MINUTES 
                                           
                  SENATE COMMITTEE ON INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS 
                               Tuesday, July 27, 2004 
                                     9:00 a.m. 
                           Capitol Extension, Room E1.028 
                                           
                                       ***** 
                                           
         Pursuant to a notice posted in accordance with Senate Rule  
         11.18, a public hearing of the Senate Committee on  
         Intergovernmental Relations was held on Tuesday, July 27, 2004,  
         in the Capitol Extension, Room E1.028, at Austin, Texas. 
          
                                       ***** 
                                           
         MEMBERS PRESENT:                        MEMBERS ABSENT: 
         Senator Frank Madla                     Senator Kim Brimer 
         Senator Bob Deuell                      Senator Mario Gallegos,  
                                                 Jr. 
         Senator Jeff Wentworth 
                                           
                                       ***** 
                                           
         The chair called the meeting to order at 9:06 a.m.  There being  
         a quorum present, the following business was transacted:   
          
         The Chair laid out Charge Three: 
         Study the unique challenges and opportunities in rural areas  
         from an economic development standpoint. Study the future and  
         unmet needs of rural communities, residents and businesses and  
         examine the quality of infrastructure, housing, health care, and  
         community involvement. Make recommendations for promoting  
         investment in growth industries in rural areas.  
          
         Witnesses testifying and registering on the charge are shown on  
         the attached list.   
          
         There being no further business, at 1:32 p.m. Senator Madla  
         moved that the Committee stand recessed subject to the call of  
         the chair.  Without objection, it was so ordered.   
          
         ______________________ 
         Senator Frank Madla, Chair 
          
         ______________________ 
         Hillery Stephens, Clerk