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City of Houston and Harris County Statements on EPA Order for Union Pacific Contamination Cleanup

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City of Houston and Harris County Statements on EPA Order for Union Pacific Contamination Cleanup

 

 

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The City of Houston and Harris County are pleased to report that the U.S Environmental Protection Agency has issued an order to Union Pacific Railroad providing that EPA will oversee the offsite investigative and cleanup process related to the creosote contamination in the Fifth Ward and Kashmere Gardens. This order is the result of efforts that have been and continue to be pushed forward by the City of Houston, Harris County, and the Bayou City Initiative in their negotiations with Union Pacific.

The EPA’s order—issued under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), the Superfund law—notes EPA’s concern that the Union Pacific facility may present an imminent and substantial endangerment and provides for direct federal oversight of dramatically expanded environmental investigation and cleanup efforts at and around the site, including:

  • enhanced testing by Union Pacific under EPA oversight for harmful contaminants (including dioxins and soil vapors), both at the Houston Wood Preserving Works Site and offsite (including local residences);
  • defined risk evaluation to determine risks to human health and the environment;
  • an expedited testing and evaluation timeline;
  • EPA-led community engagement; and
  • EPA-set deadlines on specific conduct required of Union Pacific including penalties for any failure to meet those deadlines.

“This is a significant step in the right direction, and I am pleased the EPA is taking the lead on UPPR’s cleanup and investigative process. For far too long, the concerns of families in Fifth Ward have been dismissed, and residents have suffered the consequences of  being forced to endure decades of uncertainty and higher-than-normal incidents of cancer in the community,” said Mayor Sylvester Turner. “The City will continue to advocate for the area, and I will not be satisfied until residents have answers and accountability to help them move forward.”

“Throughout this process, my goal has been to ensure we know exactly what community members are being exposed to and that we make life safe for the folks who live and work in these neighborhoods as quickly as possible,” said Harris County Attorney Christian D. Menefee. “This action by the EPA—in collaboration with the county, the city, the Bayou City Initiative, and Union Pacific—means a faster and more thorough investigation. That sets the stage for a thorough clean up. The folks living in Kashmere Gardens and the Fifth Ward deserve that.”

These positive developments reflect long-standing and dedicated outreach by the City, the County, and their partners to EPA Administrator Michael Regan, EPA Regional Administrator Dr. Earthea Nance, and key members of EPA’s environmental justice team. These developments also reflect the compelling effect of the Notices of Intent to sue Union Pacific under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act issued by the City, the County, and the Bayou City Initiative in 2022.

Those threatened lawsuits brought Union Pacific to the negotiating table with a new level of seriousness to finally begin taking actions intended to directly improve the health and safety of communities in the vicinity of the Union Pacific facility.

 

We’re on the menu

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We’re on the menu

 
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My dear friend Ann Richards used to remind us, “if you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu.” These wise words from one of only two women to ever govern Texas are particularly relevant as state leaders work to shut people of color, women, LGBTQ+ people, disabled people, and others out of our state’s democracy and vital institutions.

Instead of working to make life better for everyday Texans, state leaders have made attacks on our state’s diversity a top priority for the 88th Texas Legislative Session. Despite the opposition of constituents, civil rights organizations, and legislators of color, they’re calling for an end to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs at state agencies and public universities.

DEI programs strengthen our public institutions with a workforce that reflects the diverse people and communities these institutions serve while increasing productivity, effectiveness, and innovation. With 66 percent of Texas’ enrollment in public institutions of higher education comprised of non-white students, DEI programs are critically important to our state.

But it’s not just DEI programs; they’re also escalating attacks on academic freedom in a denialist effort to whitewash history and subverting local elections in counties with large, diverse populations like Harris County.

This is part of a broader national strategy working to erase many of our community’s hard-fought rights and freedoms. Extremists are banning books and changing school curriculums that don’t fit their worldview. They are denying women and trans people control over their own bodies, health, and future. They are coming after voting rights, passing laws that make it easier to subvert elections and harder for people of color, youth, and others to vote. From the classroom to the boardroom to the halls of government, they’re doing everything they can to deny diverse people a seat at the table and a voice in the process.

We won’t let them roll back our rights. In Harris County this week, we passed a firm resolution condemning this effort and empowering our county attorney to explore federal action to stop these attacks on diversity.

In the third most populous county in the United States and the most diverse county in the nation, it will take all of us working together to protect our rights, freedoms, and our seat at the table.
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Read Across America

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Read Across America

Reading is one of the most important habits to develop in children. Warm wishes on the occasion of Read Across America Day to everyone.

Happy Texas Independence Day

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Happy Texas Independence Day

Mar 02 – Mar 08, 2023 | Weather

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Mar 02 – Mar 08, 2023 | Weather

¡Que Onda Magazine!

El Líder del Clima.

Mantente informado.

Click on the map to view details or click here: QOHW0302

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

¡Que Onda! Magazine Houston – edición 1258

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¡Que Onda! Magazine Houston – edición 1258

Gracias por SEGUIRNOS, este artículo contiene la edición 1258 de la revista digital de HOUSTON de ¡Que Onda! Magazine.

Del 02 de marzo al 08 de marzo del 2023

 

Zero Discrimination Day

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Zero Discrimination Day

City of Houston Awarded Federal Reconnecting Communities Planning Grant for Gulfton and Beyond Study

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City of Houston Awarded Federal Reconnecting Communities Planning Grant for Gulfton and Beyond Study

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The United States Department of Transportation announced the City of Houston will receive $552,160 in federal funding through the Reconnecting Communities Pilot (RCP) grant program for the Reconnecting Communities: Gulfton and BeyondStudy.

The grant will fund a community-driven planning process to engage residents and design future connections between Gulfton and crucial destinations currently separated by freeways and busy thoroughfares. This study directly supports the City of Houston’s Gulfton Complete Communities Action Plan and will build from recently completed improvements to Hillcroft Avenue.

“Gulfton is Houston’s most densely populated, diverse, and transit-dependent neighborhood, but its residents face many physical barriers in getting around their neighborhood,” Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner said in reference to the Southwest Freeway, Westpark Tollway and other busy throughfare. “I thank the United States Department of Transportation for committing funds to address these barriers and propose workable solutions.”

Reconnecting Communities is the first-ever federal program dedicated to reconnecting communities like Gulfton that were previously cut off from economic opportunities by transportation infrastructure. The study will allow the City of Houston Planning and Development Department to conduct a 12-month planning process to study and design connections across these barriers by working with residents and agency partners.

The Reconnecting Communities: Gulfton and Beyond Study will build from the recently completed Gulfton streets with new crossings, bikeways, and transit stops. The study will propose future extensions of this project to connect to crucial destinations including: with new crossings, bikeways, and transit stops. The study will propose future extensions of this project to connect to crucial destinations including:

  • Wisdom High School
  • Hillcroft Transit Center
  • Mahatma Gandhi District
  • Brays Bayou Greenway Trail

“Gulfton is a vibrant part of Texas’ Seventh Congressional District, and I am thrilled that the U.S. Department of Transportation will award the City of Houston more than half a million dollars for the Reconnecting Communities: Gulfton and Beyond Study,” said Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher.

“This investment in Houston’s most dense and transit-dependent neighborhood will enhance multimodal accessibility, increase economic opportunities, and improve overall wellbeing for surrounding communities, enabling Houstonians to travel safely to and from work, school, and other destinations,” Fletcher said. “I was glad to partner with City and Gulfton community leaders to advocate for this grant, and I look forward to continuing our work with together to bring improvements of all kinds back home.”

During the grant application process, the City of Houston worked in collaboration with the following elected officials, community partners and stakeholders:

  • U.S Representative Lizzie Fletcher (TX-7)
  • Texas State Senator Borris Miles (District 13)
  • Texas State Representative Gene Wu (District 137)
  • City of Houston Council Member Edward Pollard (District J)
  • City of Houston Council Member Tiffany Thomas (District F)
  • Harris County Precinct 4
  • Texas Department of Transportation
  • Harris County Toll Road Authority
  • Southwest Management District
  • Gulfton Management District
  • Gulfton Super Neighborhood Council
  • Connect Community
  • Air Alliance Houston
  • BikeHouston
  • LINK Houston
  • Neighborhoods to Trails Southwest

Learn more about the Reconnecting Communities: Gulfton and Beyond Study.

Harris County Attorney Christian D. Menefee Responds to Texas Comptroller

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Harris County Attorney Christian D. Menefee Responds to Texas Comptroller
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Earlier today Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar issued a statement erroneously claiming that “Judge Hidalgo and county officials” have sought an opportunity to resolve his determination that Harris County defunded the Precinct 5 Constable’s Office.

Harris County Attorney Christian D. Menefee gave the following statement in response:

“Comptroller Hegar’s statement is false. The county’s position on his determination that the county defunded the Precinct 5 Constable’s Office has not changed. Comptroller Hegar misapplied the law, bungled the math, and is acting outside of his legal authority. We are continuing to evaluate legal options.

Though we cannot be sure, we think Comptroller Hegar’s statement is about a letter the county received from Governor Abbott’s office today. The governor is required by law to provide the county notice of a defunding complaint and an opportunity to correct before referring the complaint to the comptroller’s office. Last week, the county contacted both the comptroller’s office and the governor’s office to make clear that the governor had failed to provide the required notice about the Precinct 5 Constable’s complaint, and to inquire as to whether their offices had pending defunding complaints about other Harris County law enforcement agencies. After initially refusing to confirm that information in writing, today the governor’s office sent the county a letter stating it has no other pending defunding complaints against the county.

Had the governor and the comptroller provided the county the required notice about the Precinct 5 Constable’s Office, we would have taken the opportunity to correct their basic mathematical and legal errors.”

Sherlock Holmes at the Alley

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Sherlock Holmes at the Alley

 

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Alley Theatre Announces the Cast & Creative Team of
Sherlock Holmes and The Case of the Jersey Lily
Alley Theatre Resident Acting Company Member Todd Waite Returns to the Role of Sherlock Holmes for the Fifth Time at the Alley

The Tony Award®-winning Alley Theatre announces the cast and creative team of Sherlock Holmes and The Case of the Jersey Lily. The comedy-mystery Sherlock Holmes and The Case of the Jersey Lily by Katie Forgette and directed by Alley Theatre’s Associate Producer & Casting Director Brandon Weinbrenner runs April 14 – May 7, 2023 in the Hubbard Theatre.

“I’m thrilled for Todd Waite’s long overdue return as Sherlock Holmes,” shares Artistic Director Rob Melrose. “Theatre lovers will delight in this play particularly for its backstage antics and for the secondary character of Oscar Wilde as he struggles to compose his masterpiece The Importance of Being Earnest. Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Jersy Lily is full of mystery and thrills but it is also a great comedy as well.  I’m excited to share this play with Houston audiences!”

The wit of Oscar Wilde meets the cunning of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. In this comic twist on a classic sleuthing caper, Wilde’s muse, actress Lillie Langtry (a.k.a the Jersey Lily) presents Holmes with what seems like an open and shut case. But with his superior powers of deductive reasoning, Sherlock wastes no time in exposing a much more sinister conspiracy. Meanwhile, Oscar Wilde is in the throes of writing his acclaimed The Importance of Being Earnest and Holmes might inspire some of the play. In a fast-paced ride full of surprises and disguises, Holmes and Watson must do whatever it takes to help their friends…while facing their greatest foe.

“I’m thrilled to bring one of literature’s most iconic and dynamic characters back to the Alley Theatre,” shares Brandon Weinbrenner. “This time Sherlock Holmes takes us to a setting all our audiences can relate to, the world of live theatre! Adventure and mishaps pepper the way as Sherlock quips with the Oscar Wilde, dons disguise, reveals imposters, and plots with Dr. Watson how to save our leading lady Lillie Langtry from the greed and evil that lurks in the London shadows.

The cast of Sherlock Holmes and The Case of the Jersey Lily includes Alley Theatre Resident Acting Company Members Todd Waite as Sherlock Holmes, Elizabeth Bunch as Mrs. Irma Tory/ Mrs. McGlynn, and Christopher Salazar as Oscar Wilde.

Rounding out the cast is Orlando Arriaga (72 miles to go…, Ken Ludwig’s Lend Me a Soprano) as Dr. Watson/ Man 2, Brandon Hearnsberger(Cowboy Bob, Ken Ludwig’s Lend Me a Soprano) as Professor Moriarty, Krystel Lucas as Mrs. Lillie Langtry, and Levin Valayil as John Smythe/ Abdul Karim/ Man 1.

The creative team includes Scenic DesignerLawrence E. Moten III, Costume Designer Sara Ryung Clement, Lighting Designer Kevin Rigdon, Sound Designer Melanie Chen Cole, Fight Director & Intimacy Specialist Adam Noble, Stage Manager Rachel Dooley-Harris, and Assistant Stage Manager Kaylee Sarton McCray.

PRESS NIGHT: Wednesday, April 19 at 7:30pm. Invitations will be sent later.  

SPONSORS: Sherlock Holmes and The Case of the Jersey Lily is generously sponsored by Craig and Angela Jarchow (Honorary Producer), and Sidley and Shanda Family Foundation (Associate Producer). Alley Theatre is supported by the 2022-23 Season sponsors United Airlines, the official airline of Alley Theatre, and Hampton Inn and Homewood Suites Downtown Houston, the official hotel of Alley Theatre.

TICKETS: Tickets to Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Jersey Lily are now on sale and start at $26. Discounted tickets are available for military, seniors, and any student or educator, regardless of age, with a valid student ID for designated performances. Tickets can be ordered online (alleytheatre.org) or by phone (713.220.5700).

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