The city of Jasper recently received federal money for street and drainage improvements in 21 separate locations.
The City Council last week met in regular session in part to discuss the grant competition, which was conduced through the Texas General Land Office.
The city was awarded nearly $11.3 million for the projects through the Hurricane Harvey CDBG-MIT program, which leaves 1% of the projects’ total cost to be funded by the city. That contribution comes out to $112,580.
During the meeting the council also heard from Fire Chief Jimmie Primrose concerning a donation of Jasper Engine No. 2 to the Fort Davis, Texas Fire Department. The council tabled any action on the matter until a later date.
The council set a $1 million cap for a project to replace street and security lights around the city with LED lighting. Councilman David Shultz, who made the motion to approve the project, said it would result in utility savings and better lighting.
Shultz also made a second request for improvements at Carradine Park. Public Works Director Greg Kelley told the Council that improvements at the park had already begun under the direction of the Parks Department.
The Council also scheduled a budget workshop for 4 p.m. July 14 to do work on the 2022 city budget.
Scott Loar is a freelance writer.