SD 11 SREC: E-Newsletter from State Representative Dennis Paul

Coastal Spine Rally Congress Campaign

The Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership's website regarding the coastal spine initiative is available for public view. There are 12 "buttons" on BAHEP's home page at

www.bayareahouston.com.

One of the buttons, says BUILD THE COASTAL SPINE!, and it directs you to the storm surge suppression page. At the very top of the page is an image of BAHEP's new Coastal Spine Pocket Card, which is being printed now, and words/direction/links to the left of the card. Please direct everyone you know who wants to help protect our region to BAHEP's website so that they can send a letter!

Alternatively, here is a working link so that you can go directly to the Build the Coastal Spine Rally Congress page without going through BAHEP's website first:

http://buildthecoastalspine.rallycongress.net/.

If you haven't yet seen the latest and greatest video by Space City Films, UNPREPARED: A Nation at Risk, you can view it here:

http://youtu.be/v_Ez1Xvkjqo.

Deadline for Governmental Jurisdictions and Private Nonprofits to Request Reimbursement for Public Infrastructure Repair

Local, state and nonprofit agencies and organizations in Texas seeking reimbursement for Hurricane Harvey expenses have until 5 p.m.Oct. 31, 2017 to submit their requests to the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM).

Eligible applicants are reimbursed for disaster-related costs for emergency response, debris removal and permanent work such as repairs or replacement of schools, roads, bridges and other public infrastructure. The federal cost-share for all categories of Public Assistance is 90 percent.

To read more click here.

Legislative Committees Meet to Discuss Harvey Aid

Recently Representative Paul attended the House Committee on Appropriations hearing in Houston, which began discussions to examine the use of federal funds by state agencies responding to the effects of Harvey and identify opportunities to maximize the use of federal funds to reduce the impact of future natural disasters. The committee also discussed the importance to identify the need for state resources to respond to Hurricane Harvey relief and recovery efforts, as well as opportunities for state investment in infrastructure projects that will reduce the impact of future natural disasters.

This week the House Committee on Public Education met to determine, to the extent possible, the scope of financial losses, including facilities, that resulted from Harvey. The committee hopes to recommend possible state actions, such as changes to student counts or property valuation, to mitigate any negative impact on districts and ensure governance structures and parameters allow for effective responses.

Additionally, the House Committee on Natural Resources is examining the following issues within the committee's jurisdiction regarding Harvey and flooding in general: the role of regional entities in developing projects to control flooding, both through new infrastructure and enhancing existing infrastructure; mitigation efforts that would reduce the impact of future flood events, and strategies to fund those efforts; and the response of public entities that own or operate dams to large-scale rain events, including how such entities make decisions regarding dam and reservoir operations during such events, coordinate with state and local emergency management officials, and communicate with the public. Representative Paul has submitted a interim charge request to Speaker Straus office for a study on multi county watershed drainage in coordination with this initial charge to the committee.

DPS Highlights School Bus Safety Efforts

In conjunction with National School Bus Safety Week (Oct. 16-20), the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is urging Texans to comply with laws prohibiting drivers from passing school buses. During this period, DPS Highway Patrol Troopers will be looking for drivers who violate the law. It is illegal to pass any school bus that is stopped and operating a visual signal - either flashing red lights or a stop sign. To read more click here.

University of Houston - Clear Lake Welcomes New President Dr. Ira Blake

Dr. Ira Blake became The University of Houston-Clear Lake's fifth president in August 2017 following an extensive nationwide search. We are proud to welcome Dr. Blake to the community.

Dr. Blake joined UH-Clear Lake after serving as provost and senior vice president for academic affairs since 2009 at Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania, one of 14 regional institutions in Pennsylvania's State System of Higher Education. She established a strong reputation as a leader through her many accomplishments. Representative Paul looks forward to working with Dr. Blake and UHCL to continue the success of House District 129.

To read more about Dr. Blake click here.

Events throughout District 129

Rep. & Mrs Paul attended the

Celebration of the National Day of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and honored Director General of Taipei Economic & Cultural Office in Houston.

Clear Creek Independent School District Football Coaches visit with Rep. Paul at Space Center Rotary.

Rep. Paul visits with Lockheed Martins Linda Singleton and former JSC director George Abbey at the Destination Moon Exhibit at Space Center Houston.

The Destination Moon Exhibit highlights the Apollo 11 capsule and new Orion capsule.

Capitol Visitor Information

My staff and I welcome everyone to visit our office as well as the historic Capitol building. If you are planning a trip to the Capitol be sure to stop by our office, Room E2.814. Here are some helpful tips for your visit:

- Texas Capitol Visitor Center

- Texas State Preservation Board

- The Bullock Texas State History Museum