Regional Highlights

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Battleship Texas funding a step closer (Region U)

The long-term preservation of the historic Battleship Texas near Houston took a huge step forward with the submission of a funding request to the Texas Department of Transportation for federal funds. The $16 million request will fund a new dry berth for the ship that will remove the ship from the water and allow extensive repairs to the aging hull. The application will be reviewed by TxDOT and, if approved, will be announced in October 2006. The project is scheduled to be completed in 2011.

San Jacinto Monument repairs nearly finished (Region U)

The $2.1 million dollar repair job approved and funded by the Legislature is almost finished. In May, TPWD Infrastructure staff inspected the work of the contractor for substantial completion of the life safety repairs being made. The completion of the fire hardening of the structure has allowed San Jacinto Museum staff to move all historic artifacts and the library back into the Monument. All that remains to be done is the elevator work, which should be finished this summer.

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World Birding Center in Weslaco to open this summer (Region V)

With the completion of the City of Weslaco's sewer main to the site, The World Birding Center in Weslaco will open its door to the public this summer. The newest addition to the World Birding Center will introduce visitors to extensive wetlands, boardwalks, trails, native landscapes and a visitor center with classrooms and decks. The "soft" opening this summer will be followed with a grand opening event to be scheduled in the Fall.

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First inland paddling trail opens (Region C)

In partnership with the City of Luling and the Guadalupe Blanco River Authority, the first inland paddling trail in Texas opened in late March. The six-mile route on the San Marcos River between U.S. Highway 90 and the historic Zedler Mill in Luling offers canoeists and kayakers a safe well-mapped route with convenient access and parking. It is likely it will also bring an economic boost to this small town near Austin. The trail is a great partnership model that TPWD hopes to duplicate in other areas of the state.

- read news release "First Inland Paddling Trail Opens in Luling" - 03/29/06

Texas River Center opens in San Marcos (Region C)

Texas State University and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department held a grand opening event in April at the Texas Rivers Center to mark the completion of $3.1 million in renovations to create an educational and research facility. The Rivers Systems Institute is housed there, along with personnel from TPWD's Inland Fisheries Division.

- read news release "Texas Rivers Center Progress Hailed in San Marcos" - 04/17/06

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