Congressman McCaul Discusses Top Issues with Harris, Waller County Business and Economic Leaders

Press Release

Congressman McCaul Discusses Top Issues with Harris, Waller County Business and Economic Leaders

Transportation, employment training and healthcare were the top issues emerging from a meeting between Congressman Michael McCaul (R-TX 10) and economic leaders in Waller and western Harris Counties. Rep. McCaul met with the Chambers of Commerce and Economic Development Corporations from each of these areas Monday, as well as leaders from Prairie View A&M University.

"This is where the rubber meets the road in my district," Congressman McCaul said. "This is one of the most productive ways to identify challenges at the local level and begin to work toward solutions in Washington."

Most of western Harris County expressed as its number one concern transportation, primarily the needed expansion of the U.S. 290 corridor. Congressman McCaul expressed that he will seek unanimous support from the Texas Congressional delegation for necessary federal funding in the next Congress. He said the use of 290 as a hurricane evacuation route could help draw support for funding.

Energy prices continue to be a universal concern for economic and business leaders. Congressman McCaul expressed his frustration at Democrats in Congress adjourning for the August recess without holding a vote on comprehensive energy reform. Rep. McCaul said he will continue to push for a vote on the "American Energy Act". It would combine drilling offshore and in the Arctic region, with incentives for alternative energy, in order to increase domestic production and lower gas prices.

Business and economic leaders in the Katy area are struggling with the loss of their Texas Work Source office which closed earlier this month. The state program receives some of its funding from the federal government. Katy's unemployment rate has dropped, but the need still exists for job training that the office provided.

And officials from all areas expressed excitement about two new Veterans Affairs clinics that will eventually open, one each in Katy and Tomball. Both are expected to save valuable time for veterans seeking medical treatment who must presently travel to Houston.

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