Galveston County Voters Approve Two Infrastructure Propositions
Galveston County voters have approved two infrastructure propositions totaling approximately $110 million. The approved propositions will fund various projects, including transportation infrastructure and drainage improvements. However, a third bond measure, which included $55 million for a juvenile detention center, failed to get voter approval.
Proposition B: Juvenile Detention Center
Proposition B, which was rejected by more than 53% of voters, was the largest of the three bonds at $75.8 million. The majority of the funds would have gone toward improvements to the county’s juvenile detention center, originally built in 1996. The project would have added 48 new beds, along with new classrooms, training rooms, a kitchen, administrative offices, and a laundry facility. According to the county, the project also would have renovated 80% of the building.
The failure of Proposition B means the county will have to find short-term solutions to address the issues with the current Juvenile Justice Detention Center. Galveston County Judge Mark Henry stated that facilities projects often have a negative connotation due to other jurisdictions’ over-the-top construction on buildings. Henry believes that this perception may have impacted the voting outcome.
A representative of the Texas Jail Project, a nonprofit advocacy group, expressed relief that the bond for the proposed detention center did not pass. The spokesperson stated that the $55 million could be better used for preventative programs, such as crisis stabilization, community-based mental health care, food security, housing, and social services.
Proposition A: Transportation Infrastructure
Proposition A passed with support from more than 55% of voters and will fund 12 transportation infrastructure projects totaling more than $74.1 million. One of the largest projects included is a $25 million designation for repairs to the San Luis Pass Bridge, which connects Galveston Island to San Luis Island to the west.
Judge Henry stated that Proposition A will fund critical improvements across the county, including the San Luis Pass Bridge project. The county will work with state and federal partners to complete the project.
Proposition C: Drainage and Flood Control
Proposition C was a $36.08 million bond to fund six different drainage and flood control infrastructure projects. It passed with support from nearly 59% of voters. The most expensive project is the planned Bayshore drainage improvements, which make up nearly two-thirds of the proposition’s funding at $21.55 million.
Judge Henry stated that Proposition C was designed to bring relief to flood-prone areas within the county. The county’s drainage planning is crucial, as its watersheds are interconnected, and the work done in the Bayshore area and around the county will have a positive impact on all communities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Galveston County voters have approved two infrastructure propositions that will fund important projects, including transportation infrastructure and drainage improvements. However, the failure of Proposition B means the county will need to explore alternative solutions for the juvenile detention center. The approved propositions will bring significant benefits to the county, and the county will work with state and federal partners to complete the projects. Details regarding each of the propositions and their projects can be found on the county’s website.
