WEDCO efforts helping area economy to flourish
By BENJAMIN SHARP news@leader-news.com

In the past year, the Wharton Economic Development Corp. has chipped in $500,000 to help fund a host of projects for area businesses and organizations.

WEDCO officials believe that's money well spent. They say the projects are helping to enhance the community, develop new business and improve the infrastructure.

"We are looking to hopefully fund the future of Wharton," said WEDCO Executive Director David Schroeder.

Highlights of WEDCO project funding include:

• $17,015 for work on railroad property at FM 1301 and Richmond Road;

• $122,385 for the U.S. 59 access road at FM 102;

• $100,000 for improvements at the Wharton Regional Airport;

• $17,054 for the extension of FM 1301 and U.S. 59;

Schroeder also noted that over the last two years, sales tax dollars in Wharton have increased by about 6 percent, from $1.87 million in 2005-2006 to $1.99 million in 2006-2007.

Motel taxable receipts have also increased, he said, going up from $1.28 million in 2005-2006 to $1.95 million this past year.

Schroeder also noted several other projects, some of which are still ongoing:

• A new KFC/Taco Bell, currently under construction on Richmond Road;

• A new Dollar General Store, now under construction on Alabama Road;

• The elevation of 14 acres along with an 11-acre site at FM 102 and U.S. 59 which will accommodate a new Buc-ee's service station. WEDCO has acquired bond funds of $850,000 to build a frontage road for the project; and

• Capital investment by Navasota Energy with the completion of several phases for the Colorado Bend Energy Center, at a cost of over $120 million;