NEW BOSTON, Texas - Bowie County and two of its cities will be going in on a joint venture to commercially develop some timberland between Hooks and New Boston.
Bowie County Commissioners agreed Monday to allow the county to go forward with its share of a three-way land purchasing agreement with both Hooks and New Boston. The agreement involves buying 847 acres timberland for a joint cost of $1.5 million.
Commissioners agreed to let the county contribute its share of $500,000 toward the land purchase, which is the same amount of money that both economic development corporations of New Boston and Hooks have recently agreed to contribute. The ARTX Regional Economic Development Incorporation will be aiding the land development project.
In other business, the Commissioners Court agreed to extend the joint March 18 disaster declaration, which local leaders officially issued last week in response to the ongoing public health emergency brought on by the continuous coronavirus pandemic
Since the declaration requires renewal every seven days, the Commissioners Court agreed to extend the declaration beyond its current period. This renewal gives the county judge authority to take any necessary measures to slow the virus' spread in the area.
Bowie County Judge Bobby Howell said that continuing the disaster declaration will allow the county to possibly receive federal and state funding reimbursement needed to combat the pandemic.
"So far, we just have one case of the virus reported in the county, but our emergency center is working very well," Howell said.
On a related matter, the court also appointed Dr. Matthew Young as the county's health authority.
Court members also agreed to hire Bancorp South to handle a lease-purchase finance agreement for Precinct 4's efforts to secure three Mack Trucks, but they agreed to table and study bids seeking to sell the county a truck for Precinct 1.