Traffic is now clearing up around Stassney Lane and Manchaca Road after a gas leak at the intersection this morning. Schools in the area started on time. Here's a roundup of other news this morning:
More HID Global Incentives?
Travis County Commissioners will meet in executive session today to talk about whether the county will offer economic incentives to a company that’s considering relocating to the area.
The State of Texas is already offering HID Global $1.9 million from the Texas Enterprise Fund. And the City of Austin is considering offering the company close to a million dollars in rebates on taxes for real estate and equipment purchases. The city plans to hold a public hearing on the issue Sept. 27.
In return, HID Global would build a manufacturing and distribution center in Northeast Austin, and create 276 jobs over 10 years. HID Global makes products like ID cards and key-card readers.
Problems in Texas County Prisons
Today Texas lawmakers will take a look at problems facing county jails.The House Committee on County Affairs is considering ways to address overcrowding at jails and the impact of homelessness.
Lawmakers will also hear recommendations for handling inmates going through drug and alcohol withdrawal.
Today’s public hearing will be held in Houston.
UT Brings Back Real Estate Certificates
The University of Texas at Austin is now taking applications for its new Undergraduate Real Estate Certificate program at the McCombs School of Business. This comes nearly two decades after UT stopped a similar program for real estate certificates.
According to University, the new “industry-focused, interdisciplinary curriculum” will be open to both business and nonbusiness undergraduate students.
“It’s an excellent opportunity for undergraduates interested in commercial real estate to complement their primary major with tangible industry skills and an understanding of the breadth of the real estate business,” Rachel Allen, the program’s new director, said in a statement on the University's website.
The initiative to recreate the McCombs real estate program was led by a committee of alumni and donors. Corporate sponsors and alumni have already contributed $3.6 million toward the $4 million project goal.
