LUBBOCK, Texas — The Lubbock City Council on Tuesday held a rare Special Joint Meeting of the City Council and the Lubbock County Commissioners Court.
The meeting was structured as a work session, intended for discussion rather than making formal decisions or taking action, according to the city’s meeting agenda.
The city invited members of the County Commissioners Court to discuss agenda items including the following:
Transportation improvement projects impacting the City of Lubbock and Lubbock County:
The discussion revolved around the Ports-to-Plains corridor, linking Laredo, Texas to Raton, NM, and its anticipated economic benefits for the area.
Tray Payne during the meeting said the Ports-to-Plains corridor “has a huge impact on Lubbock and we don’t even know it yet.”
However, Sheila Patterson Harris expressed concerns regarding outreach efforts and the dissemination of project information. Assurances were given that the alliance overseeing the project was actively addressing these concerns.
- City of Lubbock 2022 Street Bond
Approved by Lubbock voters in 2022, the roadway bond has made strides in its five-year project. Fourteen projects are part of the year one phase of the project, with four construction projects currently underway. Those under construction are 98th Street from Alcove to Upland, 34th Street from Ave. Q to I-27, 34th St. from Slide to Quaker and Dunbar/Manhattan Heights.
- Lubbock County 2019 Road Bond
Jennifer Davidson, Director of Public Works for Lubbock County, provided insights into the progress and challenges faced by the Transportation Road Improvement Program (TRIP). Despite making strides towards its goals, Davidson noted a significant hurdle posed by doubled construction costs since 2019. Gilbert Flores with the Commissioner’s Court also brought attention to a specific project concerning East 19th Street, underscoring the need to accommodate increased traffic due to new business developments.
- Texas Department of Transportation Projects: Loop 88, 19th Street, and Avenue Q
Representatives from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) updated attendees on various ongoing projects, including Loop 88, 19th Street and Avenue Q. Joe Villalobos from TxDOT highlighted key milestones achieved in the construction of Loop 88 and addressed concerns regarding road construction delays in specific areas. Discussions also touched upon challenges related to lighting amidst construction activities, with assurances from TxDOT of efforts toward resolution.
Joint City and County Projects:
Updates were provided on joint initiatives such as the forthcoming Lubbock Public Health Department and the HOPE Center. These projects emphasized collaborative efforts between the city and county to enhance public services and community welfare.
The new City/County Public Health Dept. is expected to open in late spring or early summer 2024.
Beth Lawson, CEO of Starcare, presented an update on the HOPE Center. A groundbreaking is scheduled for March 28, 2024 at 1:30 p.m. at the future location of the center, 3002 East 19th Street.
Economic Development Projects:
The anticipated completion date for the factory is February 2025. Leprino Foods expects to create 600 jobs.
Fall of 2025 is the expected date the infrastructure service provider will be operational. Plant Agricultural Systems, LLC is expected to create 900 jobs.
The plastic conduit manufacturer should open by December 2025. It is expected to create 141 jobs.
Tropicale, the #1 Hispanic brand for frozen novelty desserts is up and running. Expected to create about 500 jobs.
For those interested in watching the full meeting, it should be available for viewing on the city’s YouTube channel once uploaded. Stay tuned for updates.
