WTAW - Interviews

Megan Hancock, Permitting Systems Business Coordinator, and Martin Zimmerman, Assistant Development Services Director, visit with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about a new online permitting portal, new development in Bryan, and more during their appearance on The Infomaniacs.

Bryan Mayor Bobby Gutierrez visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about center medians on Texas Avenue, the Palace Theatre reopening, the Bryan ISD Hometown Reunion, the passing of David Schmitz, the new president of the BVEDC, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.

Congressman Michael McCaul (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about missiles launched by North Korea, current international issues, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.

This podcast is a visit with Brazos Transit District (BTD) vice president Jo Marlow and WTAW's Bill Oliver.

The Brazos Transit District (BTD) has announced receiving a federal grant of more than $9 million dollars for 21 electric buses and five charging stations to serve Brazos County.

BTD will be acquiring 15 vehicles and three charging stations.

Texas A&M transportation services will receive six vehicles and two charging stations.

BTD vice president Jo Marlow says delivery of the vehicles is one to two years away.

And two of the BTD vehicles will be deployed on a new route between downtown Bryan and the area of Northgate and Texas A&M.

Marlow said BTD was one of ten Texas recipients out of 475 applicants for the federal money.

News release from the Brazos Transit District:

Brazos Transit District (BTD) was awarded $9.65 million from the highly coveted FY 2023 Buses and Bus Facilities/Low or No Emissions (Low-No) Grant. This prestigious grant, which was awarded competitively, will enable BTD to procure cutting-edge low or no emission vehicles and equipment in partnership with Texas A&M University Transportation Services.

The FY 2023 Buses and Bus Facilities/Low-No Grant, provided by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), is a testament to BTD, Texas A&M University, and FTA’s commitment to sustainable and environmentally friendly transportation solutions. With this grant, BTD will revolutionize its fleet and take further strides toward significantly reducing emissions, improving air quality, and creating a greener future for our community. The FTA grant funds will be used to purchase electric vehicles and related equipment necessary to support the deployment of these advanced vehicles.

“We are absolutely thrilled to have been awarded the Buses and Bus Facilities/Low-No Grant,” said John McBeth, President/CEO of BTD. “This grant will enable us to add cutting-edge, environmentally-friendly vehicles to our fleet, aligning with our commitment to sustainability and the well-being of our community. We are excited to improve rider experience by providing cleaner and greener transit options for our passengers while contributing to the overall reduction of carbon emissions.”

“We are delighted to receive this grant and for the opportunity to add to the three battery electric buses we currently have in service. These additional buses will expand our electric fleet to nearly ten percent of our total bus inventory,” said Peter Lange, associate vice president for Transportation Services. “We are grateful to BTD for their commitment and dedication throughout this process and to our elected officials for their efforts in making this possible.”

BTD would like to express our gratitude for the longtime partnership with Transportation Services. We are immensely grateful for their support, and together, we remain steadfast in our mission to create a seamless and efficient transportation system that benefits our community as a whole.

As we move forward, BTD remains steadfast in its pursuit of excellence in sustainable transit operations. With the FY 2023 Buses and Bus Facilities/Low-No Grant, we are confident that we will continue to provide our community with reliable, efficient, and environmentally-conscious transportation options.

BTD would like to express our gratitude to FTA for their support and recognition of our vision for a sustainable future. We also extend our appreciation to our local, state, and federal officials who represent the Bryan and College Station region, whose unwavering commitment and hard work made this grant possible. Special thanks to Senator John Cornyn, Representative John Raney, Congressman Michael McCaul, Brazos County, Texas A&M Transportation Services, City of College Station, City of Bryan, Brazos Valley Center for Independent Living, Bryan/College Station Chamber of Commerce, Brazos Valley Council of Governments, and Bryan/College Station Metropolitan Planning Organization for letters of support.

News release from Texas A&M university:

Texas A&M University Transportation Services will receive six new electric buses and three charging stations as part of a $9.65 million grant awarded to Brazos Transit District through a federal Department of Transportation grant.

The new electric buses will replace six aging diesel buses and provide substantial operational savings over their diesel counterparts. The new buses are expected to be on campus in 2025.

“We are delighted to receive this grant and for the opportunity to add to the three electric buses we currently have in service. These additional buses will expand our electric fleet to nearly 10 percent of our total bus inventory,” said Peter Lange, associate vice president for Transportation Services. “We are grateful to Brazos Transit District for its commitment and dedication throughout this process and to our elected officials for their efforts in making this possible.”

The grant marks another milestone in Transportation Services’ commitment to providing sustainable transportation options. Last fall, Texas A&M University was reaccredited as a Silver Level Bicycle Friendly University, and this year, Transportation Services' Mobility Master Plan Implementation Team was awarded the university's Sustainability Champion award.

The Federal Transit Administration Buses and Bus Facilities/Low or No Emissions grant proposal was submitted in partnership with Brazos Transit District, which received funding for three electric buses. This achievement illustrates how impactful partnerships can be in enhancing services and improving mobility options for everyone in the Bryan-College Station community.

Jeff Kersten, Assistant City Manager and Chief Financial Officer, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about external factors impacting the budget, what did not make the proposed budget, the opportunity for public input, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.

This podcast contains announcements and presentations that were made during the Leadership Brazos alumni luncheon on July 13, 2023. The emcee is Bryan/College Station chamber of commerce president Glen Brewer.

This podcast contains the remarks of Texas A&M corps of cadets commandant Patrick Michaelis at the July 13, 2023 Leadership Brazos alumni association annual luncheon. Introducing Michaelis is Texas A&M vice president of student affairs Joe Ramirez.

Meagan Brown, BTU’s Public Information Officer, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about awarding a contract for repairs at Lake Bryan, losing an appeal to be reimbursed by FEMA, a new text notification system, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.

This podcast is a visit with Salvation Army Captain Luis Villanueva and WTAW's Bill Oliver.

The Bryan/College Station Salvation Army has new officers.

Captain Luis Villanueva and his wife Marianne began with the Salvation Army in South America.

They have also served in Utah, Denver, Atlanta, Houston, and Dallas.

After the Villanueva's arrived in B/CS, the Salvation Army launched a back to school supply drive for students from pre-kindergarten through college.

Donations and financial contributions can be made at the Salvation Army office in Bryan.

Financial contributions can also be made online at salvationarmybcs.org.

Additional information from the Bryan/College Station Salvation Army about its back to school supply drive:

Who: The Salvation Army of Bryan/College StationWhat: School supply drive for children in grades Kindergarten – 12th grades and College students. We need notebooks, pens, pencils, glue, rulers, copy paper, folders, erasers, art supplies, calculators, crayons, markers, construction paper, backpacks, etc.

When: July 10 – August 4th (Donors can deliver these items during business hours Mon-Thu 9 am – 4 pm and Fri 9 am – 2 pm)

Where: 2506 Cavitt Ave., Bryan, TX 77801

Why: Every year, families are encountering hardships that are making them decide whether to pay for rent or utilities, or food, and don’t have the means left to get clothes or school supplies. Community help is vital so families don’t have to worry about deciding and they can get the help they need through the school supplies they so much need every year.

College Station Mayor Pro Tem Dennis Maloney visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about the proposed budget for fiscal year 2024, terminating the agreement with Viasat, neighborhood integrity projects, overnight 18-wheeler parking, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.