GEDC, TXGN look to partner over $200,000 grant

The Gonzales Economic Development Corporation (GEDC) will hold a public hearing on April 8 at noon at Gonzales City Hall. On display is a grant application up for consideration by Texas Gonzales Northern Railway (TXGN) to use for a 2,850 foot extension of their rail track to provide services at the Gonzales Industrial Park.

According to GEDC President/CEO Genora Young, the extension would be laid one mile north of the Hwy. 90A TXGN crossing in town and would be within existing TXGN right-of-way. While the track would initially serve the incoming Livestock Nutrition Center, it would be available for use by future customers for loading and shipping their products.

Rail is an added value to the community, Young said. The short-line rail is rated a Class 1 track, which is vital for companies that look to save by shipping via rail rather than truck freight. The rail is good for growth today and will be allowed to recruit more businesses.

TXGN was instrumental in recruiting Livestock Nutrition Center to Gonzales and has worked to create a more business friendly atmosphere here. The railway also contributed labor toward several downtown beautification projects recently when work was slow at their yard and workers were available to help elsewhere.

“TXGN has been an excellent partner,” Young said. “Their growth and expansion benefits all of us.”

If the grant is approved, work would begin next month with completion scheduled for summer. The GEDC board is not only interested in these new companies setting up shop here, but has a strong commitment to existing local businesses and are committed to business retention, she said.

The GEDC encourages citizens to participate in the public comment and public hearing stages of all of their projects. Citizens unable to attend meetings may submit their views to Young by mailing them to P.O. Drawer 547, Gonzales 78629 or by calling the office at 830-672-2815.