What is Sabine-Neches Resource Conservation and Development?
The RC&D Council is a voluntary, local, membership-based, nonprofit entity that represents the eight counties in our area: Smith, Gregg, Harrison, Henderson, Panola, Upshur, Wood and Van Zandt. The purpose of the RC&D council is to advise, plan, implement and develop programs: to ensure the wise use of funds that are intended to protect the environment, improve community infrastructure, enhance rural economies and to improve local communities’ environmental planning and projects.
Sources of funds for our Council’s projects come from: Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), environmental enforcement fines, the participation of county and city governments, local Soil & Water Conservation Districts and sponsors. Because the legislature approved up to 10% of SEP funds for administrative reimbursement, we now have two paid part-time staff members who oversee SEP projects for both Sabine-Neches and Pineywoods RC&D areas. This is a welcome improvement and sponsorship funds from the eight counties, SWCD’s and several cities provide the funds for non SEP related expenses.
Sponsorship and financial assistance is vital to fund these operational expenses and will enable the Sabine-Neches Council to continue our important work throughout our area.
SEP Projects
The Supplemental Environmental Projects (SEP) program allows organizations fined by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to direct the money to a local project with direct environmental benefits. This program is now funding about $2 million a year through RC&Ds across the state. This past year Sabine-Neches RC&D administered SEP projects in three out of our eight counties totaling over $180,000.00.
Serving Gregg, Harrison, Henderson, Panola, Smith, Van Zandt, Upshur and Wood Counties
| Board Members | County |
| Darryl Primo, President | Gregg |
| Chuck Holt, Vice Chairman | Wood |
| Al Harris, Secretary | Wood |
| Thomas Frazier, Treasurer | Henderson |
| Cary Hilliard | Van Zandt |
| James Reynolds | Smith |
| William Hatfield | Harrison |
| Ken Conaway | Upshur |
| Brenda Samford | Panola |
| Shane Renberg | Henderson |
Vision Statement
Our most important resource is our people, who have a desire to better themselves and in the spirit of working together, strive to make our area a better place to live.
Mission Statement
Our council will utilize the diversity of our volunteers to tap the resources of Federal, State, and Local Governments and the private sector to achieve our goals.