Levee project moving forward

Cameron County officials continue to move forward with a levee system enhancement project and will discuss requests for proposals at Tuesday's meeting.

With the U.S. Department of Homeland Security expected to begin construction on the border fence next month, county officials believe built-up levees can serve as an alternative to border fence.

"We have to continue moving forward," County Judge Carlos H. Cascos said, adding the county needs to be ready should the federal government grant the county's request for a moratorium on the fence's construction.

Last week, the county judge sent letters to U.S. Sens. John Cornyn and Kay Bailey Hutchison requesting they draft an amendment that would place a moratorium on the fence construction in Cameron County.

In addition, he would like a six- to 12-month extension on the Dec. 31 deadline by which the government hopes to have the fence completed.

As of Friday, Cascos had not received any response to the letters, which were mailed to both senators.

DHS extended the deadline for Hidalgo County following that county's agreement to work with the federal government for the construction of a concrete barrier that in some portions would serve as a border wall.

The agreement pushes back the completion date on Hidalgo County's levee project to March 2009 from this December.

At Tuesday's meeting, Commissioners Court could get answers from those submitting bids as though the levee enhancement project will work.

"They have to tell us if this is a doable project," Cascos said, adding he wants to be sure all the environmental issues have been addressed before Commissioners Court signs off on any requests for proposals or RFPs.

Commissioners Court also will discuss the fire at Dirty Al's restaurant on South Padre Island and its contract with the county. This item will be discussed in executive session.

The eatery's roof and kitchen area were damaged in an early-morning fire last Thursday. Officials are looking into whether the fire was caused by electrical problems.

Dirty Al's contract was discussed at last week's meeting. Instead of negotiating with the concessionaire, Commissioners Court voted against a renewal and instead opted to seek RFPs before the contract expires on Jan. 31, 2009.

"We are attempting to show some semblance of consistency, which had been vacant in the past. This happened to fall through the cracks," Cascos said.