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.

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.

Gulf Coast Authority Recognized with Prestigious Water Heroes Award

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HOUSTON – August 29, 2022 – The Water Environment Federation (WEF) has selected Gulf Coast Authority (GCA) for its annual Water Heroes Award. This award recognizes individuals or municipalities who performed duties above and beyond the usual call of duty during an emergency situation to continue to protect the public health and the environment.

This year’s award specifically recognizes the efforts of GCA employees who maintained wastewater services during Winter Storm Uri in February 2021. Personnel worked in challenging conditions to maintain treatment services and repair damage. Compliance sampling continued during the storm and sampling teams took pride in their completion rate despite the extraordinary circumstances.

“Employees were true heroes – working tirelessly and selflessly to fulfill our mission through twin challenges of an extended deep freeze and the pandemic,” said Franklin D.R. Jones Jr., Chairman, GCA Board of Directors.

Most exceptionally, GCA employees continued to maintain wastewater treatment service even as their own families and properties were suffering hardship or damage.
“Our employees demonstrated their commitment to meeting our mission during a time of great hardship,” said Elizabeth Fazio Hale, General Manager/CEO of GCA. “ “It is times like these that really show the true grit, strong ingenuity, and sacrifice of our GCA team. It is an honor and a privilege to serve alongside the amazing employees of GCA.”

The Water Heroes Award will be presented by WEF to GCA at the Water Environment Federation fall conference on October 11, 2022, in New Orleans, LA.

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.

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

S&P Global Affirms ‘AA-’ Rating for Gulf Coast Authority

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HOUSTON, February 17, 2022 – S&P Global Ratings has affirmed a rating of AA- on existing Bayport Area System revenue bonds for the Gulf Coast Authority (GCA), formerly Gulf Coast Waste Disposal Authority. The rating reflects a combination of GCA’s very strong enterprise and financial risk profiles, further supporting a stable outlook.

Specifically, GCA’s Bayport Facility provides wastewater services to a unique territory concentrated among more than 70 industrial users and provides significant cost benefits to customers that might choose to join a regional service versus providing their own treatment services. Further, GCA offers a distinct advantage in federal regulation that enables industry to directly discharge to the Authority.

“GCA has a long history of responsibly managing participant and customer funds,” said Elizabeth Fazio Hale, GM/CEO of GCA. “We are proud to preserve this financial standing, working to maintain and better our financial outlook for the Authority.”

Contributing factors include conservative budgeting, consistent financial position improvement, strong all-in debt service coverage, and maintaining liquidity at strong levels to provide additional reserves.

GCA’s strong governance comes from transparent communication with stakeholders as well as its midterm-term strategic and financial planning. Additionally, management continues to improve and update its emergency and freeze protection plans to prepare for future environmental events.

An explanation of the significance of the S&P ratings may be obtained from S&P on GCA’s website under Reports linked here. The rating reflects only the respective views of such organization.

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.

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

Galveston County Commissioners’ Court Reappoints Peden to Gulf Coast Authority Board of Directors

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The Galveston County Commissioners’ Court has reappointed Chris Peden to the Gulf Coast Authority (GCA) for a two-year term to expire on August 31, 2023.

Mr. Peden of League City is president of Revolution Drill Bits and Managing Partner at Peden & Associates. Mr. Peden was first appointed to the GCA Board of Directors in August 2013.

“We thank Mr. Peden for his continued service on the Board of Directors to the Authority.” said Elizabeth Fazio Hale, General Manager/CEO of GCA. “We look forward to him continuing to share his knowledge in business practices to better the organization.”

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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 to Gulf Coast Authority Board of Directors

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AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Amber Batson to the Gulf Coast Authority for a term set to expire on August 31, 2023. 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 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.

This appointment is subject to Senate confirmation.

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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, 2022. 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 General Land Office Regional Advisory Board. He is a past member of the American Rice Growers Association, American Soybean Association, American Rice Growers Exchange, and Texas Rice Festival. He is also a member of the East Chambers Agriculture Historical Society, Texas A&M University Association of Former Students, and the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets Association, and 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 ISD. He is a former member of the Santa Fe High School Football and Baseball Booster Clubs. In addition, 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 Senate confirmation.

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

GCA Facilities Recognized by NACWA for Continued Operational Excellence in 2020

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Four Gulf Coast Authority (GCA) waste treatment facilities were recognized this year (2020) by the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) with Peak Performance Awards:

  • Blackhawk Municipal Wastewater Treatment Facility – Gold;
  • Forty Acre Industrial Wastewater Treatment Facility – Gold;
  • Odessa Municipal and Industrial Wastewater Treatment Facility – Gold; and
  • Washburn Tunnel Industrial Wastewater Treatment Facility – Silver.

This is the fifteenth consecutive year for GCA facilities to be honored by NACWA (with awards being received as far back as 1990 from AMSA, NACWA’s predecessor organization) for excellence in operational performance and permit compliance.
“Our facilities provide essential services for our communities, industry, and the environment,” said Liz Fazio Hale, GCA General Manage/CEO. “In a year with pandemic challenges, GCA is proud to be nationally recognized for its reliability and commitment to protecting the waters of the state of Texas.”

Peak Performance Awards are provided to outstanding clean water utilities that have demonstrated operational excellence with no more than five permit violations in a calendar year for Silver, and, for our Gold Award winners, zero violations.
For nearly 50 years, NACWA has been the nation’s recognized leader in advancing sustainable and responsible policy initiatives that help shape a strong and sustainable clean water future. NACWA seeks to fulfill this mission through its national recognition/awards program, its clean water advocacy and communications, and its peer-to-peer utility network to share best practices from coast-to-coast.

GCA is a governmental entity created by the Texas legislature in 1969 with the broad charge to protect the waters of the State of Texas. GCA has the authority to own and operate regional industrial and municipal wastewater treatment facilities, water systems, and solid waste facilities statewide, as well as the ability to provide bond financing services. For more information, please visit www.gcatx.org.

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

Fazio Hale Takes Helm as GCA General Manager/CEO

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Elizabeth Fazio Hale today assumed the role of General Manager/Chief Executive Officer of the Gulf Coast Authority (GCA), a water and wastewater management authority in Texas. For GCA, having recently celebrated its 50th Anniversary, Fazio Hale takes the top leadership role at a time when essential workers are more critical than ever.

“With her broad background in the legal and financial aspects of water and wastewater management, Elizabeth is uniquely qualified to lead GCA into its next 50 years,” said Franklin D.R. Jones, Jr., Chairman of the GCA Board of Directors. “We’re confident that her expertise, combined with her boundless energy, keen intellect, and strategic insights, will far advance our mission to protect the waters of the state of Texas.”

Fazio Hale has served in numerous leadership roles on water and wastewater planning and management in Texas, most recently as the Assistant General Manager of GCA. As the youngest CEO appointed to the position and only GCA’s sixth general manager, Fazio Hale understands the high level of expectations for leading an organization deeply rooted in tradition and a commitment to the protection of the environment while supporting its local communities and industry. Fazio Hale joined GCA in May 2019 and, after a year of outstanding performance, she was unanimously approved by the Board of Directors in June 2020 to replace retiring Lori Traweek as General Manager/CEO.

“GCA has long been a leader in recognizing the value of combining environmental sustainability with economic development,” said Fazio Hale. “In today’s world, the importance of innovation in water management has only grown more vital. In order to advance our mission in these changing times, we must be intentional in our understanding of the new challenges that lie ahead, including the impacts to our employees and an uncertain regulatory future.”

Fazio Hale has a combined 20 years of legal, financial, legislative, and executive leadership with singular achievements such as contributing to the advancement and funding of the Texas State Water Plan – a goal more than 15 years in the making.

“As I step into my new role at GCA, I see many correlations to previous experience collaborating with experts in the environmental and industrial fields,” she said. “I look forward to working with our board and staff to continue GCA’s stellar reputation for reliability, innovation and teamwork set by the leaders that came before me.”

Fazio Hale serves as the vice president for the Gulf Coast Industrial Development Authority; treasurer for the Texas Conservation Fund; a member of the board of directors for the Texas Water Foundation; a member of the board of directors for the Texas Water Conservation Association; a member of the board of directors for the TWCA – Risk Management Fund; a member of the Galveston Bay Council; member of the Economic Alliance – Houston Port Region’s legislative committee; and member of the Economic Development Alliance for Brazoria County.

Gulf Coast Authority (www.gcatx.org) 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.