Stimulus funding moving slowly...but other federal funds flowing into Texas!
by Mary Scott Nabers
CEO of Strategic Partnerships, Inc.
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The Texas Education Agency's Science Laboratory Grant Program recently announced that $20 million has been awarded to 14 Texas school districts. This funding will be used for construction and renovation projects that bring school buildings and facilities into compliance related to curriculum requirements for high school programs.
The Splendora ISD received $164,000 from that funding to renovate an existing classroom to serve as a combination lecture and science lab. Other Texas school districts - Edgewood, Laredo, Somerset, Mission and Brownsville - earned awards of $1 to $4.8 million from the grant program to spend on construction and renovation projects in those districts.
The Fort Bend ISD is seeking grant funding to finance the construction and operation of its proposed $22 million Global Center for Science and Technology. This new facility will offer numerous subcontracting opportunities for plumbers, HVAC specialists, furniture and equipment suppliers and more. Some of the planned features include interactive learning stations, a planetarium and a theater.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently announced public safety-related funding to a number of border states. This funding is tied to border security. DHS has $60 million in these Stonegarden grant funds and Texas is eligible for more than $16.7 million.
In the past, some states have used this homeland security money for GPS software, thermal imaging systems, vehicle and equipment rental, vehicle and equipment maintenance, alarm and signal systems, facility management systems, firefighting and rescue equipment, security equipment, law enforcement equipment and marine craft. Texas is one of four states that collectively will receive more than 76 percent of the funding.
Just this week, DHS announced approximately $1.8 billion in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funding. High-threat, large-population areas will share $798.6 million from the Urban Area Security Initiative, including $2.9 million for Austin, $19.3 million for Dallas/Fort Worth/Arlington, $5.3 million for the El Paso area, $39 million for the Houston area and $6.2 million for the San Antonio area.
The state is also eligible for more than $3.4 million from the Interoperable Emergency Communications Program. Three Texas governmental entities - the city of Del Rio, Nacogdoches County and Victoria County - will share $2.5 million to address interoperable communications problems.
Contracting opportunities in Texas have never been more plentiful and when the stimulus funds really start flowing, it will be an even more vibrant marketplace for contractors. Companies of all sizes and types should be asking local officials about upcoming opportunities. There may never be a better opportunity for partnering with governmental agencies.
