Jasper and Lake Sam Rayburn are where they are today from the dreams and visions of forward thinking pioneers of years ago. Groundwork for growth and revitalization was years in the planning and continues today with various organizations and support of local and state officials.
The road has not been easy as many different paths were presented and a consensus had to be built, funding acquired and the projects executed. As projects were completed more ideas and dreams grew and the process repeats itself.
Growth does not happen on it’s own, and below are some of the organizations that the Jasper County Development District #1 partners with to continue the way forward to making our area the best that it can be.
JEDCO is the City of Jasper Economic Development Corporation that is dedicated to education and business growth. The first formed development corporation in the area it has led the way in building a better city and county. It’s leadership has given direction to the more recently formed development boards to revitalize, grow and promote the great living in the Jasper/Lake Sam Rayburn area. Read More
Texas Forest Country Partnership is a coalition of cities in twelve counties in East Texas developing and promoting the East Texas area as a travel destination and a relocation destination for businesses and families. The partnership is the youngest of the development organizations but has made great strides in showcasing the East Texas area. Read more.
Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT) is in the planing stages for the new IH-14 Corridor which is also known as the Interstate between the Bases and Plains to Ports as it will connect the major military base in Texas (Fort Bliss and Fort Hood) to bases east of Texas as well as connect the major ports in Texas to the new Interstate. The planning has the new Interstate following the US-190 route in Texas. Parts of the new Interstate have already been built and in the Killeen area and will be expanded in the future east and west. Read More.
Governor Greg Abbott today announced that the City of Jasper, having completed the multi-step training and certification process, has been designated as a Film Friendly Texas Community by the Texas Film Commission.“Congratulations to the City of Jasper on earning the Film Friendly Texas designation and joining more than 175 other Texas communities that have received this recognition,” said Governor Abbott. “Texas is brimming with promise, and I look forward to continuing to work alongside all of our communities to ensure they have the knowledge and tools needed to succeed. Read More.
Jasper County Texas is a major recreational mecca, home to two National Forests and the largest lake in Texas. Canoe or kayak serenely on two scenic rivers. If you prefer to stay dry, take your pick of camping, hunting, birding, hiking or top-flight golf. Jasper County offers a mild winter climate and growth opportunities for businesses and families. Come see why when Texas wants to vacation they visit the Lake Sam Rayburn area! Watch Video
The Sandy Creek and Main Street Project in Jasper has been underway for many years. Development of Sandy Creek is making the area into a premier destination for walking, jogging, picnicking area in the center of Jasper as well as a place for festivals and Christmas in the Park. The Jasper Master Gardeners played a major role in the development of Sandy Creek. The Main Street Project in Jasper is an undertaking of the Master Gardeners, City of Jasper, JEDCO and Jasper County to redevelopment and reimage the downtown area in Jasper by placing utilities underground, new street lightening as well as redesigning roads and incorporating new sidewalks in the area. The Sandy Creek Project and Jasper Main Street Project compliments the Jasper County Court House located downtown as well. Click on the video to take a drone tour of Jasper’s new Main Street and Sandy Creek Park.
The Sandy Creek and Main Street Project in Jasper has several phases yet to come. Phase two of the project included expanding the park and recreation areas as well as continued downtown improvement projects. The stakeholders in the improvement project continue to review the project and have added more property to the Sandy Creek park project expanding the park even further.
Back when the District was just being formed the City of Jasper sponsored a major fishing tournament on Lake Sam Rayburn. ESPN was a major sponsor and while in the area produced the video to the left and presented it to the City and Chamber of Commerce to use showcasing the area. Civic pride runs very deep in Jasper as well as Texas and is reflected in the video with local businesses and residents proudly presenting their town.
Video of the Jasper Lake Sam Rayburn Area produced by Major League Fishing for the Tackle Warehouse Invitational Tournament on Lake Sam Rayburn February 9 – 11 2024. Video courtesy of Major League Fishing.
Please click on the link to watch the video.
MLF – Jasper Dev District (vimeo.com)
