Payne, who is having her work funded by several local tax entities — including Howard County, the city of Big Spring, the Big Spring Economic Development Corporation, Howard College, Big Spring ISD, Coahoma ISD and Forsan ISD — said federal stimulus money has her about to hit the road and head east.

“I just wanted to introduce myself. I'm getting ready to head out to North Carolina, South Carolina and Washington D.C. for some stimulus workshops,” said Payne. “I'm working on my fourth grant... I have two workforce grants done and I have another grant to do for Howard College and a fourth one for Forsan ISD. These are all minor grants, but they are significant and important.”

Payne said one of the most important needs expressed by all of the local agencies was for youth-oriented and educational programs, something she is already working on.

“At the consortium meetings, the main objective has been to come up with grants for workforce and the youth,” said Payne. “And we are hard at work on that. We did have a little bit of an obstacle this week. We had a partner and they have decided not to partner with us. This has to do with high school and workforce, and we're going to have to take a different direction there.”

Payne asked the commissioners to come up with a short “wish list” of items they would like to see her secure funding for in the coming year.

“What I'm asking each entity in Howard County is what you're three main objectives are,” said Payne. “What are your three major wishes or objectives for this year? And then, out of the three, which one is the most important? This is what I'm asking of all the agencies. I understand the health clinic is very important to the county, and there is quite a bit of stimulus money coming out for that. It's been given to the state, and everyday I have to check with the Municipal League or the State of Texas to see where it is.

“When i do begin writing grants for you (Howard County), I'd like to be able to write them simultaneously. I'll need your help mainly with data I don't have access to. One of the ideas I've heard talk about is a youth center, which is great, but it's harder to get grant money for. I'm not sure why, but that's been my experience in the past.”

County officials began exploring options to develop a local health center last year, an idea that has already drawn some federal funding. However, according to local officials, the idea will have to attract much more in the way of federal dollars before it can become a reality.

Payne also spoke shortly on some law enforcement grants on the horizon, and invited local officials to contact her to discuss needs for the coming year.

“Partnerships are key to getting this money,” said Payne. “You may partner with the city or Howard College, the school districts... And there are several grants coming up for the sheriff's office and the police department that we need to look at. When I get back May 1 I hope to have so much information that I'm going a little crazier than I am.”

Contact Staff Writer Thomas Jenkins at 263-7331 ext. 232 or by e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it