There will be an opportunity for residents and groups to submit comments on the final document before the Federal Highway Administration issues a final “record of decision” on the project.
The goal is to launch phase one of the project in 2011. That includes the construction of the Hempstead Highway toll road from Loop 610 to Huffmeister, the Highway 290/Loop 610/Interstate 10 interchange and a portion of the 290 mainlanes.
Henry said TXDOT is also looking to expand the FM 1960/Eldridge Parkway intersection to allow more traffic through. There will be a public meeting on that project in May or early June.
Mobility Committee Chairman Bill Rowden asked if a planned overpass at FM 1960/Highway 290 could be reconfigured to remain elevated beyond that Eldridge Parkway intersection.
“We were beaten up so much over Highway 6/FM 529 overpass and others that we are gun-shy,” Henry said. “Plus we don’t have the money to do that right now.”
Henry said TXDOT is looking for public input and ideas on a grade separation project at the Burlington Northern Railroad tracks in the Willowbrook Mall area. A public meeting is planned for May, he said, and TXDOT has been meeting with residents, community group and businesses in the area. There is funding set aside for the project.
“We are looking at several different options, and there are pluses and minuses to all,” he said. “There is a real need for this, but would mean a disruption for businesses.”
Options include constructing frontage roads alongside the overpass; elevating the railroad tracks over the intersection; constructing an underpass; and constructing an overpass only for westbound traffic lanes.
Henry said the westbound lanes option offers the “most bang for the buck” and could cause the largest decrease in congestion in the area.
Henry also encouraged Chamber members to get involved with a planned FM 1960/Texas 6 access management study, which could identify less-expensive projects that could be implemented relatively quickly to improve traffic and safety issues posed by the continuous left-turn – or “suicide” – lane in the center of that busy road.
Archived News
03/31/2009 Chamber on a Roll with Ten Pin Challenge
03/17/2009 Training Expert Says Building Clients’ Trust Can Boost Sales, Even in Tough Times
03/06/2009 Texas A&M’s Chief Economist Predicts Economic Recovery by Year’s end if Government Gets Moving
03/05/2009 Cy-Fair Area Congressional Representatives Voted Against Economic Stimulus Bill
02/20/2009 Erin Al-Salman resigns as chamber president
02/12/2009 Economic Forecast Luncheon is set for March 6
02/05/2009 Economic Forecast Luncheon Announces Keynote Speaker
02/05/2009 Legislative Staff Members Preview 2009 State Session
01/19/2009 Fifteen Years and Still Going…Chamber Herd Rides Again
01/13/2009 Chamber Leaders Respond to Challending Times with Optimistic Outlook