Positive Outlook for Bee County

In his latest dispatch, Bee County Judge Jimmy Martinez shares a report from Bee County Community Affairs Department Director, Dennis DeWitt. The report details the many positive developments currently underway right here in Bee County.

Bee County Judge Jimmy Martinez

"The following information is in response to our conversation December 1st regarding good news in Bee County. It was compiled as a wrap-up of individual items that have been in the local news or as a result of contacts to the Community affairs Department staff regarding permitting and necessary certifications. Please be advised large corporations and businesses sometimes have plan and timeline changes depending on economic and other conditions. Our office has received comments from several Bee County residents that nothing ever happens in Beeville or Bee County.

The following listing indicates there is a huge movement toward the bright future of the entire county with most of the following occurring within the next eighteen months. Historically and economically, when these type improvements in an area begin to become evident there are several more companies or businesses waiting for final plans and complete financial commitments to finalize before announcing intentions and begin their construction.

• Super Walmart coming in. Planned 180,000square foot building across from old K-Mart now TSC)-construction hopefully is beginning early 2006.

• City of Beeville to construct new water tower to supply Super Walmart and North Beeville water pressure.

• 95% chance helicopter repair company moving into several aircraft hangers at Chase Field (+- 250 workers) area being prepared now-parking lots, phone lines...

• RanchHand bumper and grill guard manufacturing coming in-to be located in former Bowman beer distributor building off highway 202

• Out of state BBQ business moving into old Burger King building on Hwy 181 business North-cleaning up location now-new roof, interior renovations

• Exxon on West side of Beeville (hwy 59W) planning on extensive renovation/demolition/rebuild

• Exxon on East side (hwy 59E) rebuilt-now Shamrock (Valero) approximately $1.5
million investment

• Major road improvements-Hwy 59, including major bridge replacement East of Beeville, East of cattle sale barn

• Loop 351 improvements over l/2 complete-now working on southeast section near Capehart subdivision

• Main bridge serving downtown Beeville over Poesta Creek being replaced-demolition complete, base superstructure construction beginning

• $6 million in historic courthouse renovations moving along-projected opening late spring 2006

• $1 million courthouse annex building almost complete-across street from courthouse-projected opening late December 2005

• CVS pharmacy to construct building off hwy 59 in vicinity of Archer Street/movie theater

• Laredo National Bank to locate in Beeville and construct new facility off Hwy 59 in vicinity of Archer Street/movie theater

• Long John Silvers to partner up with A&W root beer at current location-will add to current building

• New store/restaurant to be constructed off Hwy 59 West of Amos Welders Sales

• Coliseum improvements up and running +- $1.5 million-new arena, parking, restrooms

• Public water and sewer installation/upgrades almost complete in Skidmore $4 million project

• Public water and sewer installation/upgrades almost complete in Tynan (phase 2) $+-300,000

• $75,000 Grant for low income on-site sewer system replacement for North Bee county residents complete

• $300,000 grant for low income on-site sewer system replacement for South Bee County residents on-going

• $millions in school improvements complete-new gym, new administration building, new "elementary" school

• New, fabulous 400# bronze plaque dedicated to Bee county graduates that have served in a war zone-names and war zones detailed on plaque

• New, outstanding "Veterans Walk of Honor", with names, rank, calendar years in military-engraved on brick pavers- to be finished soon between Congressman Hinojosa's office and new Criminal Justice Center across from courthouse-to be dedicated as the Veterans Plaza, to citizens of Bee County who have served in the military

• New Subway sandwich restaurant being constructed off Hwy 59 near Tio Tire Store

• New tamale retail sales outlet moving to Beeville soon-Granny's Tamales Too-home office/manufacturing plant is in Corpus Christi-moving into former "Read's Bookstore and delicatessen near downtown post office."

Dennis DeWitt - Director, Bee County Community Affairs Department.