EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT COUNCIL'S CORNER: DISTRICT A

In the next few issues of Inside La Marque, a section will be dedicated to our Council Members to talk about their districts and the positive changes that have been made.

What do residents in your district have to look forward to in the upcoming year?

District A can look forward to the Seven Pie food chain taking over the old Churches Chicken building on FM 1765 and Bayou. We will continue to expand our LED lighting and community policing efforts. We hope to add a caution light or four-way stop in front of Delany Cove Subdivision in 2024. We are continuing our “Stop the Violence” campaign by promoting safety and reduction of crime by illustrating options. We are working with our convenience store owners and businesses to give back to our community and youth activities through our nonprofit in partnership with the Houston Galveston Area Council. We are very excited about La Marque’s Live Event Center coming in 2024 with the employment and tourism opportunities it will bring to our City.

What are you especially proud of in your district?

I am very proud of our residents who continue to advocate for our community and work with our local government to create change and stability. I am proud of the work performed with Texas Workforce Commission and creating job opportunities for our citizens. I am very proud of the new homes coming to District A that will bring new families and energy. I am excited about the new businesses that are now taking an interest in our City. We boldly advocate for our City and attend regional meetings to make sure that La Marque is never forgotten.

What positive changes have been made in your district in the recent past?

Violent crime is down in District A, thanks to community policing efforts. Our lighting plan has been implemented and is expanding. Blighted buildings have been demolished and roads repaired. Our business owners actively communicate with us now. We are standing up for our City in ensuring that businesses work and invest in our citizens. We worked with TCISD on the Facilities Committee to bring a new high school and stadium to the City of La Marque. I love the new synergy created between our City and the School Districts within our City limits. I am very proud of our Meals on Wheels Program in District A which feeds our elderly and disabled. We are the largest district in the City with the largest elderly and youth population. We actively use our networks to advocate for the City of La Marque, whether it's attending regional meetings, finding grants that will lower taxpayer costs, working with legislators or meeting with aerospace industry partners to bring business to our City. We are doing the work to make sure La Marque has a seat at the table.

What else would you like to tell us about your district?

We are leading the way in District A. Safety and opportunities are our top priorities in our district. We are presently working with the Economic Development Corporation to create a Business Incubator named after Frank Bell, who was one of the first successful business owners in the City of La Marque. We are also working to be a part of the Juneteenth Emancipation Trail for tourists to visit our City and learn our unique history.

CITY OF LA MARQUE CURRENT UPGRADES & IMPROVEMENTS

Sanitary Sewer Manhole Improvements

The City has over 800 sanitary sewer manholes (utility access holes); this Project will include restoration, rehabilitation or replacement of manholes based on condition assessment; approximately 4000 feet of sanitary sewer pipeline rehabilitation is also included in this Project.

Project Location – Various locations throughout the city

Estimated Project Cost = $7,500,000

Estimated Commencement Date – Summer 2023

Project submitted and approved for Grant Funding – Federal Funds through TX GLO Engineering Design is 90% complete; construction bidding is to begin in Spring 2023

Westlawn Stormwater Improvements

Construct new pipelines and street inlets for stormwater collection on Melody Drive and Merry Lane west of Westward Avenue. New street inlets will also be constructed on Westward Avenue, including larger pipelines to accommodate the flow from this area. Grading improvements are planned for the area east of Westward, including Fannin Street, W. Houston Drive and W. Crockett Street.

Project Location – South of Cedar Drive and West and East of Westward Avenue.

Estimated Project Cost $1,500,000

Estimated Completion Date – Winter 2023/2024

Project submitted and approved for Grant Funding – Federal Funds through TX GLO - Engineering Design is 100% completed; construction bidding to begin Spring 2023

Wastewater Treatment Plant Expansion

Construct a new 2.25 million gallons-per-day (MGD) treatment plant to complement the existing 3.0MGD treatment plant. New technology will be incorporated, and capacity addition will provide better treatment and future growth.

Project Location – Woodward Avenue – site of the existing treatment plant.

Estimated Project Cost = $33,500,000

Completion Date – Summer 2025

Estimated

Project submitted and approved for Grant Funding –

Federal Funds through TX GLO

Engineering design is 90% complete; construction bidding is to begin in Spring 2023

Sanitary Sewer Pump Station Improvements

The City has 21 pump stations (lift stations) throughout the sanitary sewer (SS) system. All facilities will be upgraded and improved, based on needs and state of condition.

Project Location: Various Locations

Estimated Project Cost $7,000,000

Estimated Completion Date – Spring 2024

Project submitted and approved for Grant Funding –

Federal Funds through TX GLO

Engineering Design is 90% complete; construction bidding is to begin in Spring 2023

Restoration is being completed – interior and exterior repainting, including replacement of control valves. $658,000 Project 85% complete –Storage Tank is scheduled to be back in service in Spring 2023. New logos are being installed; the tank will be filled with water, disinfected, and tested for water quality before being placed in service.