Local Government Corporation
The Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC) and the Fort Bend County Toll Road Authority have worked with Austin County and the cities of Eagle Lake, Fulshear, Wallis, and Weston Lakes to form the 1093 Rails to Trails Local Government Corporation (the “1093 LGC”) to have a single entity authorized by the participating local governments to use funds to make the regional trail a reality.
The 1093 LGC will lease the railroad right-of-way from the Fort Bend County Toll Road Authority (FBCTRA). Olson & Olson LLP has been working pro-bono with the participating entities to assist them in the formation of the 1093 LGC and the execution of a lease agreement.
Local Government Corporation Structure: All jurisdictions that wish to participate in the local government organization will be given representation on the local government organization board. Ideally, each jurisdiction the corridor passes through or is immediately adjacent to would have one representative on the board. FBCTRA will be provided veto power over all decisions proposed by the local government corporation. The board will meet regularly to develop a plan, develop a project schedule, and raise funds for trail construction and maintenance. The local government organization will present their findings to the appropriate governing bodies within their jurisdictions.
Primary Objectives
Trail Design Goals
Local Government Corporation Board Members
The 1093 LGC will lease the railroad right-of-way from the Fort Bend County Toll Road Authority (FBCTRA). Olson & Olson LLP has been working pro-bono with the participating entities to assist them in the formation of the 1093 LGC and the execution of a lease agreement.
Local Government Corporation Structure: All jurisdictions that wish to participate in the local government organization will be given representation on the local government organization board. Ideally, each jurisdiction the corridor passes through or is immediately adjacent to would have one representative on the board. FBCTRA will be provided veto power over all decisions proposed by the local government corporation. The board will meet regularly to develop a plan, develop a project schedule, and raise funds for trail construction and maintenance. The local government organization will present their findings to the appropriate governing bodies within their jurisdictions.
Primary Objectives
- Formation of an organization to raise funds for eventual construction of the trail;
- Construct the trail in phases as funding becomes available; and
- Engage members of the community and local and county governments throughout the planning process.
Trail Design Goals
- Design a high-quality, attractive, and safe trail;
- Design a trail that minimizes maintenance requirements; and
- Develop a trail route and layout that encourages economic development and promotes tourism in communities that desire it.
Local Government Corporation Board Members
- Bill Ragle, Weston Lakes
- Linda Harnist, Weston Lakes
- Belinda Halfin, Wallis
- James King, Wallis
- Chip Reed, Austin County
- Shannon Hanath, Austin County
- Zach Goodlander, Fulshear
- Sharon Valiante, Fulshear
- Bobbe S. Nolan, Eagle Lake
- GayeLynn Thomas, Eagle Lake
