Railport Ribbon Cutting

Gulf Coast Authority Celebrates Ribbon Cutting of RailPort Facility in Midlothian

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Midlothian, Texas – Gulf Coast Authority held an official ribbon cutting of its newest wastewater treatment facility, RailPort, in Midlothian, Texas today. RailPort marks GCA’s sixth facility in the State of Texas and represents a continued commitment to delivering reliable, industry-focused wastewater treatment solutions that support regional growth and environmental protection.

Since its creation in 1969, GCA has expanded its footprint across Texas to meet the evolving needs of industry. Over five and a half decades, the Authority has built a reputation for operational reliability, regulatory compliance, and long-term infrastructure planning that supports economic development while safeguarding water resources.

RailPort continues that legacy by providing services for industry and supporting regional wastewater needs in North Texas. The facility enhances infrastructure capacity in a growing industrial corridor and reflects GCA’s ongoing investment in sustainable, forward-looking wastewater treatment.

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Gulf Coast Authority was created by the Texas Legislature in 1969 to protect the waters of the state of Texas through environmentally sound, economically feasible, and technologically advanced wastewater and water management practices. GCA provides regional industrial and municipal wastewater treatment services, solid waste management, industrial water services, and financial services – all with the goal to protect the environment, preserve water resources, and promote industrial development for a strong economy. For more information, please visit www.gcatx.org.

Governor Abbott Appoints Batson, Syphrett To Gulf Coast Authority Board Of Directors

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AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott has reappointed Amber Batson and appointed Dan Syphrett to the Gulf Coast Authority Board of Directors for terms set to expire on August 31, 2027, and August 31, 2026, respectively. The Gulf Coast Authority has the authority to provide water systems and control water pollution and waste disposal within the district. In addition, they shall conduct studies and research on the control of water pollution and waste disposal within the district.

Amber Batson of Tomball is a Project Manager and Associate Vice President of Carollo Engineers. She is a corporate member of the Texas Water Association, the American Public Works Association, and the Water Environment Federation. Additionally, she is a licensed professional engineer by the Texas Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors and the Florida Board of Professional Engineers. Batson received a Bachelor of Science and Master of Engineering in Environmental Engineering from the University of Florida.

Dan Syphrett of Stowell is retired after a career as an electric utility manager. He is a member of the East Chambers Education Foundation Gala committee and a member of the St. Louis Church Rice Ball Committee. Syphrett received a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Economics from Texas A&M University.

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If you have any questions regarding this announcement, please contact the Governor’s Press Office at (512) 463-1826.

Governor Abbott Reappoints Scott to the Gulf Coast Authority Board of Directors

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AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott has reappointed Kevin Scott to the Gulf Coast Authority for a term set to expire on August 31, 2026.

Kevin Scott was appointed to the GCA Board of Directors in February, 2018 and elected Chairman in September of 2024. He graduated Stephen F. Austin and with a Bachelor of Science and the University Of Houston Clear Lake with a Master of Science in Educational Management in 2006. He has been a licensed Funeral Director since 2010 and is a co-owner of Scott Funeral Home in Alvin, Texas.

If you have any questions regarding this announcement, please contact the Governor’s Press Office at (512) 463-1826.

Chambers County Mayors Reappoint Farner to the Gulf Coast Authority Board of Directors

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The Chambers County Mayors reappointed Stephanie Farner to the Gulf Coast Authority (GCA) Board of Directors for a two-year term to expire August 31, 2026.

Ms. Farner is a former assistant principal and classroom teacher for the Barbers Hill Independent School District. She has a Master of Science in Reading, a Post-Masters in Education Leadership, and a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education. She has been married to husband, Eric, for 34 years.  They are the proud parents of Bethany and Kate.

Election of Officers of the Board of Directors of the Gulf Coast Authority

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At its September Regular Board Meeting, the Board of Directors of the Gulf Coast Authority elected Kevin Scott to serve as Board Chair for a two-year term 2024-2026. Mr. Scott was first appointed to the Board of Directors of GCA in 2014.


Mr. Scott is a Governor’s appointment from Galveston County and the co-owner of Scott Funeral Home in Alvin, Texas. Kevin and his wife Mandy have two children, Colton and Avery.

Mr. Scott succeeds Franklin D.R. Jones, Jr., who previously served as the Board Chair for the past 10 years from 2014 – 2024. The Board of Directors thanks Mr. Jones for his dedication and years of service in this role.

The Board of Directors also elected the following Officers for the 2024 – 2026 term: Amber Batson, Vice Chair; Billy Enochs, Secretary; and Mark Schultz, Treasurer.

Governor Abbott Reappoints Batson To The Gulf Coast Authority Board Of Directors

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AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott has reappointed Amber Batson to the Gulf Coast Authority for a term set to expire on August 31, 2025. The Gulf Coast Authority has the authority to provide water systems and control water pollution and waste disposal within the district. In addition, they conduct studies and research on the control of water pollution and waste disposal within the district.

Amber Batson of Tomball is a project manager and associate vice president of Carollo Engineers. She is a corporate member of Texas Water Conservation Association, American Public Works Association, and the Water Environment Federation. Additionally, she is a licensed professional engineer by the Texas Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors and the Florida Board of Professional Engineers. Batson received a Bachelor of Science and Master of Engineering in Environmental Engineering from the University of Florida.
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If you have any questions regarding this announcement, please contact the Governor’s Press Office at (512) 463-1826.

Governor Abbott Reappoints Meaux and Scott to the Gulf Coast Authority Board of Directors

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AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott has reappointed Lamont Meaux and Kevin Scott to the Gulf Coast Authority for terms set to expire on August 31, 2024. The Gulf Coast Authority has the authority to provide water systems and control water pollution and waste disposal within the district. In addition, they shall conduct studies and research on the control of water pollution and waste disposal within the district.

Lamont Meaux of Stowell is the owner and president of Seabreeze Culvert, Seabreeze Chemical, and Seabreeze Farm. He is a member of the Winnie-Stowell Chamber of Commerce, Texas Society of Professional Engineers, Texas Farm Bureau, and Texas General Land Office Regional Advisory Board. He is a former member of the American Rice Growers Association, American Soybean Association, American Rice Growers Exchange, and Texas Rice Festival. He is a member of the East Chambers Agricultural Historical Society, The Association of Former Students of Texas A&M University, and the Texas Aggie Corps of Cadets Association. He is also a member and past muster chairman of the Beaumont A&M Club. Meaux served in the U.S. Army and received a Bachelor of Science from Texas A&M University.

Kevin Scott of Santa Fe is co-owner and funeral director of Scott Funeral Home in Alvin. He previously served as a teacher, coach, and vice principal for Santa Fe Independent School District. He is a former member of the Santa Fe High School Football and Baseball Booster Clubs. Additionally, he is a former member of the Texas State Teachers Association and Texas High School Coaches Association. Scott received a Bachelor of Science from Stephen F. Austin State University and a Master of Science in Educational Management from the University of Houston at Clear Lake.

These appointments are subject to confirmation by the Texas Senate.

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If you have any questions regarding this announcement, please contact the Governor’s Press Office at (512) 463-1826.

Farner and Peden Appointed to Gulf Coast Authority Board of Directors

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Two appointments were made to the Gulf Coast Authority (GCA) Board of Directors: one from Chambers County and one from Galveston County.

The Chambers County Mayors have appointed Stephanie Farner to the GCA Board for a two- year term September 1, 2022 thru August 31, 2024. Ms. Farner is an assistant principal and classroom teacher for the Barbers Hill Independent School District. She has a Master of Science in Reading, a Post-Masters in Education Leadership, and a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education.

The Galveston County Commissioners’ Court has appointed Jackie Peden to the GCA Board for a partial term to end August 31, 2023. Ms. Peden of League City is an accountant and office manager with Peden & Associates, a firm her and her husband Chris own and operate. Jackie serves as board chair of Revolution Manufacturing Inc., a start-up manufacturing company which currently produces PDC drill bits used in the oil and gas industry. In 2012, Jackie began serving on the Galveston County Children’s Services board and has served as the secretary on the board since 2013.

“Ms. Farner and Ms. Peden are tremendous additions to GCA’s Board of Directors, and both bring a diverse perspective to the Board,” said Elizabeth Fazio Hale, General Manager/CEO of GCA. “We are excited to welcome them as our newest board members.”

Gulf Coast Authority was created by the Texas Legislature in 1969 to protect the waters of the state of Texas through environmentally sound, economically feasible, and technologically advanced wastewater and water management practices. GCA provides regional industrial and municipal wastewater treatment services, solid waste management, industrial water services, and financial services – all with the goal to protect the environment, preserve water resources, and promote industrial development for a strong economy. For more information, please visit www.gcatx.org.

Harris County Mayors Appoint Swanson to Gulf Coast Authority Board of Directors

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  September 13, 2022

Media Contact:­
Keith Hardcastle, Public Information Officer
(281) 488-4115 | khardcastle@gcatx.org

The Harris County Mayors have appointed Robert Swanson to the Gulf Coast Authority (GCA) for a two-year term to start on September 1, 2022. “Thank you to the Harris County Mayors for this appointment and the support provided to our Authority,” said Franklin D.R. Jones, Jr., Chairman of the Board of Directors for GCA. “The Board of Directors welcomes Mr. Swanson.”

Mr. Swanson is a proven financial leader with over 30 years of financial and accounting experience. He currently serves as Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer of Rio Grande Exploration and Production. In that role, he is experienced in closing transactions, raising capital, financial reporting, and investor and bank relations.

“Mr. Swanson is a wonderful addition to GCA’s Board of Directors with his business and financial acumen,” said Elizabeth Fazio Hale, General Manager/CEO of GCA. “We are excited to welcome him as our newest board member.”

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Gulf Coast Authority was created by the Texas Legislature in 1969 to protect the waters of the state of Texas through environmentally sound, economically feasible, and technologically advanced wastewater and water management practices. GCA provides regional industrial and municipal wastewater treatment services, solid waste management, industrial water services, and financial services – all with the goal to protect the environment, preserve water resources, and promote industrial development for a strong economy. For more information, please visit www.gcatx.org.