Berl L. Handcox Sr., flanked by his two sons, thanked the City Council members for the proclamation. He said he was proud to know that his name would be long-connected to the work he did during his 1971-75 term on the council.
Council members Jimmy Flannigan and Ora Houston stand with Berl L. Handcox Sr., after Austin City Council unanimously voted to name Water Treatment Plant 4 after him.[/caption]In reading the proclamation, District 6 Council Member Jimmy Flannigan reminded everyone why Handcox deserved the honor.
Along with being the first African-American Austin City Council member, Handcox was influential in improving living and working conditions in East Austin and implemented important paving policies in addition to his work toward the equitable distribution of water and wastewater throughout the city. He has also lived in District 6, where the plant is located, for over 40 years.
“He’s paved a path for so many,” Flannigan said.
District 1 Council Member Ora Houston, who is also African-American, applauded Handcox for his contribution to the city.
“I stand on your shoulders and appreciate everything you’ve done for this community,” Houston said.
The Berl Handcox Sr. Water Treatment Plant was more than a half-billion-dollar project and opened in December 2014.
