At the delayed November meeting of the Texarkana Chamber of Commerce, Texas-side City Manager John Whitson revealed, among other things, that three of the Texas-side fire stations will eventually be relocated.
"The Texas side's geography and population has shifted considerably from when these stations were originally built," Whitson said. "So this is city planning in reaction to these changing conditions.
The three fire stations to be moved include the one near Texas High School, the downtown station on West Third Street and the one on the north side of Interstate 30 on Richmond Road.
"The one near Texas High School will likely be moved across the interstate along Summerhill, to be located near Moores Lane," Whitson said.
The Richmond Road station will likely be moved northwest.
"We are still looking for the exact location as to where that one will go," Whitson said. "Right now, it is a circle on a map."
The current building will be turned over to Public Works Department to to house work crews and equipment.
The downtown fire station will be moved to New Boston Road near Texas Boulevard. According to Whitson, the West Third Street site will then be turned over to downtown agencies and probably become a business.
In addition, Whitson said the city will spend about $6.5 million on street repair and refurbishing in the Lakeridge area. The work is expected to begin in March.
The Texas side plans on hiring two more full-time employees for litter control.
Another upcoming project is a walking and biking trail along Cowhorn Creek that will cross the bridge over I-30 near Central Mall.
"The Texas side has a long-term interest in making the city more bike- and pedestrian-friendly," Whitson said.
In other business, according to chamber Board Member Dennis Lewis, eight representatives from Texarkana and New Boston will join representatives from Texas communities with military assets for the Texas Military Summit on Dec. 8 in Austin. Their mission will be to discuss the impact of the state's military installations. They will assess the military value of Texas defense assets and coordinating the message for federal legislators who make decisions on these issues.
Mike Malone, chamber president and CEO, announced that the chamber's efforts with Harvest Regional Food Bank's food drive was successful. The chamber also will assist the Marine Corps with this year's Toys for Tots drive.
Registration for the Greater Texarkana Young Professionals Christmas Fair at Central Mall is still open. This effort helps the group with its scholarship fund. Call the chamber at 903-792-7191 for more information.