America’s highways may soon become infrastructure corridors
by Mary Scott Nabers, CEO of Strategic Partnerships, Inc.
A new DOT initiative could use highway and railroad rights-of-way for transmission, broadband and utility infrastructure through public-private partnerships.
Texas plans $138B in transportation investments over decade
TxDOT’s 2027 Unified Transportation Program outlines $138 billion in investments, including $95 billion for capital projects over the next decade.
Texas Engine initiative focuses on five economic sectors
The Texas General Land Office launched the Texas Engine initiative focused on energy, production, manufacturing, agriculture and security.
Cybersecurity pilot targets Texas water infrastructure
Texas water utilities will receive free cybersecurity assistance through Project Watershed 250, a six-month pilot designed to strengthen critical infrastructure.
Todd Little exits NCTCOG executive director role
The NCTCOG Executive Board voted 8-6 to approve an immediate separation with Executive Director Todd Little, with no finding of misconduct or cause.
$576.4M College Station budget funds capital improvements
College Station approved a $576.4 million fiscal 2027 budget, including $181.6 million for capital projects and a 1.84-cent property tax increase.
Two passenger rail options emerge for Austin-San Antonio corridor
Two studies examine Austin-San Antonio passenger rail options, including a $1.9 billion existing corridor plan and a $13.5 billion SH 130 route.
Abbott directs state agencies to stop funding Flock cameras
Gov. Greg Abbott directed Texas agencies to stop funding Flock cameras amid growing scrutiny of automated license plate readers, privacy and law enforcement access.
FERC approves new approach to managing SPP grid congestion
FERC approved Southwest Power Pool rules allowing transmission reconfigurations designed to reduce congestion costs and improve use of existing grid infrastructure.
City administrator shifts focus to business
Whitney – Billy Pribble has resigned as city administrator. City Council accepted the resignation, which is effective Oct. 1. After starting his own business, Pribble originally submitted his resignation last year before ultimately deciding to stay with the city. However, he now says his business has grown to the point that he needs to commit to it full time.
Fire chief departs after 40 years
Paris – Thomas McMonigle has retired as fire chief after four decades of service to the city. Assistant Fire Chief Bob Rast has been appointed interim fire chief by City Manager Rose Beverly. McMonigle requested minimal fanfare surrounding his retirement, choosing to mark the milestone quietly with a small gathering featuring colleagues and friends.
City secretary retiring in early 2027
Boerne – Lori Carroll will retire as city secretary in early 2027. Carroll joined the city administrative staff in 2003 as an assistant to the city manager. She was promoted to deputy city secretary later that year and became city secretary in 2011.
New city administrator plans lots of ‘listening and learning’
Caldwell – Charles West began work as city administrator on Aug. 31. He intends to spent his first weeks on the job “listening and learning.” West was one of three candidates interviewed in July. He was named finalist after an executive session that lasted almost five hours.
Police chief shifting from Bellmead to Pampa
Pampa – Shawn Myatt is city’s new police chief. He will officially assume his duties on Oct. 1. Myatt brings nearly three decades of police-chief-level leadership experience to Pampa. He currently serves as Bellmead’s police chief, where he has led the department since 2022. Prior to Bellmead, Myatt served as police chief for Navasota, before adding assistant city manager responsibilities.
Animal Care Services director plots new career
Corpus Christi – Kathleen Chapa, director of Animal Care Services, submitted her resignation, effective immediately, on Aug. 27. She departed to focus on graduate school, with plans to begin a new career working for a school district. Cynthia Martinez, assistant director of the department, will serve as interim director.
Governor’s Appointments (Aug. 31 – Sept. 4):
Lone Star Workforce of the Future Fund Advisory Board
Manny Salazar – Kingsville
Gulf Coast Authority (GCA) Board of Directors
Kevin Scott – Santa Fe (reappointed)
Dan Syphrett – Stowell (reappointed)
Family Violence Criminal Homicide Prevention Task Force
Jessica Devaney – New Braunfels
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