New Nacogdoches officials give updates on ongoing, future city projects

NACOGDOCHES, Texas (KTRE) - There’s been recent turnover in key leadership positions in the City of Nacogdoches.

City Manager Rick Beverlin believes his 30 years of experience and the momentum in the city aligned at the right time. Beverlin began his work with the city last November.

Last year, the city approved the expansion of Eaton Cooper Power Systems and had a $43.9 million bond passed by voters.

Beverlin believes many other projects may arise now with Stephen F. Austin State University’s affiliation with the University of Texas System.

“I would like to see us build something beyond just the cadence of what we have in pedestrian activity downtown, connectivity all the way to the campus,” said Beverlin.

City public works director and engineer Case Opperman said right now, his department is tackling time-sensitive American Rescue Plan Act-funded projects and updating water and sewer plant materials.

“We’ve been working hard to try to accomplish as much as we can in the amount of time we’ve had so far,” said Opperman.

He says upcoming projects are street pavements and improving storm sewers.

“My goal is just to keep the good forward momentum going, getting funding for the things that we need, making improvements to our infrastructure as quickly and efficiently as we can,” said Opperman.

Both Opperman and Beverlin have been deeply involved in the multimillion bond projects, too.

“It’s been very hectic. We’ve had a whole lot going on with it but it’s an exciting time to be able to see some of these projects get kicked off,” said Opperman.

“One thing I do think is critical that the community understands that we’re going through steps to try to maximize the use of the funds that they’ve already approved,” said Beverlin.