Roads and Recreation
Attendees at Chambers County Commissioners Court gave a standing ovation following Commissioner Jimmy Gore’s heartfelt sentiments on County Judge Jimmy Sylvia’s retirement.
ANAHUAC— As the Gordon Speer/Chambers Parkway projects progress, commissioners iron out details and discuss Chambers County Judge Jimmy Sylvia’s retirement.
The Chamber’s County Commissioners Court held a regular meeting on Tuesday, March 25, discussing roadway projects and the Pine Island schoolhouse.
The commissioners discussed the Gordon Speer/Chambers Parkway Soccer Complex and Community Building project, a new facility to be located off Texas 146.
The court approved to go out for bids for the project and awarded Carter Construction, LLC, the contract for roadway construction for Gordon Speer/Chambers Parkway for just short of $9 million.
The company will also add an extension over the Coastal Water Authority canal to help mitigate traffic congestion. A change order request was approved in the amount of $2 million.
Also in the interest of roadways, commissioners approved to submit request for proposals for reworking and chip sealing various roadways in the county, if funds are available. Many shell roads in Winnie and Anahuac need reworking.
“Our long-term goal is to do away with rock roads,” Commissioner Pct. 1 Jimmy Gore said. “It will save us money down the road.”
“No pun intended,” Commissioner Pct. 4 Ryan Dagley quickly quipped.
After a lengthy executive session, the court voted to sell the Pine Island schoolhouse, built in 1954.
In early February, Janette Lagow, daughter of previous commissioner Joe Lagow, spoke in favor of renovating the building. Lagow said she would like plumbing, electrical and flooring to be restored.
“We’ve done everything that we can do,” Gore said.
During public comments, Gore spoke on Sylvia’s retirement.
“This court and this county would not be where it is today without Jimmy Sylvia,” Gore said, opening his commentary.
“Okay your time is up,” Sylvia said, referencing the three-minute rule.
“We don’t always agree with what’s going on in the community, but this man has led this county for 34 years. Well deserved, well-deserved retirement. He will be greatly missed by everybody,” Gore said. “I appreciate everything you’ve done for us.”