About District 128

San Jacinto Day:
On April 21st, 1836, General Sam Houston accomplished one of the biggest military upsets by defeating Santa Anna’s troops at the Battle of San Jacinto. The 18 minute battle brought Mexican rule over Texas to a dramatic close and paved the way for Texas to become an independent republic. Last year, I celebrated San Jacinto Day by offering remarks at the historic battleground with General Houston’s great grandson Sam Houston IV.

Liberty Tire Recycling Facility Tour:
I was given the opportunity last summer to meet and congratulate hard working Texas citizens at the Liberty Tire Recycling facility for their success in improving workplace performance. While there, I was able to tour the tire facility and watch how the plant shreds scrap tires and then uses the recycled rubber for a variety of eco-friendly products.

Transportation Infrastructure Improvements:
Last Spring, I was one of the first public members to test out the new Spur 330 ramp to State Highway 146 at the ramp’s grand opening. This ramp was a great addition to the transportation infrastructure system in District 128 to keep large trucks off frontage roads and out of local traffic. I was also informed that funding has been secured for the flyover to connect State Highway (SH) 146 southbound to Spur 330 westbound, and the construction should be completed by May 2011. The completion of this flyover will create a hurricane evacuation route for citizens and will make traffic flow more smoothly between Interstate 10, Spur 330 and SH 146. Additional highway work is currently under construction on SH 146 to eliminate the at-grade crossing at Wharton Wheems, Shore Acres/Choate, and Red Bluff.

Project Stars:
Many of you have probably noticed the beautiful “Texas sized” artwork displayed on oil storage tanks in our district. These murals are a part of an urban revitalization project (Project Stars) donated by the Economic Alliance Houston Port region and are not funded by the State of Texas. This “museum without walls” celebrates our history and heritage with illustrations of events leading up to the Battle of San Jacinto.  On June 2, 2010, I had the privilege to help unveil one of these masterpieces along Spur 330.  These works of art embrace our present culture while bringing pride and beauty to our area.