Liberty County Judge Jay Knight delivered a State of the County address on Nov. 14 at the Dayton Chamber of Commerce luncheon, outlining Liberty County’s rapid growth and its impacts on infrastructure, law enforcement, transportation, and utilities. Using the acronym YASNY – “You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet” – Knight emphasized the transformative changes coming to the county.
Knight discussed the challenges presented by the influx of developers, highlighting the limitations on county leaders imposed by Texas law, which largely favors developers.
“If you don’t believe me, I have a couple of reams of paper on my desk. One is Local Government Code 232. You are more than welcome to stop by and get a copy and read it,” he said, explaining that counties, especially in unincorporated areas, have limited regulatory control over development.
In addition to infrastructure, Knight spoke on Liberty County’s rising demand for power. He praised local energy companies for their efforts to keep up with the expanding population.
“They are having to step up to the plate in a hurry because folks are coming here faster than they can possibly drag the wires here,” he said, adding that as new residents and businesses settle in, the grid will face increasing pressure.
Knight highlighted plans for a new 480-bed jail, with Liberty County set to close on a 29-acre property for the facility, adjacent to the new Liberty County Law Enforcement Center along SH 146 N in Liberty, on Nov. 18.
The future jail, estimated to cost approximately $129 million or more, will replace the aging facility on Beaumont Ave., which has dealt with overcrowding.
“During COVID, our population grew inside our jails, where we started having to outsource where we housed individuals that were incarcerated,” he explained. This proved to be very costly for the county, roughly $120,000 a month to house inmates at other jails in neighboring counties and states.
Knight is hopeful that adding a new district court to Liberty County, during the next legislative session, will help reduce backlogs and maintain a more manageable jail population.
Knight discussed the potential addition of another district court in Liberty County, explaining the distinct roles within the judicial system. He clarified the responsibilities of the District Attorney’s office, emphasizing that, while the DA’s office prosecutes cases, it does not control the scheduling of court dates.
“Our anticipation is to have another district court in Liberty County,” Knight said. “You need to understand how the balance works there. The DA does not set court dates. Again, the DA prosecutes, but does not set court dates. The court sets the court date. The judge sets the court date.”
Knight expressed enthusiasm for the potential addition of a third court. He sees this as a key step toward managing the county’s growing case load, which contributes to jail overcrowding. Knight explained that an additional court would help reduce backlogs, expedite case processing, and alleviate pressure on the jail system, which has faced increased inmate housing demands since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Transportation also remains a pressing issue. Knight shared plans for a new thoroughfare, River Ranch Boulevard, with the first phase linking FM 1413 and FM 1409, to alleviate traffic congestion in downtown Dayton. He also highlighted the upcoming railroad overpass along US 90 in Dayton. Both of these projects should ease traffic disruptions when I-10 accidents divert vehicles through Liberty County.
Knight also spoke about ongoing efforts to tackle the county’s drainage issues through a drainage study funded by a $21.3 million grant from the Texas General Land Office through the Houston-Galveston Area Council. The study, now halfway completed, will lead to a drainage plan to address flood risks in new developments.
“The next thing that will happen will be the drainage plan,” he said. “Once those two last pieces are put together, it’s about a year and a half away, then we’ll have the entire package to take before commissioners court and pass that as the rule for development.”
Very informative!
Maybe if we didn’t have 75,000 illegal invaders might help the county also.
While it is good to consider the drainage in “new” subdivisions that does nothing for us that have been flooded for years every time it rains . The relief for new subdivisions means just cutting a ditch to existing ditches outside the subdivision???
It’s for the entire County…not just the new developments.
As many thugs as you arrest each day you could use two more jails!
The real problem is repeat offenders (from 3 to as many as 17 felonies) are being let back out on the streets to terrorize the tax paying citizens. We the people are fed up with the lack of responsibility of our elected officials (district court) not protecting us. Your local jail population could be greatly reduced if repeat offenders were justly sentenced to TDCJ and increasing the bond on serious crimes as opposed to just PRB or low bail. Time for some real change in our system.
Developers? In my opinion he knows developers very well. New road? Are taxpayers going to pay for that too? So developers can make more money? He has been talking about overpasses for years. Been talking about drainage for years. Maybe it’s time for him to head to Waller County. Enough damage has been done to Liberty County. Greatest Illegal Invader county in Texas. This is all my opinion.
Ya’ll haven’t voted this asshole out yet?
I get his hands may be tied when it comes to some of the legalities of what the county can and can’t enforce in regard to development, but in my opinion any and every county employee who stood by as Liberty County has been invaded by lawless, criminal, uncivilized illegals needs to be replaced.
The county is forever changed for the worse, and has likely had the highest increase in wetbacks out of any county in the entire United States. Now us citizens suffer.
So I’d say the county leadership has screwed up somewhere along the way and failed their constituents. Replace them all.
Well, Sammy…I printed you a special copy of the LCG 232 Laws and a fresh copy of the LC Rules for Subdivisions and Developments. They are awaiting your arrival so I may give them to you personally. As for the Federal Immigration laws…well, you will need to visit with your Congressman, Senator or President. We local elected have no say over who can come here, buy here or live here.
Have you gotten in touch with our Congressman or Senator on your own accord and outlined the major problems caused by the obvious influx of illegals in Liberty County, and how these criminals have been attracted to the area because of Colony Ridge’s predatory sales tactics and flagrant disregard for public safety? Have you tried to initiate a change in the law to prevent such “loopholes” allowing an egregious number of illegals in the area?
Does LCG 232 promote the development of unlicensed businesses operating under the table, skirting taxes, or unlicensed food establishments operating in residential areas with no repercussions? How about homes built out of essentially scrap material without any kind of permit?
Would you agree the Colony Ridge developments attract criminals at a disproportionate rate compared to other developments? Do you think the developments have created a risk to the safety and wellbeing of the general public?
The Judges need to be held accountable!
Come pick up your copies, Sammy…I have them here in my office. The other matters you mentioned have already been addressed. Hope to see you soon.