County eyes road projects for grant match

By LPR Staff
Editor/POST-REGISTER

Under a loophole in Texas Administrative Code, the Caldwell County Unit Road System has struck a deal with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) that will allow for improvements on three separate county roads.

The waiver request, approved by the Caldwell County Commissioners’ Court on Monday, asks TxDOT to waive a local cash

contribution toward improvements being made to a bridge on County Road 127 (Oak Grove Road), in exchange for county improvements to County Road 159 (Pettytown Road) and County Road 215 (Westwood Road).

A project to improve the bridge on Oak Grove Road has been approved by the State, and is in the program pipeline for TxDOT. Historically, the County would be asked to make a financial contribution to the project. However, under the waiver rules, the County can, instead, make improvements of comparable value to other bridges or rights of way within the county’s road inventory, rather than offering a cash match.

Work on the bridges is expected to begin in the near future, and will be valued at nearly $32,000 altogether.

In other business, a resident of County Road 400 (Oak Trail Drive) approached the Court to discuss drainage problems in her neighborhood that have developed since construction began on SH-130. Since the construction started, she said, area residents have experienced difficulties with tanks and stock ponds overflowing, and runoff rising over and causing damage to Oak Trail Drive.

County Judge Ronnie Duesterheft said he has discussed the situation with TxDOT representatives, and they will continue to work to find a viable solution to the problem.

The Commissioners approved contracts for professional management services and project engineering services in relation to a Texas Community Development Block Grant being sought to assist the Tri-Community Water Supply Corporation in making improvements to their water filtration system. The contractors will work in connection with the Commissioners and representatives of Tri-Community Water Supply, should the grant be awarded.

The County paid bills in the amount of $125,029.34, which includes $33,752.60 in indigent legal defense fees.

The Caldwell County Commissioners routinely meet on the second, third and fourth Monday of each month at 9 a.m. in Room 100 of the Caldwell County Courthouse. The meetings are open to the public and interested citizens are encouraged to attend and participate.