Thanks to conservative budgeting Lubbock has weathered the recession far better than virtually all other cities in Texas. During these troubling times, Lubbock has managed to meet its commitments to the taxpayers while also restoring city infrastructure that had long been neglected, and we HAVE NOT RAISED THE CITY TAX RATE!

Here is a partial list of projects that have been completed or are well-underway during my first term. Some were possible by using previously approved bonds; some were the result of lower construction costs due to the recession. Others were accomplished by working with officials in Austin to gain extra funding for Lubbock and others by developing public/private initiatives such as the Gateway Project that I worked on as a City Councilman.

Water:

• We replaced 15 miles of 70-year-old water mains that were literally draining one of our most precious resources, water.
• We’re now making quick progress on the engineering and right-of-way acquisition needed to secure much needed water from Lake Alan Henry.
• We broke ground for the pipeline on March 23.  The first phase of the pipeline was $16 million under estimates.

Roads:

• Long-delayed, the 34th and University intersection rebuild is completed.
• Engineering and design has begun on the 34th Street rebuilding project that was approved by voters in November.  Construction should start in about 18 months.
• The “Northwest Passage” project is underway extending Slide Road to the North Loop, and widening north Loop 289 to six lanes.  Bids were $5 million under estimate.
• Work has begun on widening Indiana Ave. to FM 1585, and Quaker Ave. to 114th Street, Bids were $6 million under estimate for both projects.
• Construction will begin this fall to extend Milwaukee from 94th to FM 1585 and 98th Street from Frankford to Milwaukee.
• We finally secured funding for the Marsha Sharp Freeway from Ave. L to Interstate 27, and we broke ground on March 31.  Bids were $5 million under estimates.
• One of the smallest but most driver-appreciated projects was replacing the dilapidated brick on Main Street with smooth asphalt.

Economic Development:

• The completion of Lubbock Business Park Boulevard from I-27 to MLK came in $2,000,000 under estimates.
• The cost for the Rail Park north of the airport was done for half the one million dollar estimate.
• Accepting Xcel’s offer to sell their retail operations in Lubbock will eliminate duplication of personnel and facilities, saving taxpayers money and increasing Lubbock’s ability to negotiate more competitively for new businesses.
• Downtown redevelopment is in the development stage and the Xcel purchase will make the rewiring of downtown much more feasible.

Public Safety:

• Architectural design is in progress on Fire Station 16 at 114th St. and Quaker Ave.  Construction will begin this fall.
• Two other stations will be built and staffed during the next 3 years, at 103rd and Milwaukee and at 66th and Oakwood.

LIA Airport:

• We added a fourth airline, Delta, at Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport.
• We completed new entrance roads and remodeling of the airport terminal.
• We will start construction on a major improvement to the east-west runway this fall.

Parks and Entertainment:

• The size of the mold-threatened Godeke Library was nearly doubled by relocating it to the former Barnes & Noble location on Slide Road.
• The land the library was formerly on will now provide the First Responders Memorial a new location with safe parking.
• Plans are being finalized to convert the vacant half block on the west side of the Buddy Holly Center to a park that will be the new home for the Buddy Holly Statue and West Texas Walk of Fame.
• Plans for a beautiful upgrade of the Municipal Coliseum have been completed and construction will soon be underway,
• Major improvements at McAlister Park will start later this year.