Published: 02-17-09
Commitment Comes After Hutchison Meets with Leppert Calls BG Cox
WASHINGTON D.C. U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX) Texas senior Senator today got a commitment from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to create a Trinity River Project office in Dallas and to assign a point-person to oversee project operations and work with city officials.
On Thursday Sen. Hutchison met with Dallas Mayor Tom Leppert and City Manager Mary Suhm in Washington to discuss their concerns regarding the progress of the Trinity River Project. Sen. Hutchison assured Mayor Leppert and Ms. Suhm that she and her staff would work with Brigadier General Kendall P. Cox 33rd commander and Division engineer of the Southwestern area to address the citys need for a single point of contact at the Corps of Engineers.
Sen. Hutchison worked with BG Cox and the Army Corps of Engineers will assign a dedicated point-person to oversee the project and communicate with all project stakeholders including city officials. This point person will be located in a specially-created office in Dallas which Brigadier General Cox indicated will be in close proximity to the Mayors offices.
I am pleased that my meeting with Mayor Leppert and representatives of the Corps of Engineers in my office has produced results so quickly. I want to thank General Cox for responding swiftly to the concerns we raised by designating a point person within the Army Corps of Engineers specifically for the City of Dallas and by creating a Trinity River Project office next to City Hall. The Corps has shown that they are committed to making this Project a success and I believe the Corps actions will ensure the Trinity River Project moves forward" said Sen. Hutchison.
I believe the Trinity River Project including the flood control the whitewater course the enhancement of parks and recreational activities the Calatrava Bridge and the toll road will significantly beautify and improve Dallas as a place to live and work. I appreciate the effort of Dallas Mayor Tom Leppert and previous Mayors Ron Kirk and Laura Miller to prepare our city for this project" Sen. Hutchison said.
The Southwestern Division considers the City of Dallas a valued partner and is dedicated to working to achieve success on this project. Its all about reducing flood risk for the citizens of Dallas" said Brigadier General Cox.
We appreciate the Senators responsiveness after our meetings yesterday. The Corps is clearly the key partner to make sure this project keeps Dallas meeting the highest standards of flood protection. This point person will help all the partners stay focused and keep the project on track" said Mayor Leppert.
The Trinity River Project encompasses several engineering initiatives along the Trinity River Corridor including flood control and bridge construction.
