Go-Green projects get Commission's support

The Brownsville City Commission held a work session Tuesday to hear about the Go-Green Assistance Center’s projects.

The center is an initiative of the University of Texas and Texas Southmost College.

The Go-Green Assis-tance Center is based at the ITEC Center on Mexico Boulevard, where the aim, it notes, is to train the community on integrating earth friendly practices.

The center’s Program Director, Ricardo Gonzalez, provided the commission with a report on the facility’s projects.

The projects range from community outreach, training and workshops on the numerous initiatives.

These include the upcoming January 2011 ban on plastic bags, the distribution of reusable bags, and the construction of a green model house at ITEC Center grounds.

Gonzalez also talked about the partnerships that the center has with various organizations including the Community Develop-ment Corporation of Brownsville under Executive Director Nick Mitchell-Bennett. The corporation’s mission is to assist low income families in attaining home ownership through below market financing, quality construction, the use of efficient home designs, and outreach.

The center also works closely with the Architecture for Charity of Texas, Inc., under CEO Mario Morales. The organization also develops and builds energy efficient houses for families in need.

Commission members voiced their support and appreciation for the organization’s efforts, while the community was invited to visit the center at 301 Mexico Blvd.

The center is open Mondays through Fridays from 9 a.m. to 12 noon and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.