MIDLAND COUNTY, Texas — Golf course discussions continued Tuesday as Midland County commissioners took action toward a new county golf course.
County commissioners officially approved and sent out a request for proposal for a golf course feasibility study. That RFP will help the county find a company to do the study on whether a new golf course would be feasible.
“We want this ball rolling as soon as possible," said Jeff Somers, Midland County commissioner for Precinct 2.
On Tuesday, efforts for a new county golf course rolled on.
“What are we going to do about golf? What are we going to do about recreation around here? What are we going to do about quality of life? There [are] a lot of large employers around here that say that also to try to recruit employees and get families to move here, and I think that’s a big issue right now – quality of life in this county," Commissioner Somers said.
Commissioner Somers believes the feasibility study starts the process towards mitigating that.
“This study will entail water issues, location, is there a need for 18 holes [or] 27 holes, is there a need for a restaurant, is there a need for a clubhouse, is there a need for banquet rooms or meeting rooms or that type of stuff," Commissioner Somers said.
The goal is to eventually create a successful golf course in West Texas.
“Turn desert into some green grass and some nice fairways and greens for the community," Commissioner Somers said.
To have that success, water is an important factor.
“We want to utilize the water as best we can…obviously we’re going to have to treat the water -- around here obviously there’s not very good water – but quantity is an issue [and] quality is an issue," Commissioner Somers said.
Those issues will be addressed through the study by the company chosen to perform it in Midland County.
“We were very interested obviously in the qualifications," Commissioner Somers said. "What have these folks done in the past, have you done any good…what are their qualifications to let them make a recommendation to us? So, we want to make sure that their qualifications are high.”
County commissioners weighted qualifications and experience higher than what the study will cost and where the company comes from. Commissioner Somers added that he expects bids over the next two-to-four weeks. County commissioners will be able to analyze the bids and then award the study to a company.