County to seek funds for emergency shelter

GROVETON — The Trinity County Commissioners Court approved an application for a $5 million grant to construct a county emergency shelter.

At the April 28 meeting, commissioners were told that the funds would be a blessing, particularly in light of the flooding the county suffered in 2024. If approved, construction would be at the Y on land the county already owns.

The county should be informed if they receive the award in August.

Commissioner Neal Smith questioned a stipulation of the grant that requires a 5 percent county match, amounting to $250,000, and where that money comes from.

Smith said there should be funds — about $400,000 — set aside for a community center, which could be used for this.

“This is a bird in the hand for two in the bush,” he said. “We have $400,000 we’re not going to send back to the federal government.”

In other business, the county:

• tabled a discussion about vicious animals brought by Trinity Animal Clinic;
• discussed progress on the creation of a groundwater authority;
• approved bids on tax resale properties;
• approved an application for funds from the Texas Comptroller’s unclaimed property capital credits;
• approved an agreement between Commissioner Tommy Park and Hawg Heaven Property Owners Association for the use of private property to address drainage issues;
• approved looking for legal counsel to represent the county in connection with a proposed solar energy project;
• approved allowing County Judge Danny Miller to execute agreements related to an opioid lawsuit settlement;
• approved an application for grant funds for the Sheriff’s Department; and
• discussed donations to the TCSO Scholarship Fund, which are not allowed by state law.