Paris District Road Report for March 30, 2026
March 27, 2026 – Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in Fannin, Grayson, Hopkins, Franklin, Delta, Lamar, Red River, Hunt and Rains Counties for the week starting March 30, 2026. These schedules are subject to change due to weather conditions, equipment failure or other unforeseen issues. Motorists are advised to remain alert and pay special attention to all signs, barricades, and traffic controls, and reduce their speed as they approach and travel through work zones. They should also avoid distractions such as cell phones, eating, drinking, or car audio or navigation systems.
Safety Message: Flash Floods
Flash flooding is the leading cause of weather-related deaths in Texas. If you encounter a flooded road, “Turn Around, Don’t Drown.”
- Never walk, swim, or drive through still or moving flood waters. The water may be hiding dangers such as debris, tree branches, power lines, or damage to the road. As little as six inches of fast-moving water can cause motorists to lose control of their vehicle, even a pickup truck or SUV.
- Stay informed about weather conditions when you are driving.
- Be especially careful driving at night when it can be harder to see flood dangers.
- If your vehicle stalls in deep water, leave it and move to higher ground if you can do so safely.
Here’s the law
- Never drive around barriers blocking low water crossings or flooded roadways. Penalties include a fine of up to $2,000 and/or up to 180 days in jail.
- Tampering with roadway warning signs or barriers is punishable by a fine of up to $1,000, up to two years in jail, or both.
Sherman Area (Fannin, Grayson Counties)
Contacts: Sherman Area Office (903) 892-6529; Grayson Co. Maintenance (903) 893-8831; Fannin Co. Maintenance (903) 583-7566.
Grayson County:
US 75, from the Collin County Line to FM 902. This project will widen the US 75 mainlanes from the Collin County Line to FM 902 to six lanes. The project will also reconstruct the bridge at County Line Road and construct new u-turn bridges in Van Alstyne near Simmons Loop and in Howe south of Hall Cemetery Road. This project will convert the frontage roads from two-way operation to one-way operation. Two lanes on the US 75 main lanes will remain open in each direction during the daytime hours with occasional lane closures during the nighttime period. Watch for lane closures on the frontage roads during construction. A reduced speed limit of 65 mph on the US 75 mainlanes has been set for this construction project.
The frontage roads in Van Alstyne and Howe on both the east and west sides of US 75 from County Line Road (CR 375/Panther Parkway) to Haning St. are one-way roads. The pavement work is completed, and both lanes of the frontage roads are open to traffic except at Bear Rd and Hall Cemetery Rd. The sections at Bear Rd and Hall Cemetery Rd. will have only one lane open. There will be occasional lane closures to install work zone striping & other remaining works. The section of frontage road on the east side of US 75 between Kelly Lane and County Line Road will remain as two-way traffic in order to allow traffic on Kelly Lane to travel to County Line Road.
The US 75 frontage roads in Howe were converted to one-way traffic on February 04. This one-way conversion happened on both the east and west sides of US 75 from Hanning St to FM 902. Lane closures will be in place during the conversion in order to complete pavement repairs and to overlay the roadway with a new surface. After the pavement work is complete, both lanes of the frontage roads will be opened to traffic.
Northbound left lane and southbound right lane on US 75 will be closed at the following locations, dates and times
- US 75 northbound left lane between Blyth Rd and Haning Street to be closed on April 01 from 9:00 pm to April 02, 5:00 am.
- US 75 southbound right lane between Blyth Rd and Haning Street to be closed on April 01 from 9:00 pm to April 02, 5:00 am.
- US 75 northbound left lane between Blyth Rd and Haning Street to be closed on April 02 from 8:00 pm to April 03, 5:00 am.
- US 75 southbound right lane between Blyth Rd and Haning Street to be closed on April 02 from 8:00 pm to April 3, 5:00 am.
These closures are needed to safely perform the boring activities on the project. Closing these lanes will allow the contractor to perform the installation of conduits under the roadway in a safe manner. Message boards will be placed ahead of the work location to alert drivers.
US 75, from SH 91 (Texoma Parkway) to US 82. This project will rebuild the US 75 mainlanes from SH 91 to US 82 as well as reconstruct the entrance and exit ramps on US 75. The project will also reconstruct bridges at Taylor Street, Lamberth Street and the US 75 main lanes over US 82 and reconstruct the frontage road intersection at SH 91. A reduced speed limit of 60 mph on the US 75 mainlanes has been set for this construction project. Two lanes on the US 75 main lanes will remain open in each direction during the daytime hours with occasional further lane closures during the nighttime period. Watch for lane closures on the frontage roads during construction.
The US 75 frontage road U-turn at the US 82 frontage road intersection travelling southbound to northbound is closed to traffic to allow crews to continue work on a portion of the new US 75 main lane bridge over US 82. During this closure, traffic is asked to go through the US 75 and US 82 frontage road intersection by making a series of left turns.
US 75 southbound exit ramp to Loy Lake (Sherman) is scheduled to be opened March 29, 30 or 31. This schedule depends on weather or mechanical/material issues.
US 75 southbound entrance ramp from FM 691 is scheduled to be opened March 29, 30 or 31. This schedule depends on weather or mechanical/material issues.
US 75 northbound exit ramp to Lamberth Rd. (Exit 63) will be closed from August 20 to April 26. This is a long-term closure, and drivers should use the adjacent exits.
Lamberth Dr. Eastbound and westbound to be closed from January 17 to September 2026.
US 75 southbound entrance ramp from US 82 is closed.
US 75 main lanes and frontage roads at various locations will be closed for short duration during daytime and nighttime due to mobile operations from March 09 to March 31. These closures are short duration closures that will happen between 8:00 am and 6:00 pm or between 8:00 pm and 5:00 am.
US 75 northbound frontage road between Loy Lake Rd (Sherman) and FM 691 will be closed from March 30, 2026, at 7:00 am to February 26, 2027. This is a long-term full closure.
The north-south and south-north U-Turn at the frontage roads of US 75 and US 82 intersection will be fully closed during the day from March 01 to March 31 from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
US 75, from US 82 to North Loy Lake Road. This project will rebuild and widen the US 75 mainlanes from four lanes to six lanes as well as reconstruct the entrance and exit ramps on US 75. The project will also reconstruct bridges at FM 691, Iron Ore Creek and Spur 503, and add U-turn bridges at Loy Lake Road in Sherman and Spur 503 in Denison. A reduced speed limit of 65 mph on the US 75 mainlanes has been set for this construction project. Watch for shoulder closures and lane shifts on the mainlanes of US 75 as well as frontage road lane closures within the project. Watch for nighttime lane closures on the northbound and southbound US 75 mainlanes, as crews work to construct the new pavement section.
Westbound Spur 503 is closed to traffic near US 75 as the connecting northbound and southbound frontage roads are being built at the new Spur 503 bridge. Westbound traffic will travel to the intersection of Spur 503 and the northbound frontage road and will go north on the new frontage road to access northbound US 75. Motorists wishing to go south will follow the northbound frontage road to Loy Lake Rd, and take the U-turn and continue south until the next available entrance ramp to southbound US 75.
The U-turn lanes for the US 75 frontage roads at FM 691 are closed to traffic to allow crews to work on constructing the middle portion of the new US 75 bridge over FM 691. During this closure traffic wishing to make a U-turn at the intersection is asked to turn left onto FM 691 and make another left at the next signal light.
The exit ramp from northbound US 75 to North Loy Lake Road in Denison is closed permanently. Travelers who wish to access North Loy Lake Road from northbound US 75 will detour up to Crawford Street, make a U-turn at the Crawford Street intersection, and head south on the frontage road to reach North Loy Lake Road.
US 75, from FM 1417 to SH 91 (Texoma Parkway). A reduced speed limit of 60 mph on the US 75 mainlanes has been set on the mainlanes for this construction project. Watch for shoulder closures and occasional lane closures on the northbound and southbound US 75 main lanes between SH 91 and FM 1417 as crews work on completing the remaining work on this project. Watch for occasional lane closures on the frontage roads between FM 1417 and SH 91.
US 75 Overlay, from near FM 84 to the Oklahoma State line. Watch for lane closures on northbound and southbound US 75 as crews will be working from Sunday night through Friday morning during the overnight period. Occasional lane closures will be present at night for crews to overlay the roadway with hotmix. Lane closures will begin at 7:30 pm at night and should be reopened to traffic by 6 a.m.
SH 5, in Van Alstyne from Williams Way to Blassingame Avenue. Watch for daytime lane closures on SH 5 as crews work to install a shared use bicycle and pedestrian trail. The trail will follow along SH 5 from the existing trail at Williams Way to Blassingame Avenue, then along Tolson Avenue, then along Main Street where it will connect with Van Alstyne Parkway. Motorists should expect delays during the daytime work hours as flaggers direct traffic through the work zone.
US 82, from the SH 91 to the Fannin County Line. Watch for daytime lane closures on the US 82 eastbound and westbound main lanes as crews work to perform pavement repairs and then a pavement overlay on the surface. Motorists should expect delays during the daytime work hours.
US 75 debris pickup, from Collin County line to Oklahoma State line. Watch for mobile lane closures as workers pick up debris from the roadway every Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday during the nighttime.
Southmayd Rd at Elba Creek, The bridge at Elba Creek was closed beginning June 25. The bridge replacement is completed and opened to traffic on December 03. Construction crews will continue working on the remaining minor items and motorists are requested to slow down as they drive through the work zone.
FM 697, from east of FM 2729 to US 69, This project will widen FM 697 on each side of the roadway to make the shoulders wider. The project will also safety treat fixed objects and add one course surface treatment on the full width of the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers direct traffic through the work zone.
Prescott Rd, Southmayd. Contractor will be performing bridge replacement work on the Prescott Road bridge located between Johnny Watson Road and Jelley Road in Grayson County. The bridge on Prescott Road was closed in both directions on December 01. The bridge will remain closed until March 2026. Road closure signs will be installed on the roads leading to the project to inform drivers. Drivers can use Johnny Watson Road, Jelley Road and Southmayd Road as an alternate route.
Calf Creek Ln. Contractor will be performing bridge replacement work on Calf Creek Ln bridge located at Calf Creek. The bridge will be closed in both directions beginning March 10, 2026, and will remain closed until July 2026. Road closure signs are installed on the roads leading to the project to inform drivers. Drivers can use Jim Lamb Rd and Whitney Rd. as an alternate route.
US 75 from Ray Bridge to Oklahoma State line. Watch for daytime lane closure as maintenance crews perform seal coat preparation work on the north and southbound frontage roads. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
US 82 mainlanes from FM 901 to FM 1417 (west side of Sherman): Watch for daytime lane closure as maintenance crews perform seal coat preparation work on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
Fannin County:
Bonham State Park, Park Road 24. Park Road 24 in Bonham State Park will have daytime lane closures while crews rehabilitate the main road, camping spots and parking lots within the park. Detour routes will be present during construction to allow for the flow of traffic.
FM 274, from SH 78 to FM 1753. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to rehabilitate and widen the roadway to an overall width of 26 feet. Motorists should expect delays as signals and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
SH 121 overpass at US 69. The SH 121 overpass at US 69 opened to all traffic on 6/23/2025. Construction crews will continue working on minor items at this location. Motorists should expect delays as there will be occasional daily lane closures through the construction zone.
SH 56 at Hutchins Creek and at Caney Creek. Watch for lane closures as crews perform bridge repair work. Motorists should expect delays as temporary traffic signals direct traffic through the work zone.
SH 78 from FM 273 to Oklahoma State line: Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to rehabilitate the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as signals and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
CR 1202 at Tributary of Brushy Creek. The onsite detour on CR 1202 at Tributary of Brushy Creek has been removed. The new bridge is completed and open to traffic. Traffic is asked to approach the bridge slowly and drive at an appropriate speed through the work zone while crews continue working on finishing the remaining bridge work.
CR 2105. Contractor will be performing bridge replacement work on CR 2105 bridge located at Robert Springs Tributary. The bridge is closed in both directions beginning March 05, 2026, and will remain closed until July 2026. Road closure signs are installed on the roads leading to the project to inform drivers. Drivers can use CR 2110 and CR 2100 as an alternate route.
CR 2410 at Tanyard Creek. Contractor will be performing bridge replacement work on the CR 2410 bridge located at Tanyard Creek. The bridge is closed in both directions beginning January 22, 2026, and will remain closed until May 2026. Road closure signs are installed on the roads leading to the project to inform drivers. Drivers can use FM 100 and FM 2216 as an alternate route.
SH 34. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform seal coat preparation/Hot Mix Asphalt work on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 2216. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform seal coat preparation/Hot Mix Asphalt work on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
SH 78. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform ditch work to address drainage issues along the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
Various locations in Fannin County. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform herbicide application on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
Various locations in Fannin County. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform sign work, delineation work & mailbox installation along the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
Sulphur Springs Area (Hopkins, Franklin Counties):
Contacts: Sulphur Springs Area Office (903) 885-9514; Franklin Co. Maintenance (903) 537-4976; Hopkins Co. Maintenance (903) 885-4031.
Hopkins County: SH 19, from I-30 to Rains County Line. Crews will be grading ditches. Watch for construction vehicles near roadway.
Franklin County: FM 21, from SH 37 to Titus County Line. Crews will be rehabbing the existing road. Watch for temporary traffic signals within the work area. Expect slower moving traffic.
Hopkins County: SH 19 at SH 11. Crews will be working on the pavement joints in the intersection. There will be daily lane closures during the repair process.
Paris Area (Delta, Lamar, Red River Counties):
Contacts: Paris Area Office (903) 784-1357; Delta Co. Maintenance (903) 395-2139; Lamar Co. Maintenance (903) 785-4468; Red River Co. Maintenance (903) 427-3561.
Lamar County:
BU 271 B, from 18th Street SE to 34th Street SE. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews install sidewalks on the north and south sides of the roadway.
US 271, at the intersection of FM 2648 and at the intersection of FM 3298. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures as crews install roadway illumination within the right of way.
SH 19/24, Lamar & Delta Counties: from LP 286 intersection to SH 19. Watch for temporary lane closures and lane shifts while crews resurface the roadway, perform bridge rail upgrades, and bridge maintenance.
US 82, Lamar & Red River Counties: from State Loop 286 in Paris to Bowie County Line in Red River County. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews improve drainage structures.
1st ST SW & South Main St., Lamar County: from Hearne St. in Paris to Kaufman ST. in Paris. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews install a bike lane and perform pavement and curb repairs.
FM 79, at Little Creek. Watch for temporary shoulder closures and trucks entering and exiting the highway as crews perform bridge maintenance.
BU 82 H (Bonham St.), from Loop 286 to 11th Street NW. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews install sidewalk on the north and south sides of the roadway.
Delta County:
SH 154, from SH 19 to BU 24. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews improve drainage structures.
Red River County:
FM 2120, from FM 2573 to SH 37. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.
Northeast Texas Trail, Clarksville, Texas. Watch for trucks and equipment entering and exiting streets and highways while crews construct the off-system trail.
Northeast Texas Trail, from BU 82J to Annona East City Limits. Watch for trucks and equipment entering and exiting streets and highways while crews construct the off-system trail.
Northeast Texas Trail, from Annona East City Limits to Bowie County Line. Watch for trucks and equipment entering and exiting streets and highways while crews construct the off-system trail.
BU 82 J, from FM 2825 to High Street (Clarksville). Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews install sidewalk on the south sides of the roadway.
Greenville Area (Hunt, Rains Counties)
Contacts: Greenville Area Office (903) 455-2363; Hunt Co. Maintenance (903) 455-2303; Rains Co. Maintenance (903) 473-2682.
SH 34, From Traders Road to FM 1570. This project will construct a turning lane, consisting of culvert extensions, roadway widening, overlay, and striping. Work on this project is currently suspended due to utility conflicts. TxDOT is working with utility owners to relocate utilities. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
FM 2642, from FM 35 to SH 66. The contractor has set work zone signs and barricades. Traffic on north end of project (SH 66 to I-30) is now switched to new phase. Please slow down, be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
FM 512, from SH 34 to FM 118. Barricades and traffic signs are in place. Contractor will be setting signs and mailboxes. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
SH 276, from FM 751 to CR 3609. The 2.6-mile rehabilitation project will add a center turn lane. The contractor has placed barricades and work zone traffic signs. Contractor is now excavating in the south bound shoulder. Flagger operations in place while work is being performed near FM 751. Expect delays in the work zone. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
FM 36, from US 380 to SH 66. The 6.11-mile project will rehabilitate roadway surface and add safety end treatments. Final pavement surface is complete. Pavement marking operations will continue. Flagging will be present while work is being performed. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
I-30 Interchange Improvements, from Monte Stratton to FM 1903. Barricades and advance warning signs are in place. Expect one lane closures and rolling closures at night for pavement repairs. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
I-30 Improvements, from CR2511 to FM 36. Temp wall work is ongoing. Contractor is working in the median and on frontage roads. Expect one lane closures and rolling closures at night. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
Hunt and Rains Counties:
Hunt County and Rains maintenance crews will be performing pothole and sign repair work, and mailboxes throughout Hunt and Rains County.
Hunt County maintenance crew will be performing overlay on FM 36 from FM 2194 to FM 1562. Base repairs will be performed on FM 903 from US 69 to various locations. Flaggers will be present at both locations. Crew will be performing bridge maintenance work in various locations. Maintenance contractors will be performing guardrail repairs at various locations. Work will be performed on SH 66 at FM 36 to add a Right Turn Lane.
Rains County maintenance section will be performing roadway prep work on FM 275 from Hopkins County Line to FM 514. Base repair will be performed on FM 47 from SH 276 to Van Zandt County Line. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
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Bible Way Light House Church Easter Sunday Service April 5th at 11:00am
March 27, 2026 – Bible Way Light House Church of Sulphur Springs, Texas, will hold Easter Sunday Service Sunday, April 5, 2026, with Adult Sunday School beginning at 10:00am, and a Worship Service beginning at 11:00am. Everyone is welcome. You can expect food, fellowship, and an Easter Egg hunt following the service. The church is located at 241 County road 4591, Sulphur Springs, Texas, 75482.
Hopkins County Genealogical Society Upcoming Seminar Early Bird Registration
March 27, 2026 – Below is the flyer for The Hopkins County Genealogical Society annual genealogy seminar on June 20, 2026. Following the “save the date” announcement, they invite you to register now to take advantage of their “Early Bird” rates.
Early registrations are greatly appreciated as they help the Genealogical Society determine the necessary venue size. Knowing the attendance numbers early allows the Genealogical Society to decide whether to host the event at the library or move to a larger nearby location. It also ensures they provide sufficient refreshments for those attending in person. Please note that a virtual attendance option is also available.
The featured speaker, Ari Wilkins, is highly regarded, and The Genealogical Society anticipates a significant turnout. They look forward to receiving your registration soon.
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Launches First All-Digital State Wildlife Action Plan in the Nation
March 26, 2026 – AUSTIN— Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) has launched the nation’s first all-digital State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP). The SWAP is Texas’ statewide conservation roadmap for Species of Greatest Conservation Need and their habitats.
Maintaining an approved SWAP keeps Texas eligible for about $3 million annually in federal State and Tribal Wildlife Grants, which support conservation research and on-the-ground actions in communities across the state through university and conservation partners.
“We are so excited to debut the country’s first all-digital State Wildlife Action Plan,” said Kelly Simon, State Wildlife Action Plan Coordinator for TPWD. “Our hope is that making the plan accessible through an intuitive webpage will encourage Texans to utilize this tool and make it easy for them to find what they need, understand priorities and take the next step. The SWAP is Texas’ conservation roadmap for rare and declining wildlife, and the web tool makes that roadmap practical and accessible, whether you’re staff, a partner, or a member of the public.”
The update to the SWAP modernizes and improves usability, transparency and public access. The public-facing web tool allows Texans to explore conservation priorities for rare and declining wildlife and the habitats they rely on. The web page is optimized for use by most devices, which allows users to navigate seamlessly through the plan. Users can also narrow down their search through several categories including taxonomic group (birds, amphibians, reptiles, etc.), by federal and state protection status, and habitat type, just to name a few.
“We built this to be a working system, not a once-a-decade document,” added Simon. “Partners and Texans can contribute information year-round, and staff will review it so the plan can stay current. If you manage land, teach students, do research, or just care about wildlife, this gives you a straightforward way to see what species need and what actions can help.”
The online plan also links species information to threats, recommended conservation actions and monitoring considerations. Additionally, it includes science-based decision-support tools such as Knowledge Gap Analysis and Conservation Opportunity Areas, which help clarify priorities and identify where conservation actions can have the best chance of success.
“Conservation dollars are limited, and Texas has incredible natural heritage, so this tool helps us be transparent about importances and tradeoffs, and the logic we used to set priorities,” said Simon. “The Knowledge Gap Analysis helps us answer a basic question: do we need more targeted research or are we ready to move into on-the-ground conservation action. It’s a way to focus effort where it can matter most. Conservation Opportunity Areas help with the ‘where’ question. They highlight places where conservation work has a strong chance of success, and they help with project planning and site selection.”
The SWAP is designed for broad use by landowners, land managers, students, researchers, conservation partners, and the public. It also supports year-round participation through features that allow partners and Texans to contribute field-based insights.
Anyone can submit Nature Notes without creating an account, and researchers and conservation partners may request Partner Access to contribute more directly through the SWAP Workbench.
“What success looks like for me is pretty simple,” said Simon. “If this helps people design better projects, target effort more effectively, and improve outcomes for species over time, then it’s doing its job.”
Proposed Kaufman County Development Haulted After State Investigation
March 27, 2026 – KAUFMAN COUNTY, Texas — Plans for a large-scale development in Kaufman County have come to an end following an investigation by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, according to state officials.
The proposed project, described by developers as a “sustainable city,” drew widespread attention earlier this year after reports indicated it could house up to 20,000 residents on thousands of acres of rural land near Kaufman. Concerns quickly grew among local residents about the scope of the development, its potential impact on water resources, and questions surrounding its structure and oversight.
In February 2026, Paxton announced his office had opened an investigation into the project, citing potential legal issues and broader concerns about compliance with Texas law. As part of that effort, the Attorney General’s office issued formal requests for information to developers, including a U.S.-based subsidiary of Dubai-based SEE Holding.
The development became a flashpoint in the region, with some residents raising concerns about infrastructure strain, particularly on water supply systems, as well as broader questions about governance within the proposed community.
Congressman Lance Gooden confirmed this week that the developers have since abandoned their plans for the Kaufman County site.
Paxton welcomed the outcome, saying the state would continue to monitor projects that could pose legal or public safety concerns. “My office will continue to investigate any potential threat to the safety and well-being of Texans,” he said.
The project’s cancellation marks the end of a brief but intense period of debate in Kaufman County, highlighting ongoing tensions in fast-growing areas of North Texas where large developments can quickly draw scrutiny from both residents and state leaders.
Officials have not indicated whether the developers plan to pursue similar projects elsewhere.
Governor Abbott Announces Over $26 Million In Grants To Texas Military Communities
March 26, 2026 | Austin, Texas | Press Release
Governor Greg Abbott today announced over $26 million in grant funding for infrastructure projects in military communities through the Texas Military Preparedness Commission’s (TMPC) Defense Economic Adjustment Assistance Grant (DEAAG) program.
“Texas is home to over 1.7 million veterans and active duty, reserve personnel, and their families,” said Governor Abbott. “These funds will help ensure Texas military facilities, including our 15 major military installations, are up-to-date with the latest technology to enhance the safety and well-being of Texans and Americans by increasing water access and equipment resiliency. I thank the Texas Military Preparedness Commission for their continued service in supporting our servicemembers so that we can best prepare our state to defend its critical infrastructure.”
The grant funds will be invested in infrastructure projects and other initiatives to support military installations in Texas and protect jobs in military communities that may be impacted by any future Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process or other basing decisions.
With this first round of FY 2026-2027 grants, Governor Abbott has awarded over $172 million in grants to military communities through the DEAAG program since 2015.
The following entities will receive FY 2026-2027 DEAAG reimbursements:
- Ark-Tex Council of Governments: $5 million; Red River Army Depot – Fund mission to meet the U.S. Military Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) requirements
- Bell County: $4.5 million; Fort Hood – Development of an Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) system
- City of El Paso: $4 million; Fort Bliss – Increasing water production capacity of the Kay Bailey Hutchison Desalination Plant
- Val Verde County: $5 million; Laughlin AFB – Modernization of airfield lighting system to FAA standards to meet current and future USAF missions
- City of Corpus Christi: $2.074 million; Corpus Christi Naval Air Station – Replace aging domestic wastewater collection pipes
- City of Corpus Christi: $990,000; Corpus Christi Army Depot – Installation of four Atmospheric Water Generation (AWG) units to supplement water usage in high-demand production areas
- City of San Antonio: $5 million; JBSA- Fort Sam Houston – Renovation partnership with the City of San Antonio, Bexar County, the State of Texas, and the Defense Health Agency (DHA) of the South Beach facility
The TMPC in the Office of the Governor advises the Governor and the Texas Legislature on defense and military issues. TMPC’s goal is to preserve, protect, expand, and attract new military missions, assets, and installations in Texas. Additionally, the TMPC encourages defense-related businesses to expand or relocate to Texas. The commission is composed of 13 members serving six-year staggered terms, typically representing an installation in their community.
Veterinary Science Certificate Program Promotes Early Steps on Career Path
March 26, 2026 – AgriLife Extension program guides students with hands-on training and coursework
March 23, 2026 – by Kaydee Free
Rural communities across the U.S. face a growing shortage of veterinary professionals, creating challenges for pet owners, livestock producers and agriculture industries.
For Steven Perez, Evelyn Arnold and Thomas Gee, the path to becoming veterinarians started in different places but took shape through the same program: the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Veterinary Science Certificate Program, VSCP.
Through hands-on training, coursework and career exploration opportunities, the program is helping students across Texas build the skills and confidence needed to pursue careers in veterinary medicine.
Different paths and inspirations
Perez, a junior in the Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Department of Animal Science from Rio Grande City, first recognized the need for veterinary care in his South Texas community while raising and showing Beefmaster cattle through Texas 4-H. The limited access to veterinary care locally inspired him to pursue veterinary medicine and apply for the program to earn his veterinary assistant certification.
Arnold, an incoming freshman to Texas A&M from Frisco, discovered her interest in veterinary medicine even earlier. As a middle school student, she attended a VSCP summer camp in Brownwood. The experience sparked her passion for animal health and confirmed her goal of becoming a veterinarian.
Gee, now a third-year veterinary student from El Paso in the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, first encountered veterinary science through FFA and the Veterinary Science Career Development event. After competing in contests hosted through VSCP, Gee developed a strong interest in veterinary medicine, ultimately choosing Texas A&M for veterinary school.
Although they encountered the program at different stages of their life, each student gained experience and confidence through VSCP that helped prepare them for careers in veterinary medicine.
A program designed to introduce veterinary careers
The Veterinary Science Certificate Program introduces students to veterinary careers through hands-on training, certification pathways and career exploration opportunities. The program includes coursework for students to earn a veterinary assistant certification, veterinary science summer camps and veterinary science contests.
“VSCP provides students with a solid base in veterinary science so they can make informed decisions about pursuing a career in the veterinary field,” said Nikki Boutwell, VSCP program coordinator, Department of Animal Science. “We have students in all 50 states from ages 12 to adults.”
Start Your Journey
Explore how the Veterinary Science Certificate Program can help you gain hands-on experience and prepare for a career in veterinary medicine.
Students can explore several career pathways, including clinical animal health, One Health and laboratory animal science, gaining exposure to the breadth of veterinary medicine and related fields.
“VSCP helps students explore careers in veterinary medicine by providing hands-on experiences, career guidance and access to clinical opportunities,” said David Sessum, VSCP program manager, Department of Animal Science, Bryan-College Station.
The certification program requires students to complete 200 hours of coursework, 225 hours of supervised clinical experience and mastery of 100 veterinary science skills before earning the veterinary assistant certification.
“Programs like the Veterinary Science Certificate Program reflect the mission of the Department of Animal Science by bringing education directly to students and communities,” said Andy Herring, Ph.D., John K. Riggs ’41 Beef Cattle Professor, associate department head and AgriLife Extension program leader in the Department of Animal Science.
“It’s unique because it combines academic learning with practical, hands-on experiences that help young people explore veterinary careers while building skills that will benefit the animal agriculture industry,” Herring said.
Discovering a passion for veterinary medicine
Arnold said her summer camp experience confirmed her passion for veterinary medicine.
“I loved the camp,” she said. “I was already really passionate about vet science and wanted to learn more so I could be 100% sure this was something I wanted to do.”
Arnold enrolled in the Veterinary Science Certificate Program while participating in FFA. She raised livestock projects and competed in several contests, including the Veterinary Science Career Development event.
“Understanding animal behavior, health and nutrition helped me become more successful in FFA and in raising my animals,” Arnold said.
She will graduate high school in May and plans to attend Texas A&M in the fall. She hopes to attend veterinary school and eventually open a mobile mixed-animal practice to serve rural communities.
Building skills and connections
Perez discovered the program after attending a VSCP summer camp in South Texas, where he met program veterinarian Susan Culp, DVM, program veterinarian, Department of Animal Science. He applied for a grant through the program to help fund his certification.
“I was 17 when I started the program,” Perez said. “I applied, got in and started working on my certification.”
A major component of the program is clinical experience, where students complete 225 hours of hands-on training under the supervision of a veterinarian.
“Because I needed clinical hours for the certificate, I started getting those hours for experience that I later used on my vet school application,” Perez said.
Perez now serves as a student assistant for VSCP and helps lead summer camps that introduce younger students to veterinary science. He recently earned acceptance into the Texas Tech University School of Veterinary Medicine.
Preparing students for veterinary school
Now in veterinary school, Gee said his early experience with the Veterinary Science Career Development Event, CDE, provided an early foundation that helped him succeed.
“My junior year I started competing in the veterinary science CDE contests, learning about instruments, hands-on skills and different species,” Gee said. “Coming into vet school, I already knew terminology and basic concepts that some students hadn’t been exposed to yet.”
He also credits the program for strengthening his critical-thinking skills.
“That ability to think through situations is one of the biggest things the program helped me develop, and it has been very important in vet school,” Gee said.
Addressing the need for veterinary professionals
The demand for veterinary care continues to grow, particularly in rural communities where access to services can be limited.
Programs like the Veterinary Science Certificate Program help prepare the next generation of veterinarians to meet that need. The program gives students early exposure to veterinary careers while building practical skills that prepare them for college and professional training.
“This program gave me a head start,” Perez said. “Coming from an area that didn’t really have access to vet science, I learned through the program that I want to be a vet and go back to my hometown and open a mixed animal practice.”
TxDOT Rural Transportation Improvement Program 2027-2030 Virtual Public Meeting
March 26, 2026 – PARIS DISTRICT
Rural Transportation Improvement Program (TIP)
The 2027 -2030 Rural TIP is underway to identify local projects that are eligible for federal funding.
TxDOT’s Paris District will conduct an online virtual public meeting for community members to review projects identified to be included in is the Rural TIP and assess how they reflect the community’s needs and goals.
What is the Rural TIP?
It includes both grouped projects and individually listed projects that include added-capacity projects and regionally significant projects to be funded outside of MPO boundary, and within a TxDOT district during the next four years, including those eligible for federal funding.
It can include projects for drivers, bicyclists, pedestrians and public transit and its rules are established by federal law.
Why is it important?
It signifies regional consensus (community-region-state) on the need and priority of a project.
It helps identify fund-matching requirements by state and local governments.
Transportation projects CANNOT receive federal funding unless they are included in the Rural TIP.
Public Meetings will be held:
Virtual Meeting
LAMAR, RED RIVER, DELTA, HUNT
RAINS, GRAYSON, FANNIN, HOPKINS, AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES
Available on MARCH 30, 2026
8:00A.M.
Visit 2027-2030 Rural Transportation Improvement Program Paris District
A project is included in the Rural TIP to help the community. As such, it is important for you to get involved!
TxDOT needs your input to prioritize regional transportation needs.
A short presentation and exhibits showing how the Rural TIP operates, and projects included in it, will be discussed in the virtual public meeting. Comments must be postmarked or otherwise received by 4/9/2026
By mail at:
Texas Department of Transportation
PARIS DISTRICT,
Attn: Rural TIP
3500 SOUTH LOOP 286, PARIS, TX 75460
or by e-mail at: [email protected], Attn: Rural TIP
The virtual public meeting will be conducted in English. If you need an interpreter or document translator because English is not your primary language or you have difficulty communicating effectively in English, one will be provided to you. If you have a disability and need assistance, special arrangements can be made to accommodate most needs. If you need interpretation or translation services or you are a person with a disability who requires an accommodation to attend and participate in the virtual public meeting, please contact Kristen Prater, Paris District, at 903-737-9213 no later than 4 p.m. CT, 3/25/2026. Please be aware that advance notice is required as some services and accommodations may require time for the Texas Department of Transportation to arrange.
Ranger Baseball Time Today at 2PM
March 26, 2026 – SULPHUR SPRINGS, Texas — Baseball fans across Hopkins County will once again be able to catch Texas Rangers Baseball radio, as KSST 1230 AM continues its long-standing tradition of broadcasting Rangers baseball.
KSST is part of the Texas Rangers Radio Network, a statewide group of affiliate stations that carry live game coverage throughout the season. For local listeners, that means Opening Day coverage will be available over the air, bringing play-by-play action directly to homes, vehicles and workplaces across Northeast Texas.
The station has a long history in the community, serving Sulphur Springs since 1947 and providing a mix of news, weather and sports programming. In addition to local content, KSST has remained a reliable outlet for Rangers baseball, regularly airing games unless they conflict with local high school sports broadcasts.
Opening Day marks the beginning of the Major League Baseball season and is one of the most anticipated dates on the sports calendar.
For many in Hopkins County, listening on KSST is part of a tradition that stretches back generations. Whether tuning in from a pickup truck, a job site or a front porch, the familiar voices of Rangers broadcasters continue to connect local fans to the action on the field.
KSST officials say they plan to carry as many games as possible throughout the season, keeping Sulphur Springs-area listeners plugged into Rangers baseball from Opening Day through the postseason.
First pitch times may vary, and listeners are encouraged to check local listings for broadcast details.
Caprock Canyons State Park and Trailway Adds About 2,200 Acres Through New Acquisitions
March 24, 2026 – QUITAQUE— The bison that call Caprock Canyons State Park and Trailway home are growing their range thanks to recent land acquisitions in Briscoe County. The westward additions grow the park to about 17,500 acres of the unique rugged plains and red-walled canyons of the Caprock Escarpment.
Quitaque, TX climate is hot during summer when temperatures tend to be in the 80’s and cold during winter when temperatures tend to be in the 40’s.
“These are two beautiful pieces of property,” said Superintendent Donald Beard. “The Hawkins Ranch is the last piece of property to the west [of the park] that protects our viewshed of the canyon and affects our watershed. The Rocking W Ranch was also important because it expands the park to the northwest, allowing the Texas State Bison Herd potential access to the high plains.”
In addition, the Rocking W property included a 5,000-square-foot, fully furnished “barndominium,” which will allow for future family-style retreats for activities like hiking and horseback riding.
Located in the heart of the Texas Panhandle, the Hawkins property is unique and features more than 4.1 miles of Holmes Creek and Dry Creek, as well as panoramic views of the iconic Caprock Escarpment. Additionally, many native Texas wildlife can be found throughout the property including quail, mule deer, coyotes and bobcats, just to name a few.
Caprock Canyons State Park and Trailway, shaped by wind and water over the eons, features the rugged plains and canyons of the Texas Panhandle. Park visitors can explore the park’s 90 miles of trails while viewing bison roaming the plains and bats roosting in Clarity Tunnel. As the latest Texas State Park designated as an International Dark Sky Park by the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA), Caprock Canyons features an untainted view of the Texas stars at night that’s unmatched for campers.
When notified of available properties, TPWD conducts a due diligence review to determine the property’s feasibility as public land. In this case, TPWD determined the outstanding natural and recreational features of the properties made them an excellent candidate and addition to Caprock Canyons.
Now that the sale is complete, agency teams will work together to conduct natural and cultural resource surveys to help guide park planners with management plans and future visitor interpretive exhibits.
TPWD will develop a plan with input from the public to determine recreational opportunities for the property, which may include camping, hiking and biking. This plan may take many months to complete, but TPWD will communicate upcoming milestones, including a potential opening date.
More information can be found on the TPWD website or at TexasStateParks.org .
