SRBA re-elects board members; discusses log jam

By LYNN MONTGOMERY | East Texas Edition

April 3, 2003 -- Elections to the board and the Sulphur River log jam were the top topics of the March 18 Sulphur River Basin Authority (SRBA) meeting held in Mount Pleasant.

SRBA board members are appointed by the state's governor to serve a six-year term. The board then elects officers from the board members.

Board members re-elected to their office include Mike Huddleston - president, and Charles Lowery - vice president.

Mike Burke, who is not governor appointed and is not a board member, was re-elected as administrator, secretary/treasurer - the only paid position on the board.

Other board members are Patsy McClain, Judy Lee and Dick Goodman.

The six-person board is currently one member short. Two members terms expired two years ago, and in February, two more members' terms expired.

"We serve on the board until a reappointment is made by the governor," Huddleston reported.

Gene Acuna, a spokesperson for Governor Perry's office, said on March 28 he was assured by the appointment office that they were currently working on the four appointments.

"There is not a standard set time table for reappointments. Some happen relatively quickly; some may not," Acuna added.

Other business discussed at the March 18 meeting on the Sulphur River, was the log jam downriver from Highway 37 near Hagansport.

Mike Burke explained the U.S. Corps of Engineers was continuing to help the SRBA find a sponsor who would aid with the money needed for the log jam study. According to the Corps, the study, which would cost $4 million with the SRBA's portion being $2 million, is needed to not only study the log jam but how the log jam affects the whole basin.

"We can get a grant for $1 million, but that leaves another million for us to raise," Burke said about SRBA's financial responsiblity.

The question was proposed about the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) assisting in the program since the effort will likely include a financial need to repair bridges and roads.

The response by the board was, "TxDOT says they had rather spend their money on tangible things instead of reports."

Another question was, "What about making a channel around the log jam?"

Burke added they would discuss this option with the Corps.

The board also said the SRBA website (www.sulphurriverbasinauthority.org) was up and running. People can log on to request a copy of the recent Marvin Nichols economic study. There is a $10 charge for the copy.

The next SRBA meeting was set for April 15, 10:30 p.m., Mount Pleasant Civic Center.