Governor Abbott Reappoints Batson To The Gulf Coast Authority Board Of Directors
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
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
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
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.
S&P Global Affirms ‘AA-’ Rating for Gulf Coast Authority
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
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
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
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
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