L-R: Gregg County Judge Bill Stoudt, Smith County Judge Neal Franklin, Harrison County Judge Chad Sims, Marion County Judge Leward LeFleur, TxDOT Tyler District Engineer Vernon Webb, P.E. and Facilitator AEP SWEPCO Mark Robinson discuss economic collaborations at the Longview Chamber of Commerce State of the Region panel. Photo by VizCre8e media.

County Judges expound on strategic collaborations.

By Joycelyne Fadojutimi

The Texas Department of Transportation Tyler District is overseen by Vernon M. Webb, P.E., the district engineer. The district is responsible for planning, designing, building, operating, and maintaining the state’s transportation system in the following East Texas counties: Anderson, Cherokee, Gregg, Henderson, Rusk, Smith, Van Zandt, and Wood.

During the past two years, there have been an alarming total of 1553 vehicular crashes on I-20 and Hwy 31, resulting in 166 fatalities. According to 2023 statistics there counties there are approximately 236,000 cars operating daily in this region.

Looking ahead to 2050 the totals for Van Zandt are projected to be 86,000, 67,000 for Smith and 65,000 for Gregg. Traffic on I-20 is expected to be 30% composed of trucks. Traffic has almost doubled just since 2023. The installation of passing lanes on Hwy 31 were completed in 2018, and over the following two years there was just one fatality, but as drivers became accustomed to this innovation, they apparently began using it carelessly, especially around intersections. The death toll rose to higher than it was before. Some new projects are therefore being considered.

One change under examination is replacing the I-20 bridge over the Sabine river next November. Back when the interstate was constructed a lightweight concrete was used and is not standing up to the test of time. Beaucoup repairs are having to be made. Reconstruction of the Kilgore interchange is slated to commence in January and will include elimination of the left exits and widening to six lanes. Funding has not yet been procured.

June of 2030 is the planned date to start work on Hwy 31 to widen it to four lanes from the Louvre power to Road 236. These projects are already in their primary stages, but a great deal of effort remains for the future and will cost about $2 billion. Road conditions in this area are viewed as particularly dangerous. Overall, this master plan is considered to be essential for the communities in question.

Other topics the judges discussed included water rights, rural vs urban, and rail transportation collaborations.

Smith County Judge Neal Franklin bragged on the development that is taking positive hold throughout East Texas, with invaluable participation by the Tyler Economic Development Council, Rose City, Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce, and his county. A major objective is the widening of I-20 in the southern area to make it more accommodating for truck traffic. Plus, the Tyler downtown projects such as the parking garage and a new courthouse. “They will soon be moving to the penthouse on the East side,” Neal cheerfully said. With reference to workforce solutions, Neal lauded the schools and universities in Tyler for doing a great job in preparing young people for a bright and great future in Tyler and east Texas.

In like manner, the Marion County Judge, Leward LeFleur expounded on the progress of an expanding horse bedding firm that is manufacturing luxurious equine-oriented merchandise all over the world. This company opened for business just two years ago and has not stopped expanding profitably.

Moreover, a cabinet company named Master Woodcraft in Marion County is being purchased for profit by another firm, which will greatly benefit that county. Marion also has an expanding broadband project which will greatly improve communications in an area where some residents cannot get cell phone service. As the youngest county judge on the panel, he dubbed the Gregg County Judge Bill Stoudt, “The Godfather,” for his business acumen and experience in getting other judges to see the need of collaboration in their group quest to a regional economic powerhouse. Stoudt, laughed at his moniker, The Godfather which he sees as a compliment because he is the longest serving judge on the panel, gives advice that comes with experience- reminding them that, “if you are not at the table with the state or boards you are on the menu – and that is bad county business.”

In addition, Harrison County Chad Sims spoke of rebounding from the loss of its coal plant by beginning preparations for a new natural gas plant in this area where natural gas and oil drilling are traditionally stalwart economic resources. Expansion of the Southwestern Electric Power Company into and throughout Harrison County is also certain to attract new business, as will the coming of an Eastman Chemical recycling operation. He agrees with the other judges that collaboration is key to a successful and thriving economic east Texas region.

Equally important, the Gregg County Judge Bill Stoudt, aka Godfather, dislikes the current trend of asking counties to do more with less funding. Stoudt declares that this is a growing fiscal challenge for local governments, requiring them to prioritize resource allocation and explore innovative solutions to meet community needs while facing budget constraints. On the other hand, he Stoudt as the Godfather and chief architect of collaboration told the audience that people are discovering east Texas; hence the region needs to be adequately prepared for the future and reminded his audience that, “We are better together.”