HomeMy WebLinkAboutPR 17669: SUPPORT FOR EDC PROPOSED HB 1966, HB 1967, AND HB 2473 APR 25'13 11:0441
P. R. No. 17669
4/24/2013 FB
RESOLUTION NO.
A RESOLUTION FROM THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
PORT ARTHUR IN SUPPORT FOR THE PORT ARTHUR
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION PROPOSED HB
1966, HB 1967, AND HB 2473 LEGISLATIVE CHANGES TO
THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ACT
WHEREAS, HB 1966, HB 1967 and HB 2473 provide the Port Arthur Economic
Development Corporation creative solutions to overcome an extraordinary high
unemployment rate and areas of inner city blight by giving them flexibility to use 4A funds
to revitalize the community , bring citizens out of unemployment, and attract new business
enterprises to locate in the downtown area; and
WHEREAS, HB 1966 will allow the Port Arthur Economic Development Corporation
to use 4A funds to make improvements and revitalize blighted areas so that new business
enterprises will locate in these newly improved locations. The City of Port Arthur and the
Port Arthur Economic Development Corporation must revitalize their downtown area
before business enterprises will relocate in the area. HB 1966 would provide Port Arthur
the solution it needs to foster critical growth and economic opportunities; and
WHEREAS, HB 1967 will allow the Port Arthur Economic Development Corporation
to expend 4A funds to create "pre- training" programs for individuals lacking basic job
skills. The City of Port Arthur has a high unemployment rate and a high percentage of
citizens with limited skills. As a result, businesses with "on the job" training programs are
reluctant to spend funds to train individuals lacking basic skills. Consequently, these
individuals are unable to participate in an "on the job" training program and remain
unemployed; and
WHEREAS, HB 2473 will allow the Port Arthur Economic Development Corporation
to expend 4A funds to develop and construct student housing facilities on or adjacent to the
public state college campus, which is located in the downtown reinvestment area; and
WHEREAS, HB 1966, HB 1967 and HB 2473 will not require the State of Texas to
provide funding for infrastructure improvements, "pre- training" programs, or housing
facilities; and
WHEREAS, HB 1966, HB 1967 and HB 2473 will not require the State of Texas to
provide funding for infrastructure improvements, "pre- training" programs, or housing
facilities; and
WHEREAS, these bills will help the City of Port Arthur and the Port Arthur
Economic Development Corporation, decrease the unemployment rate and bring new
businesses into the downtown area; and
WHEREAS, HB 1966, HB 1967 and HB 2473 will provide the City of Port Arthur and
the Port Arthur Economic Development Corporation creative solutions to remedy the high
unemployment rate and entice businesses to relocate in the downtown area; and
WHEREAS, HB 1966. HB 1967 and HB 2473 will make it easier for the City of Port
Arthur and the Port Arthur Economic Development Corporations to meet the needs of the
community; and
WHEREAS, HB 1966, HB 1967, and HB 2473 will promote economic growth and
opportunities.
WHEREAS, NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF PORT ARTHUR, TEXAS:
Section 1. That the facts and opinions in the preamble are true and correct.
Section 2. That the City Council of the City of Port Arthur support HB 1966, HB
1967, and HB 2473 proposed Legislative changes to the economic development act by the
Port Arthur Economic Development Corporation.
Section 3. That a copy of the caption of this Resolution be spread upon the
Minutes of the City Council.
READ, ADOPTED AND APPROVED on this day of , A.D., 2013, at a
Meeting of the City Council of the City of Port Arthur, Texas, by the following vote: AYES:
Mayor:
Councilmember:
NOES:
Deloris "Bobbie" Prince, Mayor
ATTEST:
Sherri Bellard, City Secretary
APPROVED:
Floyd Batiste, PAEDC CEO
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Guy N. Goodson, PAEDC Attorney
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
N _ - _
Valecia R. Tizeno, Attorney