Commissioners sponsor $500,000 CDBG application to replace undersized Gum Springs water mains

A county-presented resolution authorizing the submittal of a Texas Community Development Block Grant (TDA CDBG) application drew a multi-part briefing and unanimous approval by the court.

A presenter explained Harrison County must sponsor the Gum Springs Water Supply Corporation's application because water supply corporations cannot apply directly. The proposed project would replace approximately 3,800 linear feet of 4-inch water main, 2,600 linear feet of 6-inch main and 820 linear feet of 8-inch main on lines east of Longview in older parts of the system. The presenter said the existing service lines in the area are "one-and-a-half to two inch" and described the work as an upgrade to meet current demand and state requirements.

Commissioners asked whether applications are first-come or competitive and learned each sponsoring entity is allowed one application per two-year cycle; scoring penalties may reduce competitiveness if an entity received funds in the prior cycle. The court approved the resolution to submit a $500,000 application with the county as sponsor and committed to administrative support; commissioners then approved a resolution designating authorized county representatives to handle CDBG matters.

Finally, the court approved a memorandum of understanding with Gary Traylor & Associates to administer the project if the grant is awarded; Traylor was named as the project administrator to handle required paperwork. All votes on the CDBG resolution, representative designation and the MOU were unanimous (5-0).

The presenters said there is no direct county cost for sponsorship beyond administrative time, and that the application deadline for this cycle is June 1.