High Plains Report - Abilene

State Parks Deserve Better Funding

tony — Mon, 19 Mar 2007 19:06:00 -0500

Sen. Robert Duncan

Generations of Texans have made a living from the land. The beauty of Texas’ natural landscape and abundant wildlife is a significant part of our larger-than-life identity. From tall mountains and big skies to rich soils and tropical beaches, Texas is composed of wondrous natural vistas. And, as our world becomes more urban and people are more stacked up instead of spread out, it’s critical that in Texas, we can still appreciate wide open spaces.

I grew up in a rural community. Protecting and preserving our wild and rugged landscapes is of paramount concern.

We cannot permit our state parks to fall into ruin. The Texas Parks & Wildlife legislative appropriations request asks us to funnel another $171 million into our parks system. I certainly support the concept of appropriately funding this system. It’s a decision we’ll consider closely in the Senate Finance Committee.

King among nine freshmen named to vice chair posts in Texas House

tony — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 12:20:36 -0600

By Sarah Kleiner Varble / kleiners@reporternews.com
January 30, 2007

State Rep. Susan King is one of nine freshmen legislators to land leadership positions on Texas House of Representatives committees.

King, R-Abilene, will serve as vice chair of the Human Services Committee throughout the 80th session of the Texas Legislature.

The Abilene Reporter News

Duncan previews water issues in 80th Legislature

tony — Mon, 29 Jan 2007 08:23:03 -0600

In this radio address, Senator Robert Duncan discusses the importance of establishing Groundwater Conservation Districts, their impact on water marketing, and the possible threats to West Texas and Panhandle water supply from metropolitan areas.

www.senatorduncan.com

Alternative energy developers cash in on area's ideal breezy conditions

tony — Tue, 23 Jan 2007 15:06:31 -0600

Harnessing the Wind

BY D. LANCE LUNSFORD
AVALANCHE-JOURNAL

It's windy, man.

No, not that Windy Man, the disgraced concrete structure that state officials once planned to put around Lubbock highways.

Rather, it's the non-stop howling variety that is, more and more, bringing money to the region. Investors see potential in what people here have known for a long time about the South Plains and Panhandle - it's windy, man.

Lubbock Avalanche-Journal