[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 17]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 24703]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]


[[Page 24703]]

                 SOUTHEAST TEXAS ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. NICK LAMPSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 25, 2000

  Mr. LAMPSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
groundbreaking of a new comprehensive entertainment complex in 
Southeast Texas. I specifically want to commend Jefferson County Judge 
Carl Griffith for his efforts in making the establishment of this 
facility a reality.
  The development of the Southeast Texas Entertainment Complex means 
great things for the people of Southeast Texas. This 221 acre facility, 
which is scheduled to be completed by 2002, will contain a new fair 
grounds with 10 acres of midway; paved parking for 9000 vehicles; 80, 
000 square feet of air-conditioned exhibit and convention space; an 
air-conditioned rodeo arena; an outdoor concert pavilion; Olympic-
standard softball complexes; a recreational vehicle park; a Regional 
Visitor's Center; jogging trails; and a wildlife habitat. This facility 
truly presents great opportunity for the citizens of Jefferson County 
and Southeast Texas.
  This facility is slated to create an estimated 1,238 new jobs 
producing more than $121.9 million payed in salaries to new workers. In 
addition, an estimated $481 million will be pumped into the local 
economy. The Southeast Texas Entertainment Complex is expected to draw 
over 7.8 million visitors, nearly 3 million of them from outside the 
area.
  Mr. Speaker, I am truly excited about the creation of this park and 
what this presents to the citizens of Southeast Texas. This facility 
will present phenomenal cultural, economic, and recreational 
opportunities to the citizens of Texas. I would once again like to 
offer my sincere gratitude to those who have helped to make the 
Southeast Texas Entertainment Complex a reality.

                          ____________________