EDC, Local Officials Discuss Clearing Of NETEX Railroad Right-of-Ways, Transload Facility
Local officials met Monday to discuss a number of topics related to Northeast Texas Rural Transportation District and the railroad, including clearing of right-of-ways and a transload facility. Sulphur Springs-Hopkins County Economic Development Corporation Sulphur Springs – Hopkins County Economic Development Corporation Executive Director Roger Feagley hosted representatives from the city, county, ATCOG and NETEX to discuss...
Sulphur Springs City Council Awards Contract For Re-Insurance to HM Life
City Considering Take Stand In Railroad Law Suit The city of Sulphur Springs will continue to partially self-fund health insurance for city employees, the city council decided during their regular August meeting. Also discussed during a closed executive session was the city’s potential involvement in law service involving rail service. Re-insurance contract Sulphur Springs sought bid proposals for re-insurance coverage, as has...
NETEX Receives “Unmodified Opinion” on Audit
The Northeast Texas Rural Rail Transportation District (known as NETEX) Board of Directors this month received audits for past few years, heard updates from the rail operator and a took public comments. Audit Report Auditor indicated his reports would get NETEX caught up through Sept. 30, 2021, but that his discussion focus would be the audit for the most recent fiscal year, 2021, but noted it’s almost time for the 2022 audit....
Resolutions, Land Lease, Software, Approved by Hopkins County Commissioners Court.
Hopkins County Commissioner Court resolved to submit a hazard mitigation assistance grant application and to support state funding to match competitive federal rail programs. Approval was also given for a county property to be leased, a new software program for the county tax assessor/collector’s office, printer/copier contracts, a holiday calendar and a couple of budget amendments during Friday’s regular Commissioner...
NETEX Board Agrees To Commit Up To $550,000 Toward Track And Bridge Improvement
Northeast Texas Rail Transportation District Board of Directors (known as NETEX Board) agreed to commit up to $550,000 toward track and bridge improvement projects along the rail to improve safety for operators and provide better service for customers. Mike Salek, Freedom Rail Group/NETC, pointing out issues with a railroad bridge during an April 18, 2022 presentation to NETEX Board of Directors. The decision follows two presentations...
Barkers Stepped Down From NETEX Board, Johnson & McCullough Appointed
Earlier this week, Mickey Barker and Neal Barker each resigned from their positions on Northeast Texas Rural Rail Transportation District Board. Brad Johnson and Steve McCullough were recommended to fill those seats as Hopkins County’s representatives on the NETEX Board. Neal Barker and family, Mickey Barker Hopkins County Commissions Court unanimously approved a resolution during the Jan. 18, 2022, court session officially...
NETEX Board To Consider Right-Of-Way Requests For Elevon Development In Collin County
The Northeast Texas Rural Rail Transportation District Board, known as the NETEX Board, will be asked Thursday to consider right-of-way requests for Elevon Development in Collin County. Neal Barker gives the monthly treasurer’s report during the Dec. 2, 2021 NETEX Board meeting The large scale project is reported to be a $2 billion development which will be constructed in at least two phases and to include thousands of single...
Slight Increase in County Retirement Plan, NETEX Donation Among Items On Dec. 27 Commissioners Court Agenda
A slight increase in the Hopkins County Retirement Plan and NETEX donation are among the items on the Dec. 27, 2021 Hopkins County Commissioners Court agendas. The Commissioners are expected to consider a 1 percent cost of living raise for the Hopkins County retirement plan. Hopkins County Commissioners Court The Commissioners Court is also expected to present to NETX (Northeast Texas Rural Rail Transportation District) a donation for...
NETEX Amends Agreements With NETC
After months of discussion, Northeast Texas Rural Rail Transportation District (NETEX) agreed to a vegetation cleanup agreement, as well as amendments to the track reimbursement and management obligation agreements with North East Texas Connector, the division of Freedom Rail Group contracted to serve as operators for the NETEX railroad. A right-of-way usage rate schedule for private landowners was also approved as recommended by...
Building Maintenance, Wrecking and Salvage Yard Regulations Discussed During Commissioners Work Session
Hopkins County Commissioners during a Monday work session discussed a number of topics, including the outdoor sound stage at the Civic Center, building maintenance, wrecking and salvage yard regulations, and NETEX’s railroad vegetation maintenance proposal. According to Judge Robert Newsom, the court conferred with Hopkins County Civic Center Manager Lonnie Fox regarding the condition and use of the outdoor sound stage, or...
