SEALY — Austin County Judge Tim Lapham gave his State of the County address to a large crowd gathered June 7 at the Columbus Hall in Sealy. The Lunch -N- Learn was very informative and, as many know, Judge Lapham’s sense of humor was entertaining. He was texted by Jeff Virnau early morning of the luncheon. He said, “See you at the chamber meeting, hope we have a good speaker!” Judge Lapham replied, “Me, too!”
One question was how many at the gathering went to jail. No one raised their hand, but the judge tried to catch someone off guard.
On a more serious note, Judge Lapham expressed what a great time to live in Austin County. There is growth coming and most of the commercial buildings are occupied. New homes are being built and the old ones are occupied as well. Everyone is happy that Tony’s is Tony’s again!”
Developers are looking at every tract of land to divide or develop. The judge meets with them all despite the fact that maybe 10 percent will actually complete their project. Many new buildings came online in the last year or so. The museum in San Felipe, the new justice center, the new sheriff's offices and the new EMS station in Sealy. Several new buildings are in the works, such as the new EMS stations in Bellville, Industry and Wallis.
There are two major pipelines about to come through the county. Both are large-pipe projects.
The Matterhorn Express is a 42- inch and the Blackfin is a 36 to 48-inch diam eter pipeline.
Photo by Andy Jones, Banner Press
