March 2024

Welcome to TRA’s Monthly Newsletter!

With a focus on people, places, processes and projects, inTRA highlights the faces of TRA, the communities we serve and the processes and projects that drive the Authority forward in its mission to promote conservation, reclamation, protection and development of the natural resources of the Trinity River Basin for the benefit of the public.

Authority Voted Employer of Choice

The Trinity River Authority has been recognized as a Texas "2023-2024 Employer of Choice." This recognition reflects the Authority's commitment to provide exceptional experiences to its employees and foster a thriving company culture. The Best Companies Group has also recognized the Authority as an Employer of Choice among State Government Agencies. The Authority has been participating in the "Best Companies in Texas Survey" since 2014, gathering valuable feedback from its employees to improve its benefits and workplace culture. This recognition reaffirms the Authority's position as a leading employer, and reflects its dedication to providing a fulfilling work environment for its employees.

Additionally, for the second year in a row, the Authority has received Military Friendly Awards. It ranked #5 on the Top 10 Military Spouse-Friendly Employers for Government and Nonprofit Groups and #4 in the Top 10 Military Friendly Employers.

NORTHERN REGION

The Board of Directors approved the first amendment to the engineering services agreement for the Northern Region Surcharge Modeling Analysis and Development Project. This amendment provides essential funding to improve the Central Regional Wastewater System's surcharge model, which is crucial to accurately reflecting the current plant processes' treatment costs. The updated model will enhance the precision of surcharge recommendations for the Authority's industrial users.

Central Regional Wastewater System

The board approved key actions related to the CRWS Junction Box 1020J Replacement and Improvement Project. These actions include awarding the construction contract to S.J. Louis Construction of Texas, Ltd.; entering into an engineering services agreement with Lockwood, Andrews, and Newnam; and establishing a materials testing services agreement with ECS Southwest, LLP. The project focuses on replacing a deteriorated junction box, addressing corrosion issues, realigning upstream interceptors to reduce turbulence and mitigate hydrogen sulfide gas release, and demolishing three decommissioned lift stations.

The board also approved the first amendment to the engineering services agreement between the Authority and Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc., related to the CRWS Lift Station LS_7M Improvements Project. This amendment secures additional funding for preliminary and final design engineering services. Replacement of the CRWS Lift Station LS_7M is necessary due to its poor condition and limited pumping capacity. The project will replace the current LS_7M with a new lift station, adjacent to the existing site, capable of conveying 20 million gallons per day.

In addition, the board granted Jacobs Engineering Group, Inc., the engineering services agreement for the CRWS Natural Gas Loop. The project involves extending the current on-site natural gas line at the CRWS treatment plant to other sections of the facility.

Denton Creek Regional Wastewater System

The board awarded engineering services agreements for the Denton Creek Interceptor, Phase II-A and II-B Projects to Kennedy/Jenks Consultants, Inc., and Teague Nall and Perkins, Inc., respectively. These projects aim to extend wastewater collection services to the city of Justin and parts of the Town of Northlake.

SOUTHERN REGION

Huntsville Regional Water Supply System

The board approved Resolution No. R-1642, authorizing the first amendment to the HRWSS System Contract to extend the agreement through Nov. 30, 2074. Extending the 1997 HRWSS system contract makes bond issuance smoother, and allows the Authority to initiate the HRWSS capital improvements program.

The Board of Directors also approved an engineering services agreement with Plummer & Associates and an interlocal agreement with the city of Huntsville for the HRWSS Tenaska Clariﬁed Water Pump Station and Storage Tank Improvements Project. This project will replace one 700,000-gallon galvanized steel tank and three 350-horsepower pumps at the Huntsville water treatment plant. Additionally, the project will assess the existing electrical equipment’s compatibility with the new infrastructure.

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TRA Leaders Honored for Outstanding Contributions

The Texas Water Conservation Association awarded Glenn Clingenpeel, technical services and basin planning executive manager, with the TWCA President’s Award at its annual meeting in March. The award recognized Clingenpeel for his outstanding dedication, service and contributions to the Association and Texas Water Resources Management.

Former Southern Region Executive Manager, Jim Sims, was honored with a Lifetime Membership Award by the Texas Water Conservation Association at its annual meeting in March. This award recognizes Sims for his distinguished and outstanding dedication, service and contribution to the Association and Texas water resource management. Sims retired from the Trinity River Authority in 2023 after 50 years of service.

TRA Welcomes Doug Haude

Doug Haude has joined the Authority as the new Southern Region executive manager! He brings a wealth of knowledge and extensive experience in engineering, finance, project and program management, and construction management in water systems and complex water-related infrastructure. Prior to joining TRA, Haude worked at the North Harris County Regional Water Authority, the San Jacinto River Authority, and several large engineering consulting firms.

Matthew Jalbert Joins AMWA Board

Matthew Jalbert, Northern Region executive manager, has been appointed to the Board of Directors for the Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies. Jalbert was selected to fill a vacant at-large seat on the AMWA board based on his excellent track record and years of dedicated service to the Authority. With this new appointment, Jalbert is expected to make significant contributions to the AMWA's work in advancing the interests of the metropolitan water community. Read More

Conservation Agreement for Six Aquatic Species in the Trinity River Basin Approved

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has approved a Candidate Conservation Agreement with Assurances (CCAA) with the Authority to conserve six imperiled species. The 10-year agreement addresses the conservation needs of four species of freshwater mussels (Texas heelsplitter, Trinity pigtoe, Texas fawnsfoot, and Louisiana pigtoe) and two species of turtles (western chicken turtle and the alligator snapping turtle).

UTD Students Participate in Spring Break

Externship Program

For the second year in a row, the Authority hosted a spring break externship program for students from the University of Texas at Dallas. This program is designed to provide students with hands-on experience and insights into the inner workings of operations in the water industry. Participating students are matched with Authority managers based on their fields of study, providing students an opportunity to learn from experts in their field. This program provides a fantastic opportunity for students to gain valuable experience that will benefit them in their future careers.

The Authority Makes Waves With Fun and Educational

Outreach Events

The Authority kicked off the new year with a series of successful outreach events, demonstrating a strong commitment to community engagement. The Holiday Grease Roundup concluded on Jan. 12, with all collected cooking grease sent to be converted into biodiesel and biogas. On Jan. 18, Florence Elementary School in Southlake hosted a STEM event where Authority employees shared their expertise about the science and engineering involved in water and wastewater treatment. Employees also engaged students in an interactive activity on water contaminants.

Continuing their dedication to education and community involvement, Authority employees volunteered at Bess Race Elementary School in Crowley on Feb. 9 for another STEM night. Here, employees shared valuable insights with students and their families on water pollution and the importance of maintaining healthy watersheds.

On Feb. 14, the Authority participated in the University of Texas at Arlington Volunteer Fair. The fair was aimed at recruiting university students as potential volunteers for upcoming cleanup events.

A sincere thank-you goes to all Authority employees for their dedication to serving our surrounding communities. Through our collective efforts, the Authority continues to make a positive impact on both environmental sustainability and community education.

Scaling New Heights to Restore Safety Lights

Staff at the Authority’s Southern Region are a force to be reckoned with! Cyrus Anglin, senior water operator at Livingston Raw Water Supply System, and Thresa Aquayo, Southern Region manager, recently climbed a 185-foot water tower at the Polunsky Prison Unit to replace an obstruction light. This task required immense courage and expertise, and they were able to complete it in a safe and efficient manner. Their incredible efforts not only reflect their commitment to their work, but also the Authority’s commitment to excellence in service and safety.

Bill Tatum, the late CRWS plant manager, was honored with the prestigious National Environment Achievement Award from the National Association of Clean Water Agencies for his significant contributions to the wastewater industry. The award was accepted by his widow and longtime colleague. Tatum devoted his life to the wastewater industry, dedicating 50 years of service to the Authority. He is remembered fondly by those who knew and worked with him.

Visit Wolf Creek Park

If you are searching for a serene getaway, look no further than Wolf Creek Park. This hidden gem is an ideal spot for nature lovers and thrill-seekers, with plenty of outdoor activities, such as kayaking, camping, ﬁshing, and boating. It provides the perfect opportunity to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, reconnect with nature, and spend quality time with loved ones. Whether you are planning a day trip or a weekend escape, Wolf Creek Park promises a memorable experience for everyone. The park is open annually from March to November, so book your spot by clicking HERE.

Follow this link for information about the WCP 2024 Photo Contest

PHOTO OF THE MONTH

“Dancing Maple Leaf” submitted by Nancy Whitlock, land records research specialist

After 22 years at the Authority, Peggy English, office coordinator at CRWS, has retired. In recognition of her exceptional service, she was presented with a certificate of appreciation. English’s contributions over the years to CRWS have been invaluable, and her work ethic and professionalism have left an impression on everyone who had the pleasure of working with her. She will be greatly missed. Happy retirement!

The Authority bid farewell to Bill Holder, deputy executive manager of the Southern Region, as he embarks on a well-deserved retirement after 44 years of service. Holder is a dedicated professional who left a lasting impact on the Authority and the communities it serves.

Holder began his journey at the Authority on Feb. 8, 1980, when he was hired as a chemist. Little did the Authority know that it was bringing on someone whose contributions would span decades.

Holder’s hard work paid off, with several promotions throughout his career. He was first promoted to senior chemist in 1984, and from there, he continued to move up the ranks, taking on roles such as area administrator in 1988 and Lake Livingston Project assistant manager in April 1991. Recognizing his exceptional leadership skills, he was appointed the LLP manager in December 1992. Holder’s experience and dedication were again acknowledged with a promotion to assistant manager of the Southern Region in July 2012. In October 2019, he was subsequently promoted to deputy executive manager of the Southern Region.

The Authority is grateful for Mr. Holder’s years of dedication, leadership and expertise. His legacy will be deeply felt throughout the organization and the Southern Region. The Authority wishes him all the best in this new chapter of his life.

Brooke Munoz, daughter of Kristie Munoz, LLP assistant manager, has officially been appointed to the United States Military Academy at West Point. The admissions process at West Point is extensive and requires candidates to have outstanding academic, athletic, and leadership accomplishments. In addition, candidates are required to obtain a congressional nomination, which Brooke secured from Congressman Morgan Luttrell in December 2023. Brooke also signed her letter of intent to compete on the USMA NCAA Division I track and ﬁeld team on Jan. 11, 2024. Congratulations, go Brooke!

Kim Dark, the office coordinator at TCWSP, is proud to celebrate the achievements of her niece, Kristin Koether, who has been named the valedictorian of her graduating 2024 high school class. Despite the challenges of juggling dual college enrollment courses, multiple school clubs, and dance classes and competitions, Koether has managed to excel and succeed. Congratulations on this outstanding achievement!

Rita Lankston, office coordinator II at CRWS, graduated from Texas Women’s University with a Bachelor’s in Human Resources and a minor in Business Administration on Dec. 15, 2023. Congratulations on this major accomplishment!

Matthew and Brandi Whitlock, son and daughter-in-law of Mike Whitlock and Nancy Whitlock, land records research specialist, recently honeymooned in Switzerland. They went skiing, sledding and paragliding in Interlaken, then enjoyed a week skiing in Zermatt, home of the famous Matterhorn.

John Bennett, deputy executive manager for the Northern Region, has welcomed two new additions to his family! His granddaughter, Tatum, weighed in at 4 lbs. 3 oz., while his grandson, Ty, weighed 6 lbs. 7 oz. What wonderful news for the Bennett family!

John Durbin, collection systems manager, welcomed his first grandchild, a baby girl named Avery. Born on Feb. 6, Avery weighed a healthy 9 lbs. 3 oz. Congratulations on this wonderful addition to their family!