Check out some of the biggest government stories that came out of Bryan, College Station and Brazos County for the month of March. All stories were reported on by Community Impact.
Brazos County approves new medical examiner salaries
The Brazos County Commissioners Court, at a March 10 meeting, approved staff salaries for the county’s developing forensic services department after a discussion about cost and demand.
Commissioners voted to approve salaries so that the hiring process for two medical examiners—at the rate of $40.87 per hour—may begin soon. The measure passed with some opposition from Precinct 3 Commissioner Fred Brown.
Read more from Reporter Karley Cross.
Bryan City Council approves $65M development agreement with Messer
Bryan City Council unanimously approved an economic development agreement at its March 10 meeting that will bring a $65.4 million industrial project to the city, creating at least 16 full-time jobs.
Messer LLC plans to build a liquid air separation facility in Bryan, according to city documents. Messer, dubbed the world’s largest privately held industrial gas company, produces gases including nitrogen, hydrogen and oxygen, and is used in health care and manufacturing industries.
The facility is projected to be operational by summer 2027, officials said.
Read more from Reporter Karley Cross.
Bryan City Council postpones Made Well House rezoning following neighbor complaints
Bryan City Council voted at its March 10 meeting to postpone a rezoning request for Made Well House following a lengthy discussion and public comment from the business’s neighbors.
Made Well House is a multifaceted business offering workout classes and other wellness-related services.
The proposal would rezone property at 600-604 E. 27th St. in the East Side Historic District to allow expanded wellness-related services.
Read more from Reporter Karley Cross.
Brazos County moves forward with $59M courthouse annex project
Brazos County commissioners moved forward with a major facilities project March 24, approving a $59 million construction contract for a new courthouse annex building expected to break ground in April.
The new annex will include four floors of office space and a multilevel parking structure, with public parking on the ground level and secured access above. Plans call for more than 50 offices dedicated to probation officers. Other offices will be for deputies, attorneys and other facilities.
Read more from Reporter Karley Cross.
College Station approves $28.6M water well project
College Station City Council approved a nearly $29 million water infrastructure project at its March 26 meeting.
The council unanimously approved a guaranteed maximum price of $28.58 million for the Wells 10, 11 and 12 Project, which will add three new water wells along with piping, mechanical systems and collection lines.
City documents describe the project as an expansion of water production infrastructure within the city’s well field.
Read more from Reporter Karley Cross.
College Station redirects federal funds for affordable housing programs
College Station City Council approved changes to two federally funded housing programs at its March 26 meeting, redirecting more than $800,000 toward affordable housing initiatives as officials address rising housing costs and growing demand across the city.
City documents show College Station is facing increasing housing affordability challenges, driven by population growth, student housing demand and an expanding senior population as longtime residents move into retirement.
Read more from Reporter Karley Cross.
