Austin Energy recently conducted a study on the feasibility of undergrounding the city’s expansive overhead electrical distribution line system. After receiving the results, the utility determined that placing all the city’s lines underground would cost $50...
Southern Methodist University (SMU) has selected Rachel Davis Mersey to take over as its next vice president and provost. She most recently served as executive vice president and provost of The University of Texas (UT) at Austin. Mersey has been with the university...
The city of Midland has launched an interactive online tool to keep residents in the loop about the latest projects, developments and strategic vision. Vision Midland will provide a critical bridge between the city’s residents and the government, offering a roadmap of...
The city of Georgetown will spend $15.8 million to improve Leander Road. The improvements are part of an ongoing safety and mobility enhancement initiative and will predominantly involve upgrading the roadway and expanding non-motorized traveler amenities....
The Texas Senate has approved a priority bill to harden the state’s electrical grid, advancing solutions to ensure residents will benefit from fewer outages, greater flexibility and enhanced resilience. Power demand on the Texas grid is at an all-time high, and only...
The city of San Antonio will invest $38.3 million into a series of roadway, drainage and railroad improvement projects. The Toepperwein Road project will cost a total of $14.8 million. Plans call for implementing roadway improvements along the route between...
Hospitals and specialized health care services in rural areas and small towns have been declining for many years, and that has become a serious concern. Financial stress is the primary reason for the decline. The federal government has provided financial support for...
Southern California’s rail network is facing ongoing threats that could significantly impact vital rail-based travel and safety across the region. Without emergency action from the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA), the rail service will likely be...
State efforts to enhance energy efficiency through dedicated programs are having a noticeable effect on cost-saving measures and pollution reduction. According to the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE), states collectively invested $8.8 billion...
The drive for state efficiency has swept the nation in the wake of the federal Department of Government Efficiency’s (DOGE) efforts to streamline operations and cut costs. While many states have either begun or already launched their own versions of DOGE to reform the...
The Mendota Mental Health Institute (MMHI) will spend $19.9 million to improve its facilities, prioritizing upgrades to key utilities. Construction is expected to begin in October 2025. The project will be located at MMHI and the Central Wisconsin Center (CWC). Due to...
Reyes Medrano, Jr. City Manager Tolleson, Arizona My public career highlights and education: I received a master’s degree in educational psychology and human relations from Northern Arizona University. One of my greatest professional joys has been collaborating with...
In an ongoing effort to combat climate change, New York has made $80 million available to support local climate resiliency projects. Selected applicants will receive aid from up to three programs to develop nature-based and green infrastructure projects that will...
The Idaho Legislature has officially adjourned, resulting in a highly productive session for the state’s goals. The Legislature ended the 2025 session approving 95% of the governor’s Keeping Promises plan, investing in education, tax relief and infrastructure...
The state of Florida has distributed a total of $389 million across five separate grant programs to fund critical water resource protection projects. Projects receiving funding include efforts to improve water quality infrastructure, ecosystem restoration efforts and...
The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) will make $982 million available for the next round of the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant program. Applications for the latest SS4A grant round are due by June 26, 2025. The Notice of Funding Opportunity...
The focus on water is extreme in almost every state in America. That’s because there are dozens of water infrastructure projects that simply must be addressed. The most critical issues tend to be water resources, aging water treatment plants, flood control, aging dam...
Bill Lewis – Director of Manufacturing, Agribusiness and Logistics Texas Department of Criminal Justice Public career highlights and education: In 1984, I joined the Texas Department of Criminal Justice as a correctional officer. I was promoted through the...
The city of Hutchins received approval to invest $28 million into building a state-of-the-art recreation center and library. In addition, the Miles Independent School District (MISD) will spend $7 million to make a series of improvements and renovations to campus...
As water resources continue to be threatened across Texas, the Senate has approved a bill dedicated to addressing and preventing a long-term water supply crisis looming over the state. Senate Bill 7 is one of a package of related bills designed to create new water...
The Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) has promoted Wes Rapaport to chief of media and communications. Rapaport most recently served as the agency’s section chief of media and communications. This is the second pivotal change in the agency’s communication...
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved Texas’ State Implementation Plan (SIP) to improve air quality in the San Antonio area. The approval is part of the new administration’s efforts to address the nation’s massive backlog of both state and...
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has opened applications for $6.25 million to support rural-area hospitals. Applicants have until April 24 to solicit funding. The commission anticipates issuing up to 25 grants to improve the financial stability...
The Texas General Land Office (GLO) will allocate $58.4 million to support regional mitigation projects across the state. The awards will enable five counties and four cities to advance essential street improvement, water infrastructure, drainage and flood mitigation...
Gov. Greg Abbott has reappointed three to The University of Texas (UT) System Board of Regents. Their terms are scheduled to end Feb. 1, 2031. Christina Melton Crain is a member of the American Correctional Association and the Texas Corrections Association. She...
