By T.J. Aulds

The Daily News

Published January 15, 2009

TEXAS CITY — County Commissioners hope to complete the purchase of an old Wal-Mart store this week.

It’s not clear when work will begin to transform the former retail outlet into the home of the county health district and other county offices.

County Attorney Harvey Bazaman said he expects to close on the building in the Mainland Crossing Shopping Center on the E.F. Lowry Expressway in Texas City by Friday. The county will pay $2.88 million for the 90,000-square-foot building.

Eventually, that money will come from bond proceeds approved by voters in November. For now, the county will take the money from its general fund account.

While the county will secure the purchase of the building, it may be a while before construction begins.

"Until we get a handle on the economic conditions after Hurricane Ike, this project may not progress as people expect," County Commissioner Ken Clark cautioned.

County Judge Jim Yarbrough echoed those sentiments and said that the commissioners court will meet soon to prioritize all of the projects approved by voters.

Bazaman said that the county funds spent for the building’s purchase will likely stay in Texas City. He said the seller of the building is expected to use the money to buy the neighboring shopping center that houses a University of Texas Medical Branch Clinic and Luna’s Mexican Food. The center has a major opening with the closing of Hobby Lobby.

For More Information Contact:

Kurt Koopmann

kkoopman@gchd.org