Emmett Luncheon  County Judge Emmett stresses regional transportation involvement November 16, 2010 - Area community leaders heard a firsthand report from Harris County Judge Ed Emmett on the importance of regional planning and funding partnerships as he presented the keynote address at the Greater 288 Partnership November luncheon on November 10.  The luncheon, held at the Hilton Garden Inn and Conference Center in Shadow Creek, focused on the need for an expanded vision and scope for addressing the growth needs of the greater Houston area. “We need to get creative in our approach to regional (transportation) funding,” Emmett explained, “and it’s not going to happen without groups like the Greater 288 Partnership.” Judge Emmett put into the context the scope of the planning and funding issues that face residents of Brazoria and Harris Counties.  He explained that county and state agencies cannot address the county needs individually, but also the entire region, and to take into consideration who is managing the projects.  Emmett also outlined the future expansion of Texas Gulf ports in response to international trade growth and the impact it will have on regional transportation. Greater 288 Partnership Co-founder and Chairman Kevin Cole commented on Judge Emmett’s remarks after the luncheon. “Judge Emmett confirmed what we as an organization have been pushing as our primary agenda,” said Cole. “We are facing major challenges in funding the future development of Highway 288, so the correct planning is imperative. Governing agencies cannot resolve all these issues alone, and the Greater 288 Partnership is taking an active role in coordinating the cooperation of the various entities to develop creative solutions.”  As Harris County’s chief executive officer, Judge Emmett is responsible for working with four county commissioners to oversee a county government serving nearly four million remarkably diverse residents. Judge Emmett believes strongly that vision, planning and teamwork are the keys to maintaining Harris County’s economic strength and its commitment to opportunity and a unique quality of life for every resident.