FORT WORTH-U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, today joined U.S. Rep. Kay Granger (TX-12) and delivered remarks at the Trinity River Vision Public Signing Ceremony. U.S. Army Assistant Secretary John Paul Woodley, Jr. signed the Project Partner Agreement, which allows the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to begin spending construction dollars on the Trinity River Vision project as it moves forward. "The Trinity River Vision project is just the kind of initiative that I'm proud to support. It's the product of collaborative efforts on the local, state and federal level, and it's a plan that will result in numerous benefits for Forth Worth families and businesses alike. With the primary goal of flood protection and safety, the Trinity River Vision project goes even further than these important safety measures. It will also create a new and thriving uptown for local residents and tourists to enjoy-one that will generate local economic growth and job creation. Just as important, the Trinity River Vision project will enhance the natural beauty of Fort Worth by adding new biking and hiking trails, along with new parks and lakes," Sen. Cornyn said. "I'm pleased to be here in Fort Worth for today's signing ceremony that will really set things in motion. Once completed, this will be one of the largest multi-governmental cooperative projects in the country. I commend Congresswoman Granger, Mayor Moncrieff, Mary Ann Klueser, and all the men and women who have poured so much effort into putting this project together. The end result will be a wonderful example of what we can accomplish with Texas-sized ideas and the spirit of innovation that is central to our state."

Several North Texas communities are helping provide shelter for people evacuated from the Gulf Coast. Many people have asked how they can help as well. Here is some volunteer and donation information compiled by Denton County Officials.

DALLAS- U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, was joined today by U.S. Attorney Richard Roper, Dallas City Councilman Sheffie Kadane, ranking officers for the Dallas and Fort Worth Police Departments, North Texas Crime Commission officers, and other local leaders and law enforcement officers to discuss renewed efforts to fight violent crime and gang activity, and help keep communities in North Texas safe. Sen. Cornyn announced a $284,993 federal grant has been awarded to the North Texas Crime Commission (NTCC) and discussed with local leaders how best to utilize the funding to expand and improve the organization's role in fighting against crime. "I had the opportunity today to meet with local law enforcement officers and city leaders to hear firsthand the successes they have had in fighting crime in the Dallas community. The work they are doing is instrumental in creating safer neighborhoods, as well as keeping criminals off the streets. "I commend the hard work of community organizations like the North Texas Crime Commission, as well as the Dallas police officers for their work to bring safety to the area and prevent and combat crime. Through their efforts, Dallas has seen a solid decline in crime rates. I know that the North Texas Crime Commission will put this new grant to good use. The funding will enable the North Texas Crime Commission to significantly expand their efforts to prevent crime and help make Dallas an even safer city.

SAN ANTONIO-U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, U.S. Sen. Mel Martinez, R-Fla, and Deputy Director Jovita Carranza of the Small Business Administration (SBA), today met with San Antonio officials and minority-owned small businesses. Sen. Cornyn invited Sen. Martinez and SBA Deputy Director Carranza to join him in meeting with minority business leaders to hear from them directly on the top issues facing their businesses today. Next week, business owners and employees across the country will celebrate Minority Enterprise Development Week and pay tribute to the significant contributions of minority-owned businesses and their employees. "I welcomed the chance to meet firsthand with some of San Antonio's leading minority small business owners today. I was thankful Sen. Martinez could join me. Representing a state home to some of the fastest-growing Hispanic-owned businesses in the country, he is no stranger to the priorities and challenges faced by minority-owned small businesses. "Minority-owned businesses have made significant contributions to the Texas economy and have provided job opportunities to Texans across the state. Minority entrepreneurs demonstrate the hard work and innovation that are central to the American Dream. I've been proud to support low-tax, pro-growth policies that have helped these businesses expand and hire.

LAREDO-U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, today issued the following statement after hosting a press conference in Laredo with U.S. Sen. Mel Martinez, R-Florida, to discuss trade, immigration and border security: "I'm thankful Sen. Martinez was able to join me today in Laredo to discuss a number of issues relating to international trade and commerce, border security, and lawful immigration. As the U.S. Senator from Florida-a state only second to Texas in exports-he knows firsthand some of the similar challenges that law enforcement officials and leaders here in Laredo face every day. "Laredo is growing at record speed. To ensure this growth continues, we must put policies in place that promote free trade and make the exportation of Texas-made goods as efficient a process as possible. At the same time, it's critical that we strike the right balance between successful trade operations and effective security that keeps Texas and the country safe. One area where we can strike this balance is at our ports of entry. I've introduced legislation that would boost efficiency for trade by improving infrastructure at our ports of entry and adding more lanes to reduce wait times. On the security front, this bill also provides for additional resources to hire more inspectors to ensure security operations are top-notch," Sen. Cornyn said.

FORT WORTH-U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, delivered the keynote address to the "Leaders in Government" luncheon series in Fort Worth today. He provided a legislative update to more than 350 members of the Fort Worth Petroleum Club, the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce, business owners and leaders in the area. He discussed various economic growth issues that will keep the Metroplex economy growing, including extending critical tax relief to create jobs, and the Trinity Uptown Project. Sen. Cornyn also provided an update on his ongoing efforts to increase domestic energy production and lower gas prices. "I appreciated the opportunity to speak with members of the Fort Worth Petroleum Club and the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce today and discuss my priorities in the Senate, including keeping taxes low for Fort Worth families and small businesses, and increasing energy production here at home. Texas is an energy leader, and the Barnett Shale in Texas is one example of how we can develop domestic energy in an environmentally-friendly way. We should continue exploring and developing other areas like the Outer Continental Shelf, the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, and Western shale oil sites. I will continue to push for these initiatives in Congress to lower prices at the pump and bring relief to family budgets as quickly as possible. "I also voiced my continued support in the Senate for the Trinity Uptown Project, which will help protect businesses by the river from flooding and increase job opportunities in the area," Sen. Cornyn said.