Business View Civil Municipal June 2023

22 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 4, ISSUE 6 safety for citizens. Andrews has also purchased 100 acres of land to be used for future landfill, as the current site approaches capacity. Additionally, updates to city buildings are underway, including the construction of a new city hall and the purchase of a building that will be converted into a new municipal courthouse. The existing city hall will be renovated to accommodate the growing police department, which will utilize the space for community services. In partnership with internet provider Windstream, Andrews has secured high-speed fiber throughout the city, a necessary step that was recognized during COVID. Eggleston recounts, “We realized that a lot of the students and teachers didn’t have adequate internet abilities to do the work that needed to be done. We reacted to that by doing this.” Attracting new residents was also a goal of this initiative, especially those who work from home, and would be drawn to the top- notch school district and the high quality of life Andrews has to offer. “We want to tout Andrews as being 100% capable of providing high-speed fiber internet to anyone in the city limits,” he says. Of course, prospective residents will also be captivated by Andrews’ picturesque landscape, characterized by its expansive and open surroundings. As well, both the city and county boast an impressive parks system, offering amenities such as bike trails, walking trails, a dog park, and covered playground facilities. Efforts have been made to create more opportunities for outdoor exercise, including the recent addition of pickleball courts and outdoor fitness equipment, providing a perfect opportunity to engage in physical activities amidst the natural beauty of the city. Andrews is also home to Andrews County Golf Course, which Eggleston says is, “one of the best courses in West Texas.” Looking to the future, Haynes emphasizes the commitment to make Andrews the premier location for residents seeking employment and a high quality of life, while Eggleston identifies three key areas of focus moving forward. He says the first two priorities revolve around water infrastructure, highlighting the upgrades to the seven-mile water line and its importance as the lifeblood of the community, along with updated distribution lines to households. As for the third priority he expresses, “We’re proud of what’s going on with the city hall and the municipal court and we look forward to seeing what happens with our police department. We want to take care of our employees, and we’re looking forward to building something that our city can be proud of.” PREFERRED VENDOR/PARTNER n Steel Energy Services www.steelenergyservices.com