Update from Rep. Alan Ritter's office

Sea Rim State Park Receives Funding for Repair

When Texans voted last November to approve Proposition 4, they authorized a general obligation bond package that will include $27 million for major repairs to our state parks.

Parks in every region in Texas will benefit from the investment. In Southeast Texas, Sea Rim State Park will receive much-needed funds.

The park showcases the unique environment where grasslands meet the surf. It also serves as a valuable habitat for many wetland species, as well as a rest-stop for migratory birds.

Sea Rim has been closed since 2005, when it sustained severe damage from Hurricane Rita. $1,268,273 from the bond passed in Proposition 4 will be allocated to repair damage to its wastewater and electrical systems.

The Texas Department Parks and Wildlife anticipated to reopen in May 2008. You can learn more about the park on the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website:

http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/sea_rim/

Digital Television Transition

At this point, you may have heard a bit about the upcoming transition from analog to digital TV broadcasts. Are you ready for the switch?

Here are the facts:

On February 17, 2009, television stations will replace traditional analog broadcasts with digital broadcasts
This requirement is part of the Digital Television and Public Safety Act of 2005, passed by our U.S. Congress
TV sets connected to cable, satellite, or a telephone company video service provider should not be affected
TV sets that are not connected to cable or satellite, or do not have a digital tuner, will need a converter box to continue receiving broadcast television after the transition

Preparing for the transition requires one of the following three steps:

Purchase a DTV converter box
The converter boxes are expected to cost between $50 and $70
The federal government is making $40 coupons available to help with the cost of the converter box.
More information on converter boxes, as well as a coupon application, is available here: https://www.dtv2009.gov/
Purchase a digital TV set
Subscribe to a video service provider

For more information on what to expect from the digital TV transition, visit http://www.dtv.gov/

Windstorm Insurance: Consumer Update

Insurance Department Urges Verification of Windstorm Insurance Inspectors
AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) reminds consumers that windstorm insurance inspections, which are required for properties to be eligible for wind and hail coverage through the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA), must be conducted by either a TDI inspector or an engineer who has been appointed by the TDI Commissioner.

A complete list of appointed engineers is available on the TDI website at: http://www.tdi.state.tx.us/wind/engaprv.html

The Department is currently investigating several cases of inspection documents submitted under false pretenses by parties who were not authorized to perform windstorm inspections. TDI urges consumers to use caution and verify that the inspector is indeed on the list of appointed engineers. Failure to use a qualified inspector will result in the loss of eligibility for insurance coverage through TWIA.

While not required for all construction, a windstorm insurance inspection is typically required for new structures, additions, alterations, re-roofs and repairs. Windstorm inspections are required at various stages of the building, renovation or repair process, prior to the completion of construction.

For more information, please visit the TDI website at: http://www.tdi.state.tx.us/wind/index.html

Texans Feeding Texans

Texans Feeding Texans is a home-delivered meal program managed by the Texas Department of Agriculture. New this year, the program is a result of House Bill 407, which established a $20 million statewide grant program for 2008-2009. The grants were available to service providers that bring meals to the homebound elderly and/or disabled.

In Jefferson County, Nutrition and Services for Seniors has received a grant in the amount of $100,993.

Read more about Nutrition and Services for Seniors: http://www.setaaa.org/nss.htm