Chambers County Mayors Reappoint Farner to the Gulf Coast Authority Board of Directors

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The Chambers County Mayors reappointed Stephanie Farner to the Gulf Coast Authority (GCA) Board of Directors for a two-year term to expire August 31, 2026.

Ms. Farner is a former 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. She has been married to husband, Eric, for 34 years.  They are the proud parents of Bethany and Kate.

Election of Officers of the Board of Directors of the Gulf Coast Authority

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At its September Regular Board Meeting, the Board of Directors of the Gulf Coast Authority elected Kevin Scott to serve as Board Chair for a two-year term 2024-2026. Mr. Scott was first appointed to the Board of Directors of GCA in 2014.


Mr. Scott is a Governor’s appointment from Galveston County and the co-owner of Scott Funeral Home in Alvin, Texas. Kevin and his wife Mandy have two children, Colton and Avery.

Mr. Scott succeeds Franklin D.R. Jones, Jr., who previously served as the Board Chair for the past 10 years from 2014 – 2024. The Board of Directors thanks Mr. Jones for his dedication and years of service in this role.

The Board of Directors also elected the following Officers for the 2024 – 2026 term: Amber Batson, Vice Chair; Billy Enochs, Secretary; and Mark Schultz, Treasurer.

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.

Farner and Peden Appointed to Gulf Coast Authority Board of Directors

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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

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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

Gulf Coast Authority Announces Promotions

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Jonathan Sandhu has been promoted to Technical Director of GCA. In this role, Jonathan will be responsible for overseeing all engineering activities at the Authority, including process engineering and capital projects. Jonathan joined GCA in 2020 from Brown and Caldwell where he was Industrial Water Chemical and Energy Lead and the Houston Office Lead. Jonathan possesses a strong, collaborative approach in advising on wastewater and water reuse services for the Authority.

 

Darla Fogie has been promoted to Central Laboratory Facility Manager of GCA. In this role, Darla is responsible for the management of the employees and oversight of the operations and compliance at Central Laboratory. Darla has served as the Assistant Lab Manager since August 2021. Prior to joining GCA, she served for 6 years as Regional Laboratory Manager to Weidmann Electrical Technology. Darla brings exceptional abilities to her new role as Laboratory Manager including her ability to effectively communicate and motivate her team with vision and commitment.

 

Joanne MacDougall has been promoted to Assistant Director-Process Engineering of GCA. In this role, Joanne will oversee process and controls engineering for GCA. In her 18 years at GCA, Joanne has been a key team member for almost every GCA capital project. She has also been an invaluable resource when our facilities have experienced process upsets, and on numerous occasions, she has helped ensure we remain in compliance with both our air and wastewater permits.