West Texas Mill Makes Denim for the Masses

Guest Blogger: Rick Rhodes, Assistant Commissioner for Rural Economic Development

Special Contributor: Mica Graybill, Communications Intern, Plains Cotton Cooperative Association

Last month, I had the opportunity to tour the American Cotton Growers (ACG) Denim Mill in Littlefield, Texas.

With an annual capacity to produce 38 million linear yards of denim, ACG is one of the most modern and well-known textile facilities in the world. It currently employs 545 people, with an annual payroll of approximately $20.5 million.

As the largest employer in Lamb County, ACG makes a tremendous impact on the local economy. In local taxes and utilities, ACG contributes approximately $4.9 million per year to the local economy. Meanwhile, cotton contributes an estimated $4 billion dollars annually to the entire state’s economy.

This type of pioneering spirit and entrepreneurship not only drives the Texas economy, but also keeps the Lone Star State at the forefront of the worldwide marketplace. For that, my hat's off to ACG.

Better Than Fiction

Lots-o-drama unfolded last night as the Texas Legislature adjourned Sine Die. Key bills to continue the operations of several agencies such as the Texas Department of Transportation and the Texas Department of Insurance failed to pass. Further, Senate Finance Chair Steve Ogden says TxDOT’s budget is “wrecked” as a result of the House not passing enabling legislation to allow the agency to issue $2 billion in bonds for critically needed road construction.

What does all this mean to Texans? Well, the jury is still out for some of these matters, but legislative leaders say there are mechanisms to handle most of these issues, and government will continue to function. Others say a special session will be needed to pull it all together.

Will Governor Perry call a special session? Only the governor can call a special and he probably can’t make that decision until the veto period is over, the fog clears, the guns cool down and a full picture of the legislative landscape comes into focus.

One thing is certain: Eminent domain reform is especially needed and a special session is the way to get it done.