Agency contact
None, the agency is defunct.
Agency history and structure
The Texas National Research Laboratory Commission was created
in 1985 by the 69th Legislature, Senate Bill 1169. The Commission was
composed of nine members, appointed by the Governor with consent of
the Senate for overlapping six-year terms. At least one member was to
be from Ellis County. Two members were to be scientists and members
of a nationally recognized scientific academy, board, or association;
no more than three were to represent the faculty or administration of
a higher education institution in the state. The Governor designated
the chair, vice-chair, and secretary. Commissioners created several
standing committees to address the different areas of Commission business.
These committees were Finance and Audit; Site Acquisition and Development;
Governmental Affairs; Research and Education; and Personnel, Procurement,
and Minority Affairs. The Commission was advised by a 17-member Texas
Scientific Advisory Council (created by Executive Order WPC-88-5), and
other advisory groups, including the TNRLC Advisory Council. Additionally,
there were two non-profit groups created to support Commission activities,
the Committee for Construction of the SSC and the Foundation for American
Scientific Leadership.
The Texas National Research Laboratory Commission (TNRLC) was initially
created to prepare one or more proposals for siting the Superconducting
Super Collider (SSC) in Texas. The SSC was a super collider high-energy
research facility sponsored and authorized by the United States government
as part of the U. S. Department of Energy (DOE). In 1983, the U. S.
physics community recommended the DOE give the highest priority to building
a superconducting super collider. According to the SSC Conceptual
Design Report, "The purpose of the SSC was to accelerate and guide
oppositely directed and tightly focused streams of ultra high energy
protons into collision, thereby releasing enormous energy into a volume
of subnuclear size, creating conditions believed to have occurred during
the first moments of our universe." A conceptual design effort began
and in 1987 the President of the United States authorized the DOE to
go forward with the project. States were then invited to submit proposals
for siting the SSC in their state.
The TNRLC reviewed 14 proposals from around the state, eventually selecting
two sites--one near Dallas/Fort Worth, the other near Amarillo, to be
proposed to the DOE for the location of the SSC. In 1987 the 70 th Legislature,
House Bill 1909, gave the Commission the authority to issue up to $500
million in appropriation backed revenue bonds, and Texas voters approved
an additional $500 million in General Obligation bonds. Further legislation
in 1989 by the 71st Legislature, Senate Bill 852, authorized the Commission
to participate in the financing, development, and operation of the Superconducting
Super Collider. Legislation in 1991, 72nd Legislature, 1st Called Session,
House Bill 3, transferred the Commission's bond issuing authority to
the Texas Public Finance Authority, effective January 1, 1992. The bond
proceeds were used to fund land acquisition, research and education
programs, and future projects.
The Department of Energy selected the Dallas/Fort Worth area site,
in Ellis County, for the location of the SSC in January 1989. The role
of the Commission changed from securing the site to overseeing the state's
responsibilities in the SSC project. In 1990, the Commission initiated
a land acquisition program to acquire clear title to about 16,550 acres
in Ellis County. Other programs begun were a Regulatory Management Program,
to facilitate acquisition of required permits for constructing and operating
the super collider; a Research and Development program designed to support
research programs at the site and at universities and laboratories throughout
the world, and to heighten the importance of science education; and
a Site Development program, to coordinate planning and review during
construction of the super collider, facilitate the infrastructure needs
of the SSC project, including utilities and transportation, and to develop
measures to mitigate impacts on the site region.
Congress appropriated $268 million for the SSC in FY90, including initial
funds for construction. In January 1989 the DOE contracted with a non-profit
group, Universities Research Association, to manage and operate the
construction and scientific programs of the Superconducting Super Collider
Laboratory (SSCL). The SSCL carried out DOE contract activities at the
SSC site with DOE maintaining oversight. The TNRLC maintained a close
working relationship with the Department of Energy and the SSCL while
carrying out the state's responsibilities.
The final environmental impact statement was approved by the DOE in
1991. It was determined by the DOE that the SSC would have no significant
environmental impact on Ellis County. The Magnet Development Laboratory
was then completed and employees began working at the site. Congress
appropriated $483.7 million for the project for federal fiscal year
1992. The baseline cost for completion of the SSC was established by
the DOE at $8.249 billion, which included the $1 billion Texas contribution,
$5.9 billion from the federal government, and the balance from other
sources, primarily foreign investments.
The Superconducting Super Collider was never finished. In October 1993,
the U. S. Congress discontinued federal funding for the construction
of the SSC and appropriated $640 million in FY94 for the termination
of the project. The Commission has worked with the U. S. Department
of Energy, Governor's Office, and Texas Department of Commerce to fulfill
project termination. Terms of the state-federal settlement included
cash payments of $210 million, transfers of federally- owned personal
and real property, and restoration of the site. The Commission, along
with the General Land Office and the General Services Commission, were
authorized by the 74th Legislature to dispose of state-owned super collider
assets, returning funds to the state to reduce the project's general
obligation bond debt. The Commission is also working with the Attorney
General's Office to complete eminent domain proceedings, and must also
certify the return to the state of restored land after the DOE has completed
site restoration. The Texas National Research Laboratory Commission
ceased operations during the 1996-1997 biennium.
(Vernon's Ann. Civ. St., Chapter 465)
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Project Review
I have reviewed the agency history in the Guide to Texas State Agencies
(1996, 9 th edition; 1993, 8th ed.); Vernon's Ann. Civ. St., Chapter
465; 1 Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 300; several reports produced
by the Texas National Research Laboratory Commission--Annual financial
report for FY 1994, Request for Legislative Appropriations for FY 1996/1997,
and the Strategic plan for 1992-1998; the Sunset Commission report on
the agency, 1991; brochures and other publications produced by the agency
and some produced by the Superconducting Super Collider Laboratory (SSCL);
and a report by the SSC Central Design Group, the SSC Conceptual
Design Report, in order to obtain information about the Superconducting
Super Collider (SSC) project. I have reviewed the TNRLC records retention
schedule, the records of the TNRLC, and the records schedules of the
federal SSC records, which are stored at the National Archives and Records
Administration, Southwest Region repository in Fort Worth.
As of August 1997, all records of the commission had been transferred
to Austin, and are currently in the custody of either the Texas State
Library and Archives Commission (some in the Archives and Information
Services Division, some at the State Records Center) or the General
Services Commission.
On the last retention schedule of the Commission there were 38 series
designated as archival ("A" code), and 31 series designated for archival
review ("R" code).
The archival series are:
- Commission meetings
- Commission committee meetings
- Legislative budget requests and operating budgets
- Strategic plans (Planning records)
- Texas National Research Laboratory Commission - Organizational
information
- Administrative information - Original site proposal
- Administrative correspondence - Project proposals
- Site development - Correspondence
- Site development - Property management
- Site development - Utility adjustments
- Site development - Ellis County project files
- Site development - Planning and zoning information
- Site development - Infrastructure
- Site development - Land acquisition project files
- Site development - Site historical information
- Site development - Historical resources
- Site development - Environmental
- Site development - Socioeconomic monitoring services project
files
- Site development - Geotechnical project files
- Site development - Geology project files
- Site development - East Campus project files
- Site development - West Campus project files
- Site development - N site and N15 project files
- Site development - Shaft sites S15-S55
- Site development - South Arc
- Site development - Tunnel project files
- Site development - Accelerator System String Test Facility project
files
- Site development - Prototype installation facility project files
- Site development - Special projects project files
- Site development - Spoils
- Site development - Construction, central laboratory complex project
files
- Site development - Superconducting Super Collider central facility
- Site development - Tunnel information (project files relating
to tunnel drawings and specifications)
- Construction management - Central facility office complex
- Construction management - PB/MK space program
- Construction management - Project files regarding various buildings
including the Magnet Development Laboratory
- Construction management - Correspondence
- Employment opportunities - Position files
The archival review series are:
- Administrative correspondence (several separate subseries
here which were not on the schedule but were reviewed separately in
the report)
- Administrative correspondence -- Department of Energy
- Administrative correspondence -- Legal
- Administrative correspondence -- Fiscal
- Department of Energy -- Property use agreement
- Superconducting Super Collider Laboratory -- Background information
- Superconducting Super Collider Development Authority of Dallas,
Tarrant, and Ellis Counties
- Working group with the Superconducting Super Collider Laboratory
and Department of Energy
- Public Affairs -- Speeches
- Public Affairs -- Correspondence
- Public Affairs -- Press releases and media lists
- Public Affairs -- Public relations
- Public Affairs -- Special projects
- Public Affairs -- Local information action plan
- State legislation -- Testimony
- Educational curriculum
- Relocation inducements
- Regional university consortia -- grants and proposals
- Research and development -- Project information and proposals
- Superconducting Super Collider fellowships -- administration
of program
- Confidential administrative reports
- Commission newsletters and publications -- Record copy
- Site development -- Interlocal agreements with various Ellis
County entities (labeled on box inventories as Site development
-- Administration)
- Department of Energy information regarding University Research
Association Policies
- TNRLC Bond Issuance Program for the SSC (Debt service)
- TNRLC's financial advisor (correspondence and information
regarding the issuance of bonds)
- TRNLC's bond counsel (advice and information on bond issuance)
- Bond reports on TNRLC's bonds
- Data processing correspondence
- Purchasing correspondence
- Human Resources general correspondence
- Human Resource - Administration (includes personnel policies
and policy for minority and disadvantaged businesses)
- Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (plans, correspondence,
reports)
- Minority affairs (publications, historical overview of agency's
minority affairs efforts)
There was one series on the schedule without an archival code that
was reviewed.
- Department of Energy - Background information
There were also 6 series not on the schedule that were reviewed. These
series are:
- Final settlement
- Legal opinions
- Reports - Library
- Site development - Project termination
- Photographs
- Films and videos
One series not on the schedule was Annual reports. This is normally
an archival series. These reports are considered part of another series
on the schedule, Commission newsletters and publications - Record
copy. Publications in this series were filed regularly with the
State Publications Depository Program of the Texas State Library and
Archives Commission.
I was initially assigned to review the records of this agency in October
1995. The TNRLC had already begun shutting down its operations, so the
thought was to take advantage of staff still on site and gather information
about the records series before the agency totally shut down. Unfortunately,
this did not occur. I contacted the records administrator at the agency,
Lisa Suggs, to inform her of the appraisal process and ask some questions.
We scheduled a meeting in January 1996 that was canceled by the agency.
We were not able to schedule any further meetings. I was able to get
a few questions answered by the records administrator, but not ones
relating to the makeup of the series or specific questions regarding
the scientific and technical records of the agency. We received box
inventories of all the agency's records, which provided series designations,
folder titles, dates, and some notes, but were not able to actually
talk with individuals creating or working directly with the records.
It was decided early in 1996 to wait until the records were transferred
here (scheduled for summer 1996), then begin working on the project
after that. Because of delays in getting the records and a temporary
project I was assigned to, work on this appraisal project did not begin
until the summer of 1997.
Several series of records were permanently transferred to the General
Land Office (GLO) during the shutdown phase of the TRNLC. These were
primarily land-related records (surveys, notes, maps, photographs, etc.)
concerning the parcels of land purchased by the TNRLC for the project
which are now being sold by the GLO for the state. These records were
needed in conjunction with this process. Also transferred were construction
management records for the central facility at the site, which GLO has
just recently sold for the state. One box of the records in this series
was inadvertently sent to the Texas State Library and Archives Commission.
This box has been transferred to the GLO.
Previous Destructions
No destruction requests have been filed by this Commission.
Project outcome
The appraisal of the agency's records is complete. Because
this is a defunct agency, no changes need to be made to the records
retention schedule.
Archival series
The following series have been appraised to be archival.
- Commission meetings
- Commission committee meetings
- Department of Energy - Property use agreement
- Planning records (listed as Strategic plans on the
schedule)
- Final settlement
- Administrative correspondence
- Administrative correspondence - Department of Energy
- Texas National Research Laboratory Commission - Organizational
information
- Superconducting Super Collider Development Authority of Dallas,
Tarrant, and Ellis Counties (listed as SSC authority on
the schedule)
- Working group with the Superconducting Super Collider Laboratory
and Department of Energy
- Public Affairs - Speeches
- Public Affairs - Press releases and media lists
- Regional university consortia - grants and proposals
- Legal opinions
- Reports and studies on possible uses of Superconducting Super
Collider assets (listed as Confidential administrative reports
on the schedule)
- Reports
- Site development - Correspondence
- Site development - Administrative (listed as Site development
- Interlocal agreements with various Ellis County entities on
the schedule)
- Site development - Site historical information (includes
the series Administrative information - Original site proposal)
- Site development - Historical resources
- Site development - Environmental
- Site development - Socioeconomic monitoring services project
files
- Site development - Geotechnical project files
- Site development - Geological and hydrological project files
(listed as Site development - Geology project files on
the schedule)
- Site development - Property management
- Site development - East Campus project files
- Site development - West Campus project files
- Site development - N site and N15 project files
- Site development - Shaft sites S15-S55
- Site development - South Arc
- Site development - Tunnel project files
- Site development - Prototype installation facility project files
- Site development - Special projects project files
- Site development - Construction, central laboratory complex project
files
- Site development - Project termination
- Construction management -Magnet Development Laboratory
- Construction management - PB/MK space program
- Photographs
- Films and videos
Non-Archival Series
The following series have been appraised to be non-archival. Many of
the records in these series have retention periods still in effect for
several years, some expiring as late as 2006. These records will be
kept on the schedule of the General Services Commission and stored at
the State Records Center until their retention has expired.
- Legislative budget requests and operating budgets
- Administrative correspondence - Legal
- Administrative correspondence - Fiscal
- Superconducting Super Collider Laboratory - Background information
- Public Affairs - Correspondence
- Public Affairs - Special projects
- Public Affairs - Local information action plan
- State legislation - Testimony
- Educational curriculum
- Relocation inducements
- Superconducting Super Collider fellowships - administration of
program
- Site development - Utility adjustments
- Site development - Ellis County project files
- Site development - Planning and zoning information
- Site development - Infrastructure
- Site development - Land acquisition project files
- Site development - Spoils
- Site development - Superconducting Super Collider central facility
- Construction management - Correspondence
Special situations
The following series is archival, but was not reviewed as it refers
to annual reports, newsletters and any other publications sent to the
State Publications Depository Program of the Texas State Library and
Archives Commission by the TNRLC.
- Commission newsletters and publications - Record copy
The following series have been appraised to be non-archival. Within
these series are a few documents that can be easily removed and transferred
to an archival series. Once this is done, the remainder of the series
is considered to be non-archival.
- Department of Energy - Background information
Retain correspondence and project plan, discard the rest.
- Public Affairs - Public relations
Retain general information book and photographs, discard the rest.
I was unable to locate, from the box inventories sent to us, any records
specifically for six series listed on the retention schedule. They are:
- Administrative correspondence - Project proposals and
- Administrative information - Original site proposal
The original proposal and this correspondence has been filed with
the series: Site development - Site historical information,
which contains all the Texas project proposals, accompanying correspondence,
and associated administrative files.
- Site development - Accelerator System String Test Facility project
files
I believe the project files (or some of them anyway) for this series
have been filed with the series Site development - Prototype installation
facility project files, as this series contains project files
of a similar nature for the Accelerator System String Test Facility
as well as the Prototype installation facility.
- Site development - Tunnel information (project files)
I believe these records are filed with another series of tunnel files,
in the series Site development - Tunnel project files.
- Research and development - Project information and proposals
I believe these records have been filed in a similar series, Regional
University consortia - Grants and proposals, as both series concerned
the research and development program of the TNRLC.
- Department of Energy information regarding University Research
Association Policies
This information could be filed in several series but I am unable
to pinpoint exactly which one is the most likely candidate.
Several series on the records schedule with archival codes of "A" or
"R" were not reviewed because the nature of the records within the series
were unlikely to contain archival materials and thus did not warrant
archival review. These were:
- TNRLC Bond Issuance Program for the SSC (Debt service)
- TNRLC's financial advisor (correspondence and information
regarding the
issuance of bonds)
- TRNLC's bond counsel (advice and information on bond issuance)
- Bond reports on TNRLC's bonds
- Data processing correspondence
- Purchasing correspondence
- Human Resources general correspondence
- Human Resource - Administration (includes personnel policies
and policy for minority and disadvantaged businesses)
- Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (plans, correspondence,
reports)
- Minority affairs (publications, historical overview of agency's
minority affairs efforts)
- Employment opportunities - position files
The series Construction management - Central Facility Office Complex
contained one box, which was mistakenly transferred to the TSLAC. The
other boxes in the series were transferred to the General Land Office
(GLO) by the TNRLC in conjunction with the GLO's efforts to sell the
central facility. We have transferred the remaining box back to the
GLO.
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Record Series Reviews
Record Series Review
Series Title: Commission meetings
Agency: Texas National Research Laboratory Commission
Archival holdings:
These are the meeting files of the Texas National Research Laboratory
Commission (TNRLC). The meeting files may contain minutes, agenda, correspondence
concerning topics for discussion, memoranda concerning meeting arrangements
and future meetings, supporting documentation sent to members for review,
transcripts, audio tapes (for 1990s meetings), notes, register of guests
attending, reports of the executive director and committees, materials
re: condemnation of land considered for acquisition by the Commission,
and notices of open meeting submissions. Dates covered are 1987- 1997.
Some materials discussed in the executive sessions present in the general
meetings re: condemnation of land were formerly restricted but are now
able to be opened as the proceedings involving the land acquisition
have since been concluded (Texas Open Records Act, Section 552.007).
Other materials present are a separate set of official minutes, dating
1987-1997; some printed sets of meeting files, which are less complete
than the original files; dissolution documents for the TNRLC Financing
Corporation, the Foundation for American Scientific Leadership, and
the Committee for the Construction of the SSC, Inc.; and a briefing
book for new commissioners, containing data on the agency's history,
functions, finances, legislation, strategic plan, and general administrative
procedures used by commissioners, such as getting reimbursed for meeting
costs.
Actions taken at the meetings have varied over the years. Prior to
January 1989, when the federal government announced Texas as the site
for the super collider, the commission discussed several sites in Texas
to present to the federal government for siting the Superconducting
Super Collider (SSC) in Texas, eventually selecting sites in Amarillo
and Dallas/Fort Worth. Once the Dallas/Fort Worth site made the list
of the final seven choices, then the commission focused on selling that
site to the federal government. After the site was selected, the Commission
began considering other issues, such as land acquisition, site development,
environmental impact, changes to the infrastructure in the region and
other facets involved in the development and eventual operation of the
SSC Lab, research and development projects, and administration of the
commission. The demise of the SSC, including the settlement with the
U. S. Department of Energy (DOE), proposals for use of SSC assets, and
shutting down the agency, became the dominant topics following the federal
government's decision to discontinue funding in October 1993.
Meeting files for the TNRLC standing, ad hoc and advisory committees
can be found in the series Commission committee meetings.
Size of the files totals 15 cubic ft.
Purpose:
This series documents the decisions of the Texas National Research
Laboratory Commission formulated at the commission meetings.
Agency program:
The Texas National Research Laboratory Commission was created in
1985 by the 69th Legislature, Senate Bill 1169. The Commission was composed
of nine members, appointed by the Governor with consent of the Senate
for overlapping six-year terms. At least one member was to be from Ellis
County. Two members were to be scientists and members of a nationally
recognized scientific academy, board, or association; no more than three
were to represent the faculty or administration of a higher education
institution in the state. The Governor designated the chair, vice-chair,
and secretary. Commissioners created several standing committees to
address the different areas of Commission business. These committees
were Finance and Audit; Site Acquisition and Development; Governmental
Affairs; Research and Education; and Personnel, Procurement, and Minority
Affairs. The Commission was advised by a 17-member Texas Scientific
Advisory Council (created by Executive Order WPC-88-5), and other advisory
groups, including the TNRLC Advisory Council. Additionally, there were
two non-profit groups created to support Commission activities, the
Committee for Construction of the SSC and the Foundation for American
Scientific Leadership.
The Texas National Research Laboratory Commission (TNRLC) was initially
created to prepare one or more proposals for siting the Superconducting
Super Collider (SSC) in Texas. The SSC was a super collider high-energy
research facility sponsored and authorized by the United States government
as part of the U. S. Department of Energy (DOE). The Commission reviewed
14 proposals from around the state, eventually selecting two sites--one
near Dallas/Fort Worth, the other near Amarillo, to be proposed to the
DOE for the location of the SSC. In 1987 the 70th Legislature, House
Bill 1909, gave the Commission the authority to issue up to $500 million
in appropriation backed revenue bonds, and Texas voters approved an
additional $500 million in General Obligation bonds. Further legislation
in 1989 by the 71st Legislature, Senate Bill 852, authorized the Commission
to participate in the financing, development, and operation of the Superconducting
Super Collider. Legislation in 1991, 72nd Legislature, 1st Called Session,
House Bill 3, transferred the Commission's bond issuing authority to
the Texas Public Finance Authority, effective January 1, 1992. The bond
proceeds were used to fund land acquisition, research and education
programs, and future projects.
The Department of Energy selected the Dallas/Fort Worth area site,
in Ellis County, for the location of the SSC in January 1989. The role
of the Commission changed from securing the site to overseeing the state's
responsibilities in the SSC project. In 1990, the Commission initiated
a land acquisition program to acquire clear title to about 16,550 acres
in Ellis County. Other programs begun were a Regulatory Management Program,
to facilitate acquisition of required permits for constructing and operating
the super collider; a Research and Development program designed to support
research programs at the site and at universities and laboratories throughout
the world, and to heighten the importance of science education; and
a Site Development program, to coordinate planning and review during
construction of the super collider, facilitate the infrastructure needs
of the SSC project, including utilities and transportation, and to develop
measures to mitigate impacts on the site region.
Congress appropriated $268 million for the SSC in FY90, including initial
funds for construction. In January 1989 the DOE contracted with a non-profit
group, Universities Research Association, to manage and operate the
construction and scientific programs of the Superconducting Super Collider
Laboratory (SSCL). The SSCL carried out DOE contract activities at the
SSC site with DOE maintaining oversight. The TNRLC maintained a close
working relationship with the Department of Energy and the SSCL while
carrying out the state's responsibilities.
The final environmental impact statement was approved by the DOE in
1991. It was determined by the DOE that the SSC would have no significant
environmental impact on Ellis County. The Magnet Development Laboratory
was then completed and employees began working at the site. Congress
appropriated $483.7 million for the project for federal fiscal year
1992. The baseline cost for completion of the SSC was established by
the DOE at $8.249 billion, which included the $1 billion Texas contribution,
$5.9 billion from the federal government, and the balance from other
sources, primarily foreign investments.
The Superconducting Super Collider was never finished. In October 1993,
the U. S. Congress discontinued federal funding for the construction
of the SSC and appropriated $640 million in FY94 for the termination
of the project. The Commission has worked with the U. S. Department
of Energy, Governor's Office, and Texas Department of Commerce to fulfill
project termination. Terms of the state-federal settlement included
cash payments of $210 million, transfers of federally- owned personal
and real property, and restoration of the site. The Commission, along
with the General Land Office and the General Services Commission, were
authorized by the 74th Legislature to dispose of state-owned super collider
assets, returning funds to the state to reduce the project's general
obligation bond debt. The Commission is also working with the Attorney
General's Office to complete eminent domain proceedings, and must also
certify the return to the state of restored land after the DOE has completed
site restoration. The Texas National Research Laboratory Commission
ceased operations during the 1996-1997 biennium.
(Vernon's Ann. Civ. St., Chapter 465)
Arrangement: Chronological
Access constraints: None
Use constraints: None
Indexes or finding aids required for/or an aid to access? No
Gaps: None
Problems: None
Known related records in other agencies: None
Previous destructions:
Destruction requests on file in the Archives and Information Services
Division of the Library and Archives Commission were checked for the
Texas National Research Laboratory Commission and none were found for
this series or for equivalent or related series.
Publications based on records: None
Series data from agency schedule:
Title: Commission meetings
Series item number: 1.1.017
Agency item number: 21
Archival code: A
Retention: PM
Appraisal decision:
Minutes of state commission meetings provide primary evidence of
the functions and policy formulation of the highest echelon of the agency.
The meeting files of the Texas National Research Laboratory Commission
are archival.
return to top
Records Series Review
Series Title: Commission committee meetings
Agency: Texas National Research Laboratory Commission
Archival holdings:
These are the meeting files of the committees of the Texas National
Research Laboratory Commission (TNRLC). Types of materials present include
minutes, agenda, correspondence, memoranda, supporting documentation,
reports, transcripts, audio and micro cassettes of meetings, committee
assignments, and notes. Dates covered are 1987-1994. There are some
materials present for each of the standing committees, and for some
Ad Hoc and advisory committees, and a few external committees. The standing
committees were Finance (Finance and Audit); Site Acquisition and Development;
Government Affairs; Education and Research; and Procurement, Personnel,
and Minority Affairs. Ad hoc committees for which some files exist include
the Public Affairs Working Group, the Ad Hoc Committee on the Use of
Excess Funds, and the Executive Committee on Inducements. Advisory committees
represented include the TNRLC Advisory Council, and the Science Education
Advisory Committee. External groups represented in these files are the
Committee for Construction of the SSC and the Foundation for American
Scientific Leadership. Minutes of the Commission and dissolution documents
for the two external groups are present in the series, Commission
meetings.
Size of the files totals 5 cubic ft.
Purpose:
These files document the actions taken by the various committees
of the Commission and by advisory and other external committees.
Agency program:
The Texas National Research Laboratory Commission was created in
1985 by the 69th Legislature, Senate Bill 1169. The Commission was composed
of nine members, appointed by the Governor with consent of the Senate
for overlapping six-year terms. At least one member was to be from Ellis
County. Two members were to be scientists and members of a nationally
recognized scientific academy, board, or association; no more than three
were to represent the faculty or administration of a higher education
institution in the state. The Governor designated the chair, vice-chair,
and secretary. Commissioners created several standing committees to
address the different areas of Commission business. These committees
were Finance and Audit; Site Acquisition and Development; Governmental
Affairs; Research and Education; and Personnel, Procurement, and Minority
Affairs. The Commission was advised by a 17-member Texas Scientific
Advisory Council (created by Executive Order WPC-88-5), and other advisory
groups, including the TNRLC Advisory Council. Additionally, there were
two non-profit groups created to support Commission activities, the
Committee for Construction of the SSC and the Foundation for American
Scientific Leadership.
The Texas National Research Laboratory Commission (TNRLC) was initially
created to prepare one or more proposals for siting the Superconducting
Super Collider (SSC) in Texas. The SSC was a super collider high-energy
research facility sponsored and authorized by the United States government
as part of the U. S. Department of Energy (DOE). The Commission reviewed
14 proposals from around the state, eventually selecting two sites--one
near Dallas/Fort Worth, the other near Amarillo, to be proposed to the
DOE for the location of the SSC. In 1987 the 70th Legislature, House
Bill 1909, gave the Commission the authority to issue up to $500 million
in appropriation backed revenue bonds, and Texas voters approved an
additional $500 million in General Obligation bonds. Further legislation
in 1989 by the 71st Legislature, Senate Bill 852, authorized the Commission
to participate in the financing, development, and operation of the Superconducting
Super Collider. Legislation in 1991, 72nd Legislature, 1st Called Session,
House Bill 3, transferred the Commission's bond issuing authority to
the Texas Public Finance Authority, effective January 1, 1992. The bond
proceeds were used to fund land acquisition, research and education
programs, and future projects.
The Department of Energy selected the Dallas/Fort Worth area site,
in Ellis County, for the location of the SSC in January 1989. The role
of the Commission changed from securing the site to overseeing the state's
responsibilities in the SSC project. In 1990, the Commission initiated
a land acquisition program to acquire clear title to about 16,550 acres
in Ellis County. Other programs begun were a Regulatory Management Program,
to facilitate acquisition of required permits for constructing and operating
the super collider; a Research and Development program designed to support
research programs at the site and at universities and laboratories throughout
the world, and to heighten the importance of science education; and
a Site Development program, to coordinate planning and review during
construction of the super collider, facilitate the infrastructure needs
of the SSC project, including utilities and transportation, and to develop
measures to mitigate impacts on the site region.
Congress appropriated $268 million for the SSC in FY90, including initial
funds for construction. In January 1989 the DOE contracted with a non-profit
group, Universities Research Association, to manage and operate the
construction and scientific programs of the Superconducting Super Collider
Laboratory (SSCL). The SSCL carried out DOE contract activities at the
SSC site with DOE maintaining oversight. The TNRLC maintained a close
working relationship with the Department of Energy and the SSCL while
carrying out the state's responsibilities.
The final environmental impact statement was approved by the DOE in
1991. It was determined by the DOE that the SSC would have no significant
environmental impact on Ellis County. The Magnet Development Laboratory
was then completed and employees began working at the site. Congress
appropriated $483.7 million for the project for federal fiscal year
1992. The baseline cost for completion of the SSC was established by
the DOE at $8.249 billion, which included the $1 billion Texas contribution,
$5.9 billion from the federal government, and the balance from other
sources, primarily foreign investments.
The Superconducting Super Collider was never finished. In October 1993,
the U. S. Congress discontinued federal funding for the construction
of the SSC and appropriated $640 million in FY94 for the termination
of the project. The Commission has worked with the U. S. Department
of Energy, Governor's Office, and Texas Department of Commerce to fulfill
project termination. Terms of the state-federal settlement included
cash payments of $210 million, transfers of federally- owned personal
and real property, and restoration of the site. The Commission, along
with the General Land Office and the General Services Commission, were
authorized by the 74th Legislature to dispose of state-owned super collider
assets, returning funds to the state to reduce the project's general
obligation bond debt. The Commission is also working with the Attorney
General's Office to complete eminent domain proceedings, and must also
certify the return to the state of restored land after the DOE has completed
site restoration. The Texas National Research Laboratory Commission
ceased operations during the 1996-1997 biennium.
(Vernon's Ann. Civ. St., Chapter 465)
Arrangement:
Most files are arranged by committee, then chronologically by meeting.
Access constraints: None
Use constraints: None
Indexes or finding aids required for/or an aid to access? No
Gaps:
Files are not present for all standing committees for all years,
it is unknown how many meetings may not be accounted for, if any.
Problems: None
Known related records in other agencies: None
Previous destructions:
Destruction requests on file in the Archives and Information Services
Division of the Library and Archives Commission were checked for the
Texas National Research Laboratory Commission and none were found for
this series or for equivalent or related series.
Publications based on records: None
Series data from agency schedule:
Title: Commission committee meetings
Series item number: 1.1.017
Agency item number: 22
Archival code: A
Retention: PM
Appraisal decision:
These records provide good documentation on the major functions
of the TNRLC and the role of the internal committees in the performance
of the Commission's duties. The files also document the Commission's
relationship with its advisory and external committees. These files
supplement the meeting files of the Commission, providing more details
in many cases which further explore the actions taken by the Commission.
The set of files which are marginally important and do not have permanent
value are the files of the Procurement, Personnel and Minority Affairs
standing committee--this committee's actions cover routine administrative
and personnel functions and summary reports of their actions in the
series Commission meetings is sufficient. This series has been
appraised to be archival, with the exception of the files of the Procurement,
Personnel and Minority Affairs Committee, which will be discarded.
return to top
Records Series Review
Series Title: U. S. Department of Energy - Property Use Agreement
Agency: Texas National Research Laboratory Commission
Archival holdings:
This series contains copies of the property use agreement (several
drafts and final copy), a supplemental agreement, an amendment to the
agreement, and memoranda and correspondence between the Texas National
Research Laboratory Commission (TNRLC) and the U. S. Department of Energy
(DOE) regarding the provisions in the agreement. Dates covered are 1991
and 1994. The property use agreement dictated the terms of use of real
property and related improvements of the Commission by the DOE at the
Superconducting Super Collider (SSC) site. It also covered items such
a payment of operating and other expenses, indemnity, construction of
improvements and alterations to the property, signage, specific uses
allowed of the property, inspections, damages, defaults, liens, and
amendments to and termination of the agreement. The initial agreement
was signed in March 1991. A supplemental agreement was signed in June
1991, with an amendment to the agreement signed in April 1994.
Size of the files totals 0.1 cubic ft.
Purpose:
This agreement documents in legal terms the use of the real property
and related improvements of the Commission by the U. S. Department of
Energy in the joint SSC project.
Agency program:
The Texas National Research Laboratory Commission (TNRLC) was created
in 1985 by the 69th Legislature, Senate Bill 1169. The Commission was
initially created to prepare one or more proposals for siting the Superconducting
Super Collider (SSC) in Texas. The SSC was a super collider high-energy
research facility sponsored and authorized by the United States government
as part of the U. S. Department of Energy (DOE). The Department of Energy
selected the Dallas/Fort Worth area site, in Ellis County, for the location
of the SSC in January 1989. The role of the Commission changed from
securing the site to overseeing the state's responsibilities in the
SSC project.
Congress appropriated $268 million for the SSC in FY90, including initial
funds for construction. In January 1989 the DOE contracted with a non-profit
group, Universities Research Association, to manage and operate the
construction and scientific programs of the Superconducting Super Collider
Laboratory (SSCL). The SSCL carried out DOE contract activities at the
SSC site with DOE maintaining oversight. The TNRLC maintained a close
working relationship with the Department of Energy and the SSCL while
carrying out the state's responsibilities.
The final environmental impact statement was approved by the DOE in
1991. It was determined by the DOE that the SSC would have no significant
environmental impact on Ellis County. The Magnet Development Laboratory
was then completed and employees began working at the site. Congress
appropriated $483.7 million for the project for federal fiscal year
1992. The baseline cost for completion of the SSC was established by
the DOE at $8.249 billion, which included the $1 billion Texas contribution,
$5.9 billion from the federal government, and the balance from other
sources, primarily foreign investments.
The Superconducting Super Collider was never finished. In October 1993,
the U. S. Congress discontinued federal funding for the construction
of the SSC and appropriated $640 million in FY94 for the termination
of the project. The Commission has worked with the U. S. Department
of Energy, Governor's Office, and Texas Department of Commerce to fulfill
project termination. Terms of the state-federal settlement included
cash payments of $210 million, transfers of federally- owned personal
and real property, and restoration of the site. The Commission, along
with the General Land Office and the General Services Commission, were
authorized by the 74th Legislature to dispose of state-owned super collider
assets, returning funds to the state to reduce the project's general
obligation bond debt. The Commission is also working with the Attorney
General's Office to complete eminent domain proceedings, and must also
certify the return to the state of restored land after the DOE has completed
site restoration. The Texas National Research Laboratory Commission
ceased operations during the 1996-1997 biennium.
(Vernon's Ann. Civ. St., Chapter 465)
Arrangement: Chronological
Access constraints: None
Use constraints: None
Indexes or finding aids required for/or an aid to access? No
Gaps:
The original signed copies of the original agreement and of the
amendment in 1994 are not present. The originals should be with the
files of the Commission, they likely are in the records used by the
agency when closing up its operations. These files have only recently
been transferred to the General Services Administration.
Problems: None
Known related records in other agencies:
Related records can be found in the records of the U. S. Department
of Energy, Superconducting Super Collider Project Office, Record Group
434, National Archives and Records Administration, Southwest Region,
Fort Worth, Texas.
Previous destructions:
Destruction requests on file in the Archives and Information Services
Division of the Library and Archives Commission were checked for the
Texas National Research Laboratory Commission and none were found for
this series or for equivalent or related series.
Publications based on records: None
Series data from agency schedule:
Title: Department of Energy - Property Use Agreement
Series item number: 5.1.001
Agency item number: 32
Archival code: R
Retention: AC+5
Appraisal decision:
These files document the arrangements made between the TNRLC and
DOE to jointly manage the real properties in the SSC project. Agreements
of this nature are not usually archival, however this was an unique
project and the agreements made with the DOE in jointly managing this
aspect of the project need to be maintained because they show how the
properties were managed and used by both agencies. These files have
been appraised to be archival.
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Records Series Review
Series Title: Planning records
Agency: Texas National Research Laboratory Commission
Archival holdings:
There are two sets of materials in this series. The majority of
the files are those created by the Texas National Research Laboratory
Commission (TNRLC) for use in the strategic planning process mandated
by the Legislature. Types of materials present are correspondence and
memoranda, drafts and copies of the plan, and working papers used to
comprise data for the plan, including the Texas Funding profile, U.
S. Department of Energy (DOE) payment process schedules, Department
of Energy/Superconducting Super Collider design and cost reviews, contingency
plans, TNRLC staffing plans, and the Project Management Plan. These
files are dated 1987-1993 and were used in creation of the Strategic
Plan for 1992-1998.
Strategic plans are long-range planning tools prepared by the agency
in which the goals and objectives of the agency are presented along
with performance measures for each. Plans contain a mission statement,
a statement of philosophy, an external/internal assessment of the agency,
and goals of the agency. Each goal contains objectives, strategies,
and output measures for measuring and achieving the goals. The Texas
National Research Laboratory Commission prepared one plan, in 1992,
with the planning time 1992-1998.
The other planning records in this series concern the Project Management
Plan. This plan was created by the TNRLC, SSCL, and DOE to create a
process for managing the SSC project. These files contain several drafts
of the plan and revisions of the plan adopted, correspondence, and memoranda,
dating 1989-1992.
Size of the files totals 4 cubic ft.
Purpose:
The materials document the strategic planning process and the process
for developing a joint management plan between the project participants.
The strategic plans are long-range planning tools prepared by the agency
which set forth goals and objectives of the agency over a multi-year
period. The Project Management Plan was prepared to create a process
for managing the SSC project.
Agency program:
The Texas National Research Laboratory Commission (TNRLC) was created
in 1985 by the 69th Legislature, Senate Bill 1169. The Commission was
initially created to prepare one or more proposals for siting the Superconducting
Super Collider (SSC) in Texas. The SSC was a super collider high-energy
research facility sponsored and authorized by the United States government
as part of the U. S. Department of Energy (DOE). The Department of Energy
selected the Dallas/Fort Worth area site, in Ellis County, for the location
of the SSC in January 1989. The role of the Commission changed from
securing the site to overseeing the state's responsibilities in the
SSC project. In 1990, the Commission initiated a land acquisition program
to acquire clear title to about 16,550 acres in Ellis County. Other
programs begun were a Regulatory Management Program, to facilitate acquisition
of required permits for constructing and operating the super collider;
a Research and Development program designed to support research programs
at the site and at universities and laboratories throughout the world,
and to heighten the importance of science education; and a Site Development
program, to coordinate planning and review during construction of the
super collider, facilitate the infrastructure needs of the SSC project,
including utilities and transportation, and to develop measures to mitigate
impacts on the site region.
Congress appropriated $268 million for the SSC in FY90, including initial
funds for construction. In January 1989 the DOE contracted with a non-profit
group, Universities Research Association, to manage and operate the
construction and scientific programs of the Superconducting Super Collider
Laboratory (SSCL). The SSCL carried out DOE contract activities at the
SSC site with DOE maintaining oversight. The TNRLC maintained a close
working relationship with the Department of Energy and the SSCL while
carrying out the state's responsibilities. The final environmental impact
statement was approved by the DOE in 1991. It was determined by the
DOE that the SSC would have no significant environmental impact on Ellis
County. The Magnet Development Laboratory was then completed and employees
began working at the site.
The Superconducting Super Collider was never finished. In October 1993,
the U. S. Congress discontinued federal funding for the construction
of the SSC and appropriated $640 million in FY94 for the termination
of the project. The Commission has worked with the U. S. Department
of Energy, Governor's Office, and Texas Department of Commerce to fulfill
project termination. Terms of the state-federal settlement included
cash payments of $210 million, transfers of federally- owned personal
and real property, and restoration of the site. The Commission is also
working with the Attorney General's Office to complete eminent domain
proceedings, and must also certify the return to the state of restored
land after the DOE has completed site restoration. The Texas National
Research Laboratory Commission ceased operations during the 1996-1997
biennium.
(Vernon's Ann. Civ. St., Chapter 465)
Arrangement: Topical
Access constraints: None
Use constraints: None
Indexes or finding aids required for/or an aid to access? No
Gaps: None, the strategic planning process didn't start until
1992.
Problems: None
Known related records in other agencies:
Related federal records concerning the Project Management Plan can
be found in the records of the U. S. Department of Energy, Superconducting
Super Collider Project Office, Record Group 434, National Archives and
Records Administration, Southwest Region, Fort Worth, Texas.
Previous destructions:
Destruction requests on file in the Archives and Information Services
Division of the Library and Archives Commission were checked for the
Texas National Research Laboratory Commission and none were found for
this series or for equivalent or related series.
Publications based on records:
The agency's strategic plan is published and sent to required agencies,
which include the State Publications Depository Program of the Texas
State Library and Archives Commission.
Series data from agency schedule:
Title: Strategic plans
Series item number: 1.1.024
Agency item number: 25
Archival code: A
Retention: AR
Texas Documents Collections holdings:
The archival requirement for the strategic plan is fulfilled by
sending copies of the final plan to the Publications Depository Program,
Texas State Library and Archives Commission (12 Texas Administrative
Code, Section 3.3 (1) (C)). The Texas Documents Collection holds copies
of the plan for 1992 (covering 1992-1998).
Appraisal decision:
Most of these materials document the strategic planning process
of the National Research Laboratory Commission. These materials are
summarized in the strategic plan and do not require archival retention.
The strategic plans document the long-range planning of the commission
and are already considered archival. Their archival mandate is fulfilled
by the agency sending copies of the plans to the Publications Depository
Program. The materials used in preparing the strategic plan are not
archival and will be discarded as they have fulfilled their retention
period.
A few files cover the planning process for developing the Project Management
Plan. These files document the joint effort of the TNRLC, the SSC Lab,
and the DOE in developing a plan to manage the SSC project. The planning
materials concerning this plan document a project unique to Texas and
the TNRLC's mandated role in managing Texas' responsibilities with the
SSC project. These planning records have been appraised to be archival.
return to top
Records Series Review
Series Title: Legislative budget requests and operating budgets
Agency: Texas National Research Laboratory Commission
Archival holdings:
This series contains working papers of the Texas National Research
Laboratory Commission (TNRLC) used in preparing their Legislative Appropriation
Requests, including financial materials, notes, correspondence, memoranda,
and drafts and final copies of the requests. Dates covered are 1990-1997.
The majority of the files cover fiscal year 1994-1995.
The appropriation requests generally contain narrative statements of
agency functions or programs. Program objectives are listed, along with
a description of each objective, discussions of performance measures,
statistics, program need indicators, and expenses--expended, current,
and projected, at different funding levels.
Additional materials concerning the state budget process can be found
in the series State legislation - Testimony.
Size of the files totals 3.5 cubic ft.
Purpose:
These working papers were used in preparation of the Legislative
Appropriation Requests. The appropriation requests are used to request
specific appropriations from the legislature and to provide justification
for the amounts requested.
Agency program:
The Texas National Research Laboratory Commission (TNRLC) was created
in 1985 by the 69th Legislature, Senate Bill 1169. The Commission was
initially created to prepare one or more proposals for siting the Superconducting
Super Collider (SSC) in Texas. The SSC was a super collider high-energy
research facility sponsored and authorized by the United States government
as part of the U. S. Department of Energy (DOE). The Commission reviewed
14 proposals from around the state, eventually selecting two sites--one
near Dallas/Fort Worth, the other near Amarillo, to be proposed to the
DOE for the location of the SSC. The Department of Energy selected the
Dallas/Fort Worth area site, in Ellis County, for the location of the
SSC in January 1989. The role of the Commission changed from securing
the site to overseeing the state's responsibilities in the SSC project.
In 1990, the Commission initiated a land acquisition program to acquire
clear title to about 16,550 acres in Ellis County. Other programs begun
were a Regulatory Management Program, to facilitate acquisition of required
permits for constructing and operating the super collider; a Research
and Development program designed to support research programs at the
site and at universities and laboratories throughout the world, and
to heighten the importance of science education; and a Site Development
program, to coordinate planning and review during construction of the
super collider, facilitate the infrastructure needs of the SSC project,
including utilities and transportation, and to develop measures to mitigate
impacts on the site region.
Congress appropriated $268 million for the SSC in FY90, including initial
funds for construction. In January 1989 the DOE contracted with a non-profit
group, Universities Research Association, to manage and operate the
construction and scientific programs of the Superconducting Super Collider
Laboratory (SSCL). The SSCL carried out DOE contract activities at the
SSC site with DOE maintaining oversight. The TNRLC maintained a close
working relationship with the Department of Energy and the SSCL while
carrying out the state's responsibilities.
The final environmental impact statement was approved by the DOE in
1991. It was determined by the DOE that the SSC would have no significant
environmental impact on Ellis County. Congress appropriated $483.7 million
for the project for federal fiscal year 1992. The baseline cost for
completion of the SSC was established by the DOE at $8.249 billion,
which included the $1 billion Texas contribution, $5.9 billion from
the federal government, and the balance from other sources, primarily
foreign investments.
The Superconducting Super Collider was never finished. In October 1993,
the U. S. Congress discontinued federal funding for the construction
of the SSC and appropriated $640 million in FY94 for the termination
of the project. Terms of the state-federal settlement included cash
payments of $210 million, transfers of federally-owned personal and
real property, and restoration of the site. The Texas National Research
Laboratory Commission ceased operations during the 1996-1997 biennium.
(Vernon's Ann. Civ. St., Chapter 465)
Arrangement: Chronological for 1990-1993, topical for 1994-1995.
Access constraints: None
Use constraints: None
Indexes or finding aids required for/or an aid to access? No
Gaps: None present prior to 1990.
Problems: None
Known related records in other agencies: None
Previous destructions:
Destruction requests on file in the Archives and Information Services
Division of the Library and Archives Commission were checked for the
Texas National Research Laboratory Commission and none were found for
this series or for equivalent or related series.
Publications based on records:
Legislative Budget Board, Legislative Budget Estimates have
been published since fiscal year 1954 and 1955. This publication, a
compilation of data for all state agencies, summarizes the fiscal information
found in agency-submitted budgets or appropriation requests, but omits
most of the narrative.
Series data from agency schedule:
Title: Legislative Budget Requests and operating budgets
Series item number: 1.1.004
Agency item number: 58
Archival code: A
Retention: AC+6
Texas Documents Collections Holdings:
The archival requirement for this series is fulfilled by sending
the required copies to the Publications Depository Program, Texas State
Library and Archives Commission (13 Texas Administrative Code, Section
3.3 (3)). The Texas Documents Collection holds requests for 1990/91-1996/97.
Appraisal decision:
The working papers document the preparation of the Legislative Appropriation
Requests. The printed version of the LAR is already considered an archival
record and is sufficient documentation of this process. Biennial budget
requests prepared by state agency boards and/or commissions provide
evidence of an agency's fiscal performance and needs. The archival requirement
for these records has been fulfilled by sending copies to the State
Publications Depository Program of the Texas State Library and Archives
Commission. The working papers have been appraised to be non- archival.
They have not yet fulfilled their retention period and will be maintained
by the Texas General Services Commission until 2003.
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Records Series Review
Series Title: Final settlement
Agency: Texas National Research Laboratory Commission
Archival holdings:
This series contains records documenting the settlement issues between
Texas National Research Laboratory Commission (TNRLC) and the U. S.
Department of Energy (DOE) regarding the demise of the Superconducting
Super Collider (SSC) project. Types of materials present include background
materials re: past TNRLC and DOE interactions (budget, agreements, correspondence,
etc.), questions and answers about the settlement prepared by the state;
correspondence; reports re: issues such as costs for site restoration;
requests for surplus equipment, inventories of equipment; notes; deeds,
assignments of license, bills of sale and other legal documents; attorney
papers (re: negotiation issues) prepared in anticipation of litigation;
and drafts and final copies of the settlement. Dates covered are 1989-1996
(bulk 1993-1996).
The attorney papers were considered confidential by the agency when
created due to attorney-client privilege. These are now open as a settlement
was reached and signed by both parties (Texas Open Records Act, Section
552.007).
Site development-related issues of the TNRLC at the end of the SSC
project are also documented in the series Site development - Project
termination. Discussions of the final settlement and shutdown activities
can also be found in the series Commission meetings.
Size of the files totals 6.5 cubic ft.
Purpose:
These files document the negotiations that resulted in a final settlement
between the state and the U. S. Department of Energy regarding the final
disposition of the SSC site and SSC assets.
Agency program:
The Texas National Research Laboratory Commission (TRLC) was created
in 1985 by the 69 th Legislature, Senate Bill 1169. The Commission was
initially created to prepare one or more proposals for siting the Superconducting
Super Collider (SSC) in Texas. The SSC was a super collider high-energy
research facility sponsored and authorized by the United States government
as part of the U. S. Department of Energy (DOE). The Department of Energy
selected the Dallas/Fort Worth area site, in Ellis County, for the location
of the SSC in January 1989. The role of the Commission changed from
securing the site to overseeing the state's responsibilities in the
SSC project.
Congress appropriated $268 million for the SSC in FY90, including initial
funds for construction. In January 1989 the DOE contracted with a non-profit
group, Universities Research Association, to manage and operate the
construction and scientific programs of the Superconducting Super Collider
Laboratory (SSCL). The SSCL carried out DOE contract activities at the
SSC site with DOE maintaining oversight. The TNRLC maintained a close
working relationship with the Department of Energy and the SSCL while
carrying out the state's responsibilities. Congress appropriated $483.7
million for the project for federal fiscal year 1992. The baseline cost
for completion of the SSC was established by the DOE at $8.249 billion,
which included the $1 billion Texas contribution, $5.9 billion from
the federal government, and the balance from other sources, primarily
foreign investments.
The Superconducting Super Collider was never finished. In October 1993,
the U. S. Congress discontinued federal funding for the construction
of the SSC and appropriated $640 million in FY94 for the termination
of the project. The Commission has worked with the U. S. Department
of Energy, Governor's Office, and Texas Department of Commerce to fulfill
project termination. Terms of the state-federal settlement included
cash payments of $210 million by the DOE to Texas, transfers of federally-owned
personal and real property to Texas, and restoration of the site.
The Commission, along with the General Land Office and the General
Services Commission, were authorized by the 74th Legislature to dispose
of state-owned super collider assets, returning funds to the state to
reduce the project's general obligation bond debt. The Commission is
also working with the Attorney General's Office to complete eminent
domain proceedings, and must also certify the return to the state of
restored land after the DOE has completed site restoration. The Texas
National Research Laboratory Commission ceased operations during the
1996-1997 biennium.
(Vernon's Ann. Civ. St., Chapter 465)
Arrangement: By type of material.
Access constraints: None
Use constraints: None
Indexes or finding aids required for/or an aid to access? None
Gaps: None
Problems: None
Known related records in other agencies:
Settlement records of the DOE can be found in the records of the
U. S. Department of Energy, Superconducting Super Collider Project Office,
Record Group 434, National Archives and Records Administration, Southwest
Region, Fort Worth, Texas.
Previous destructions:
Destruction requests on file in the Archives and Information Services
Division of the Library and Archives Commission were checked for the
Texas National Research Laboratory Commission and none were found for
this series or for equivalent or related series.
Publications based on records: None
Series data from agency schedule: Not on schedule
Appraisal decision:
One of the final functions of the Commission was to reach a satisfactory
agreement with the U. S. Department of Energy over the final settlement
regarding the disposition of the Superconducting Super Collider and
its assets. These files document the work and negotiations involved
in reaching the final settlement. This project was important and unique
to Texas and these records have been appraised to be archival.
return to top
Records Series Review
Series Title: Administrative correspondence
Agency: Texas National Research Laboratory Commission
Archival holdings:
This series contains incoming and outgoing administrative correspondence
and memoranda of the Commissioners, the executive director and other
Texas National Research Laboratory Commission (TNRLC) staff. Other materials
present include copies of site proposals, reports, financial materials,
agenda of upcoming meetings or legislative hearings, maps, construction
status updates, notes, and resumes of potential employees. Dates covered
are 1987-1997. Topics discussed include site selection for the Superconducting
Super Collider (SSC), including information gathered for the sites presented
to U. S. Department of Energy (DOE), and socioeconomic impact; legislation
regarding the agency's status and that of the SSC; upcoming commission
and committee meetings; conferences attended and talks or seminars given
by TNRLC staff; land acquisition and treatment of land owners; zoning;
mitigation; infrastructure; construction at the site; funding agreements
between TNRLC and the DOE; the Superconducting Super Collider Laboratory
(SSCL); legal issues; SSC project termination; the final settlement;
administration of the agency; questions from the public about the SSC
and the agency; and requests for jobs at the agency.
Correspondents include the executive director, Dr. Edward C. Bingler;
several other TNRLC staff members; the Chairman and Commissioners of
the TNRLC; the DOE (largely before 1990 and after 1994); staff at the
SSC Lab; congressmen and legislators; state agencies and officials;
members of the scientific community; contractors; businesses; local
government officials; land owners; and the general public.
Several other series of administrative correspondence are present (they
were boxed up separately from the rest of the materials in this series)
and are being appraised separately. These are Administrative correspondence
- U. S. Department of Energy, 1990-1994; Administrative correspondence
- legal, 1987-1994; and Administrative correspondence - fiscal,
1987-1994.
Size of the files totals about 31 cubic ft.
Purpose:
This series documents the agency's handling of its functions, from
the selection of sites in Texas to offer for the proposed SSC to the
termination of the SSC project.
Agency program:
The Texas National Research Laboratory Commission was created in
1985 by the 69th Legislature, Senate Bill 1169. The Commission was composed
of nine members, appointed by the Governor with consent of the Senate
for overlapping six-year terms. At least one member was to be from Ellis
County. Two members were to be scientists and members of a nationally
recognized scientific academy, board, or association; no more than three
were to represent the faculty or administration of a higher education
institution in the state. The Governor designated the chair, vice-chair,
and secretary.
The Texas National Research Laboratory Commission (TNRLC) was initially
created to prepare one or more proposals for siting the Superconducting
Super Collider (SSC) in Texas. The SSC was a super collider high-energy
research facility sponsored and authorized by the United States government
as part of the U. S. Department of Energy (DOE). The Commission reviewed
14 proposals from around the state, eventually selecting two sites--one
near Dallas/Fort Worth, the other near Amarillo, to be proposed to the
DOE for the location of the SSC. The Department of Energy selected the
Dallas/Fort Worth area site, in Ellis County, for the location of the
SSC in January 1989. The role of the Commission changed from securing
the site to overseeing the state's responsibilities in the SSC project.
In 1990, the Commission initiated a land acquisition program to acquire
clear title to about 16,550 acres in Ellis County. Other programs begun
were a Regulatory Management Program, to facilitate acquisition of required
permits for constructing and operating the super collider; a Research
and Development program designed to support research programs at the
site and at universities and laboratories throughout the world, and
to heighten the importance of science education; and a Site Development
program, to coordinate planning and review during construction of the
super collider, facilitate the infrastructure needs of the SSC project,
including utilities and transportation, and to develop measures to mitigate
impacts on the site region.
Congress appropriated $268 million for the SSC in FY90, including initial
funds for construction. In January 1989 the DOE contracted with a non-profit
group, Universities Research Association, to manage and operate the
construction and scientific programs of the Superconducting Super Collider
Laboratory (SSCL). The SSCL carried out DOE contract activities at the
SSC site with DOE maintaining oversight. The TNRLC maintained a close
working relationship with the Department of Energy and the SSCL while
carrying out the state's responsibilities.
The final environmental impact statement was approved by the DOE in
1991. It was determined by the DOE that the SSC would have no significant
environmental impact on Ellis County. The Magnet Development Laboratory
was then completed and employees began working at the site. Congress
appropriated $483.7 million for the project for federal fiscal year
1992. The baseline cost for completion of the SSC was established by
the DOE at $8.249 billion, which included the $1 billion Texas contribution,
$5.9 billion from the federal government, and the balance from other
sources, primarily foreign investments.
The Superconducting Super Collider was never finished. In October 1993,
the U. S. Congress discontinued federal funding for the construction
of the SSC and appropriated $640 million in FY94 for the termination
of the project. The Commission has worked with the U. S. Department
of Energy, Governor's Office, and Texas Department of Commerce to fulfill
project termination. Terms of the state-federal settlement included
cash payments of $210 million, transfers of federally- owned personal
and real property, and restoration of the site. The Commission, along
with the General Land Office and the General Services Commission, were
authorized by the 74th Legislature to dispose of state-owned super collider
assets, returning funds to the state to reduce the project's general
obligation bond debt. The Commission is also working with the Attorney
General's Office to complete eminent domain proceedings, and must also
certify the return to the state of restored land after the DOE has completed
site restoration. The Texas National Research Laboratory Commission
ceased operations during the 1996-1997 biennium.
(Vernon's Ann. Civ. St., Chapter 465)
Arrangement: By fiscal year, then usually by TNRLC staff member.
Access constraints: None
Use constraints: None
Indexes or finding aids required for/or an aid to access? None
Gaps: None
Problems: None
Known related records in other agencies: None
Previous destructions:
Destruction requests on file in the Archives and Information Services
Division of the Library and Archives Commission were checked for the
Texas National Research Laboratory Commission and none were found for
this series or for equivalent or related series.
Publications based on records: None
Series data from agency schedule:
Title: Administrative correspondence
Series item number: 1.1.007
Agency item number: 1
Archival code: R
Retention: 3
Appraisal decision:
This correspondence documents the functions of the Texas National
Research Laboratory Commission from the selection of sites in Texas
to the offer for the proposed SSC to the termination of the SSC project.
Much of the correspondence is from the Executive Director of the agency,
and the Commissioners. This is the highest level correspondence series
and includes very little general administrative correspondence. It provides
comprehensive coverage of the actions of the Commission and its highest
executive officer, and documents a unique project in Texas' history.
These records have been appraised to be archival.
return to top
Records Series Review
Series Title: Administrative correspondence - U. S. Department
of Energy
Agency: Texas National Research Laboratory Commission
Archival holdings:
These records consist of correspondence and memoranda between the
Texas National Research Laboratory Commission (TNRLC) and the U. S.
Department of Energy (DOE), dating 1990-1994. These are largely incoming
letters to the TNRLC, many with attachments, including maps, reports,
the Superconducting Super Collider (SSC) mitigation action plan, and
equipment and property inventories. Topics discussed include land acquisition;
zoning; use of facilities--space needed by DOE and others, such as contractors;
mitigation; infrastructure; construction at the site; funding agreements
between TNRLC and the DOE; SSC project termination, including use of
the Linear Accelerator (LINAC) facility and other SSC assets for future
non-SSC uses; and the final settlement.
Correspondents include Dr. Edward C. Bingler, executive director of
the TNRLC; Joseph Cipriano, initial SSC project manager; Edward G. Cumesty,
later SSC project director; various DOE staff, and a few other TNRLC
staff. Outgoing correspondence of Dr. Bingler can be found in his monthly
outgoing correspondence, in the series Administrative correspondence.
Earlier correspondence with the Department of Energy can also be found
in the series, Administrative correspondence, in the files of
the Chairman and of Dr. Bingler. Additional material regarding the settlement
can be found in the series, Final settlement.
Size of the files totals 0.75 cubic ft.
Purpose:
These records document interaction between the TNRLC and the DOE
on the SSC project.
Agency program:
The Texas National Research Laboratory Commission (TNRLC) was created
in 1985 by the 69th Legislature, Senate Bill 1169. The Commission was
initially created to prepare one or more proposals for siting the Superconducting
Super Collider (SSC) in Texas. The SSC was a super collider high-energy
research facility sponsored and authorized by the United States government
as part of the U. S. Department of Energy (DOE). The Commission reviewed
14 proposals from around the state, eventually selecting two sites--one
near Dallas/Fort Worth, the other near Amarillo, to be proposed to the
DOE for the location of the SSC.
The Department of Energy selected the Dallas/Fort Worth area site,
in Ellis County, for the location of the SSC in January 1989. The role
of the Commission changed from securing the site to overseeing the state's
responsibilities in the SSC project. In 1990, the Commission initiated
a land acquisition program to acquire clear title to about 16,550 acres
in Ellis County. Other programs begun were a Regulatory Management Program,
to facilitate acquisition of required permits for constructing and operating
the super collider; a Research and Development program designed to support
research programs at the site and at universities and laboratories throughout
the world, and to heighten the importance of science education; and
a Site Development program, to coordinate planning and review during
construction of the super collider, facilitate the infrastructure needs
of the SSC project, including utilities and transportation, and to develop
measures to mitigate impacts on the site region.
Congress appropriated $268 million for the SSC in FY90, including initial
funds for construction. In January 1989 the DOE contracted with a non-profit
group, Universities Research Association, to manage and operate the
construction and scientific programs of the Superconducting Super Collider
Laboratory (SSCL). The SSCL carried out DOE contract activities at the
SSC site with DOE maintaining oversight. The TNRLC maintained a close
working relationship with the Department of Energy and the SSCL while
carrying out the state's responsibilities.
The final environmental impact statement was approved by the DOE in
1991. It was determined by the DOE that the SSC would have no significant
environmental impact on Ellis County. The Magnet Development Laboratory
was then completed and employees began working at the site. Congress
appropriated $483.7 million for the project for federal fiscal year
1992. The baseline cost for completion of the SSC was established by
the DOE at $8.249 billion, which included the $1 billion Texas contribution,
$5.9 billion from the federal government, and the balance from other
sources, primarily foreign investments.
The Superconducting Super Collider was never finished. In October 1993,
the U. S. Congress discontinued federal funding for the construction
of the SSC and appropriated $640 million in FY94 for the termination
of the project. The Commission has worked with the U. S. Department
of Energy, Governor's Office, and Texas Department of Commerce to fulfill
project termination. Terms of the state-federal settlement included
cash payments of $210 million, transfers of federally- owned personal
and real property, and restoration of the site. The Commission, along
with the General Land Office and the General Services Commission, were
authorized by the 74th Legislature to dispose of state-owned super collider
assets, returning funds to the state to reduce the project's general
obligation bond debt. The Commission is also working with the Attorney
General's Office to complete eminent domain proceedings, and must also
certify the return to the state of restored land after the DOE has completed
site restoration. The Texas National Research Laboratory Commission
ceased operations during the 1996-1997 biennium.
(Vernon's Ann. Civ. St., Chapter 465)
Arrangement: Chronological
Access constraints: None
Use constraints: None
Indexes or finding aids required for/or an aid to access? None
Gaps: None
Problems: None
Known related records in other agencies:
Related records can be found in the records of the U. S. Department
of Energy, Superconducting Super Collider Project Office, Record Group
434, National Archives and Records Administration, Southwest Region,
Fort Worth, Texas.
Previous destructions:
Destruction requests on file in the Archives and Information Services
Division of the Library and Archives Commission were checked for the
Texas National Research Laboratory Commission and none were found for
this series or for equivalent or related series.
Publications based on records: None
Series data from agency schedule: Part of the administrative
correspondence files.
Title: Administrative correspondence
Series item number: 1.1.007
Agency item number: 1
Archival code: R
Retention: 3
Appraisal decision:
This series documents interaction between the TNRLC and the DOE
on the SSC project, from the early stages after the project was awarded
to Texas to the closing of the SSC project. It discusses a number of
pertinent issues involved in the project and supplements related materials
in the series Administrative correspondence. These records have
been appraised to be archival.
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Records Series Review
Series Title: Administrative correspondence - Legal
Agency: Texas National Research Laboratory Commission
Archival holdings:
These are the files of the General Counsel of the Texas National
Research Laboratory Commission (TNRLC). Types of materials present include
correspondence and memoranda; copies of contracts, amendments, right-of-ways,
and other legal documents; open records requests; notes; financial materials;
fact sheets--progress summaries on projects; policy and procedure statements;
resumes; legislation; and copies of meeting minutes. Dates covered are
1987-1994. Topics covered primarily concern land acquisition, eminent
domain and other legal proceedings, and construction of facilities.
Other topics also present include commission and committee meetings,
use of outside legal counsel, research grants, personnel and Equal Employment
Opportunity issues, and termination of the Superconducting Super Collider
project (SSC).
Correspondents present include the General Counsel, executive director,
and other TNRLC staff; outside legal counsel; Department of Energy;
contractors; Texas Attorney General's office; state agencies; universities;
and land owners.
Some documents concerning land proceedings were considered confidential
by the agency when created due to attorney-client privilege. These are
now open as the land issues involved have been settled (Texas Open Records
Act, Section 552.007).
Material documenting the land acquisition process can also be found
in the series Commission meetings and in the series Commission
committee meetings, with the files of the Site Acquisition and Development
Committee; and in the series Site development--Land acquisition project
files. Materials documenting the settlement between the TNRLC and
the DOE can also found in the series Commission minutes and in
the series Final settlement.
Size of the files totals 13 cubic ft.
Purpose:
These files document the actions of the General Counsel of the Texas
National Research Laboratory Commission.
Agency program:
The Texas National Research Laboratory Commission (TNRLC) was created
in 1985 by the 69th Legislature, Senate Bill 1169. The Commission was
initially created to prepare one or more proposals for siting the Superconducting
Super Collider (SSC) in Texas. The SSC was a super collider high-energy
research facility sponsored and authorized by the United States government
as part of the U. S. Department of Energy (DOE). The Commission reviewed
14 proposals from around the state, eventually selecting two sites--one
near Dallas/Fort Worth, the other near Amarillo, to be proposed to the
DOE for the location of the SSC.
The Department of Energy selected the Dallas/Fort Worth area site,
in Ellis County, for the location of the SSC in January 1989. The role
of the Commission changed from securing the site to overseeing the state's
responsibilities in the SSC project. In 1990, the Commission initiated
a land acquisition program to acquire clear title to about 16,550 acres
in Ellis County. Other programs begun were a Regulatory Management Program,
to facilitate acquisition of required permits for constructing and operating
the super collider; a Research and Development program designed to support
research programs at the site and at universities and laboratories throughout
the world, and to heighten the importance of science education; and
a Site Development program, to coordinate planning and review during
construction of the super collider, facilitate the infrastructure needs
of the SSC project, including utilities and transportation, and to develop
measures to mitigate impacts on the site region.
Congress appropriated $268 million for the SSC in FY90, including initial
funds for construction. In January 1989 the DOE contracted with a non-profit
group, Universities Research Association, to manage and operate the
construction and scientific programs of the Superconducting Super Collider
Laboratory (SSCL). The SSCL carried out DOE contract activities at the
SSC site with DOE maintaining oversight. The TNRLC maintained a close
working relationship with the Department of Energy and the SSCL while
carrying out the state's responsibilities.
The final environmental impact statement was approved by the DOE in
1991. It was determined by the DOE that the SSC would have no significant
environmental impact on Ellis County. The Magnet Development Laboratory
was then completed and employees began working at the site. Congress
appropriated $483.7 million for the project for federal fiscal year
1992. The baseline cost for completion of the SSC was established by
the DOE at $8.249 billion, which included the $1 billion Texas contribution,
$5.9 billion from the federal government, and the balance from other
sources, primarily foreign investments.
The Superconducting Super Collider was never finished. In October 1993,
the U. S. Congress discontinued federal funding for the construction
of the SSC and appropriated $640 million in FY94 for the termination
of the project. The Commission has worked with the U. S. Department
of Energy, Governor's Office, and Texas Department of Commerce to fulfill
project termination. Terms of the state-federal settlement included
cash payments of $210 million, transfers of federally- owned personal
and real property, and restoration of the site. The Commission, along
with the General Land Office and the General Services Commission, were
authorized by the 74th Legislature to dispose of state-owned super collider
assets, returning funds to the state to reduce the project's general
obligation bond debt. The Commission is also working with the Attorney
General's Office to complete eminent domain proceedings, and must also
certify the return to the state of restored land after the DOE has completed
site restoration. The Texas National Research Laboratory Commission
ceased operations during the 1996-1997 biennium.
(Vernon's Ann. Civ. St., Chapter 465)
Arrangement: By fiscal year, then topical.
Access constraints: None
Use constraints: None
Indexes or finding aids required for/or an aid to access? No
Gaps: None
Problems: None
Known related records in other agencies: None
Previous destructions:
Destruction requests on file in the Archives and Information Services
Division of the Library and Archives Commission were checked for the
Texas National Research Laboratory Commission and none were found for
this series or for equivalent or related series.
Publications based on records: None
Series data from agency schedule: Part of the administrative
correspondence files.
Title: Administrative correspondence - Legal
Series item number: 1.1.007
Agency item number: 1
Archival code: R
Retention: 3
Appraisal decision:
These files document the actions taken by the General Counsel regarding
legal issues involving the agency. Summary documentation of legal issues
are covered in other series, especially in the series Commission
meetings and in the series Final settlement, which is sufficient
coverage for the General Counsel's actions. This series has been appraised
to be non-archival. All the records in the series have fulfilled their
retention period.
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Records Series Review
Series Title: Administrative correspondence - Fiscal
Agency: Texas National Research Laboratory Commission
Archival holdings:
This series contains correspondence and other documents concerning
financial activities of the Texas National Research Laboratory Commission
(TNRLC). Types of materials present include correspondence, memoranda,
trust fund reports, issuer reports (bonds), invoices, and instructions
from state agencies re: financial transactions. Dates covered are 1987-1994.
Topics covered include bond issuance, the funding agreement with the
U. S. Department of Energy (DOE), audits, financial advisors to the
Commission, and agency appropriations. Correspondents include the agency's
director of fiscal affairs and the chief accountant, other TNRLC staff,
members of the Commission's Finance Committee, legislators, financial
institutions, state agencies, and businesses.
Other documentation of the DOE funding agreement and the bond issuance
can be found in the agency's annual reports, in the series Commission
meetings, and in the series Commission committee meetings,
particularly in the files of the Finance Committee. The funding agreement
is also covered in the administrative correspondence, both in the series
Administrative correspondence and in the series Administrative
correspondence - U. S. Department of Energy.
Size of the files totals 0.5 cubic ft.
Purpose:
These records document fiscal activities of the TNRLC.
Agency program:
The Texas National Research Laboratory Commission (TNRLC) was created
in 1985 by the 69th Legislature, Senate Bill 1169. The Commission was
initially created to prepare one or more proposals for siting the Superconducting
Super Collider (SSC) in Texas. The SSC was a super collider high-energy
research facility sponsored and authorized by the United States government
as part of the U. S. Department of Energy (DOE). The Commission reviewed
14 proposals from around the state, eventually selecting two sites--one
near Dallas/Fort Worth, the other near Amarillo, to be proposed to the
DOE for the location of the SSC. In 1987 the 70 th Legislature, House
Bill 1909, gave the Commission the authority to issue up to $500 million
in appropriation backed revenue bonds, and Texas voters approved an
additional $500 million in General Obligation bonds. Further legislation
in 1989 by the 71st Legislature, Senate Bill 852, authorized the Commission
to participate in the financing, development, and operation of the Superconducting
Super Collider. Legislation in 1991, 72nd Legislature, 1st Called Session,
House Bill 3, transferred the Commission's bond issuing authority to
the Texas Public Finance Authority, effective January 1, 1992. The bond
proceeds were used to fund land acquisition, research and education
programs, and future projects.
The Department of Energy selected the Dallas/Fort Worth area site,
in Ellis County, for the location of the SSC in January 1989. The role
of the Commission changed from securing the site to overseeing the state's
responsibilities in the SSC project. Congress appropriated $268 million
for the SSC in FY90, including initial funds for construction. In January
1989 the DOE contracted with a non-profit group, Universities Research
Association, to manage and operate the construction and scientific programs
of the Superconducting Super Collider Laboratory (SSCL). The SSCL carried
out DOE contract activities at the SSC site with DOE maintaining oversight.
The TNRLC maintained a close working relationship with the Department
of Energy and the SSCL while carrying out the state's responsibilities.
Congress appropriated $483.7 million for the project for federal fiscal
year 1992. The baseline cost for completion of the SSC was established
by the DOE at $8.249 billion, which included the $1 billion Texas contribution,
$5.9 billion from the federal government, and the balance from other
sources, primarily foreign investments.
The Superconducting Super Collider was never finished. In October 1993,
the U. S. Congress discontinued federal funding for the construction
of the SSC and appropriated $640 million in FY94 for the termination
of the project. Terms of the state-federal settlement included cash
payments of $210 million, transfers of federally-owned personal and
real property, and restoration of the site. The Commission, along with
the General Land Office and the General Services Commission, were authorized
by the 74th Legislature to dispose of state-owned super collider assets,
returning funds to the state to reduce the project's general obligation
bond debt. The Commission is also working with the Attorney General's
Office to complete eminent domain proceedings, and must also certify
the return to the state of restored land after the DOE has completed
site restoration. The Texas National Research Laboratory Commission
ceased operations during the 1996-1997 biennium.
(Vernon's Ann. Civ. St., Chapter 465)
Arrangement: By fiscal year.
Access constraints: None
Use constraints: None
Indexes or finding aids required for/or an aid to access? No
Gaps: None
Problems: None
Known related records in other agencies: None
Previous destructions:
Destruction requests on file in the Archives and Information Services
Division of the Library and Archives Commission were checked for the
Texas National Research Laboratory Commission and none were found for
this series or for equivalent or related series.
Publications based on records: None
Series data from agency schedule:
Title: Administrative correspondence - Fiscal
Series item number: 1.1.007
Agency item number: 1
Archival code: R
Retention: 3
Appraisal decision:
This series documents fiscal activities of the Commission, which
are adequately documented in summary form in the annual reports, and
in other series of records--Commission meetings, and Commission
committee meetings (Finance Committee minutes), Administrative
correspondence, and Administrative correspondence - U. S. Department
of Energy. These materials have been appraised to be non-archival.
The records have fulfilled their retention period.
return to top
Records Series Review
Series Title: Texas National Research Laboratory Commission
- Organizational information
Agency: Texas National Research Laboratory Commission
Archival holdings:
This series contains materials that document the organization and
early activities of the Texas National Research Laboratory Commission
(TNRLC). It also contains a handbook that detailed information new commissioners
needed to know as members of the commission. Types of materials present
include memoranda, correspondence, agenda, minutes, executive director
reports, plans of action, internal strategic plan, briefings and testimony
before Congress, legislation, organization charts, rosters and biographical
sketches of commissioners and staff, committee appointments and duties,
lists of key contacts in and out of the agency, clippings, news releases,
and financial information. Dates of these records are 1987-1991. The
handbook is dated 1991, the other materials date 1987-1990.
Topics covered include the establishment and initial organization of
the TNRLC and advisory committees; reviews of all proposed Texas sites
by the Commission; the Dallas/Fort Worth Superconducting Super Collider
Authority (DFW/SSC Authority), which assisted the commission with the
preparation and presentation of the site proposal for the Dallas-Fort
Worth area to the U. S. Department of Energy (DOE); work of the TNRLC's
Washington office and the Texas Congressional delegation in lobbying
for Texas as the Superconducting Super Collider (SSC) site; work of
the Texas Office of Federal-State Relations with the TNRLC; information
about the final seven sites under consideration; general information
about the SSC project produced by the DOE; agency expenditures and budget
information; and detailed information presented to new commissioners,
including background data on the Commission, committee appointments
and duties, organization of the agency, program activities, budget information,
enabling legislation, rosters, formal agreements, biographical data,
key contacts, and general administrative procedures.
Correspondents include commissioners, the executive director, agency
staff, staff in the Texas Office of Federal and State Relations, the
Department of Energy, and several outside groups. Advisory and other
groups represented in the records include the DFW/SSC Authority, Texas
Scientific Advisory Council, National Research Laboratory Advisory Council,
and the Texas SSC Coordinating Committee.
Additional documentation on these activities of the Commission can
be found in the series Commission meetings and Commission
committee meetings, including a handbook for new commissioners similar
to this handbook. Also, the series Site development - Site historical
information contains information about the Texas sites reviewed
by the Commission and the Texas site proposals they submitted to the
DOE.
Size of the files totals about 1 cubic ft.
Purpose:
These records document the early organization of the TNRLC and its
functions, especially prior to Texas being selected as the site for
the SSC. They also document information deemed essential for new commissioners
to have to enable them to understand their role with the agency.
Agency program:
The Texas National Research Laboratory Commission was created in
1985 by the 69th Legislature, Senate Bill 1169. The Commission was composed
of nine members, appointed by the Governor with consent of the Senate
for overlapping six-year terms. At least one member was to be from Ellis
County. Two members were to be scientists and members of a nationally
recognized scientific academy, board, or association; no more than three
were to represent the faculty or administration of a higher education
institution in the state. The Governor designated the chair, vice-chair,
and secretary. Commissioners created several standing committees to
address the different areas of Commission business. These committees
were Finance and Audit; Site Acquisition and Development; Governmental
Affairs; Research and Education; and Personnel, Procurement, and Minority
Affairs. The Commission was advised by a 17-member Texas Scientific
Advisory Council (created by Executive Order WPC-88-5), and other advisory
groups, including the TNRLC Advisory Council. Additionally, there were
two non-profit groups created to support Commission activities, the
Committee for Construction of the SSC and the Foundation for American
Scientific Leadership.
The Texas National Research Laboratory Commission was initially created
to prepare one or more proposals for siting the Superconducting Super
Collider (SSC) in Texas. The SSC was a super collider high-energy research
facility sponsored and authorized by the United States government as
part of the U. S. Department of Energy (DOE). The Commission reviewed
14 proposals from around the state, eventually selecting two sites--one
near Dallas/Fort Worth, the other near Amarillo, to be proposed to the
DOE for the location of the SSC. The Department of Energy selected the
Dallas/Fort Worth area site, in Ellis County, for the location of the
SSC in January 1989. The role of the Commission changed from securing
the site to overseeing the state's responsibilities in the SSC project.
Congress appropriated $268 million for the SSC in FY90, including initial
funds for construction. Congress appropriated $483.7 million for the
project for federal fiscal year 1992. The baseline cost for completion
of the SSC was established by the DOE at $8.249 billion, which included
the $1 billion Texas contribution, $5.9 billion from the federal government,
and the balance from other sources, primarily foreign investments.
The Superconducting Super Collider was never finished. In October 1993,
the U. S. Congress discontinued federal funding for the construction
of the SSC and appropriated $640 million in FY94 for the termination
of the project. Terms of the state-federal settlement included cash
payments of $210 million, transfers of federally-owned personal and
real property, and restoration of the site. The Texas National Research
Laboratory Commission ceased operations during the 1996-1997 biennium.
(Vernon's Ann. Civ. St., Chapter 465)
Arrangement: By topic or type of material.
Access constraints: None
Use constraints: None
Indexes or finding aids required for/or an aid to access? No
Gaps: None
Problems: None
Known related records in other agencies: None
Previous destructions:
Destruction requests on file in the Archives and Information Services
Division of the Library and Archives Commission were checked for the
Texas National Research Laboratory Commission and none were found for
this series or for equivalent or related series.
Publications based on records: None
Series data from agency schedule:
Title: TNRLC - Organizational information
Series item number: 1.1
Agency item number: 38
Archival code: A
Retention: US+5
Appraisal decision:
These records document the creation of the commission, early organizational
activities, the commission's work and lobbying efforts in attempting
to acquire the SSC site for Texas, and also, through a large handbook,
what the agency deemed essential for new commissioners to know to enable
them to understand their role with the agency. These records provide
significant documentation on the original purpose and early activities
of the commission. They have been appraised to be archival.
return to top
Records Series Review
Series Title: Superconducting Super Collider Laboratory - Background
information
Agency: Texas National Research Laboratory Commission
Archival holdings:
This series contains various files concerning the operation of the
Superconducting Super Collider Laboratory (SSCL). Types of materials
present include correspondence, scattered monthly progress reports and
financial reports, cost and construction estimates, U. S. Department
of Energy (DOE) procurement handbooks, management plans, staffing projections,
and biographical sketches of the staff. Dates covered are 1990-1991.
Topics covered include insurance, management, the maintenance and operation
contract for the lab, and progress of the construction and other parts
of the Superconducting Super Collider (SSC) project. Correspondence
is minimal, primarily between Texas National Research Laboratory Commission
(TNRLC) and the lab concerning insurance options for the lab. Also present
is a summation on the SSC Program Advisory Committee's first meeting
in February, 1990.
These records provide sketchy coverage of the SSCL. TNRLC interaction
with the lab is more fully documented in the series Commission meetings
and in the series Administrative correspondence.
Size of the files totals 1 cubic ft.
Purpose:
These records provide some information about the operation of the
SSCL.
Agency program:
The Texas National Research Laboratory Commission (TNRLC) was created
in 1985 by the 69th Legislature, Senate Bill 1169. The Commission was
initially created to prepare one or more proposals for siting the Superconducting
Super Collider (SSC) in Texas. The SSC was a super collider high-energy
research facility sponsored and authorized by the United States government
as part of the U. S. Department of Energy (DOE). In 1983, the U. S.
physics community recommended the DOE give the highest priority to building
a superconducting super collider. According to the SSC Conceptual Design
Report, "The purpose of the SSC was to accelerate and guide oppositely
directed and tightly focused streams of ultra high energy protons into
collision, thereby releasing enormous energy into a volume of subnuclear
size, creating conditions believed to have occurred during the first
moments of our universe." A conceptual design effort began and in 1987
the President of the United States authorized the DOE to go forward
with the project. States were then invited to submit proposals for siting
the SSC in their state. The Department of Energy selected the Dallas/Fort
Worth area site, in Ellis County, for the location of the SSC in January
1989. The role of the Commission changed from securing the site to overseeing
the state's responsibilities in the SSC project.
Congress appropriated $268 million for the SSC in FY90, including initial
funds for construction. In January 1989 the DOE contracted with a non-profit
group, Universities Research Association, to manage and operate the
construction and scientific programs of the Superconducting Super Collider
Laboratory (SSCL). The SSCL carried out DOE contract activities at the
SSC site with DOE maintaining oversight. The TNRLC maintained a close
working relationship with the Department of Energy and the SSCL while
carrying out the state's responsibilities.
The final environmental impact statement was approved by the DOE in
1991. It was determined by the DOE that the SSC would have no significant
environmental impact on Ellis County. The Magnet Development Laboratory
was then completed and employees began working at the site. Congress
appropriated $483.7 million for the project for federal fiscal year
1992. The baseline cost for completion of the SSC was established by
the DOE at $8.249 billion, which included the $1 billion Texas contribution,
$5.9 billion from the federal government, and the balance from other
sources, primarily foreign investments.
The Superconducting Super Collider was never finished. In October 1993,
the U. S. Congress discontinued federal funding for the construction
of the SSC and appropriated $640 million in FY94 for the termination
of the project. Terms of the state-federal settlement included cash
payments of $210 million, transfers of federally-owned personal and
real property, and restoration of the site. The Texas National Research
Laboratory Commission ceased operations during the 1996-1997 biennium.
(Vernon's Ann. Civ. St., Chapter 465)
Arrangement: Topical
Access constraints: No
Use constraints: No
Indexes or finding aids required for/or an aid to access? No
Gaps: Records are sketchy, covering only a portion of the period
the lab was in existence.
Problems: No
Known related records in other agencies:
More detailed records about the operation and history of the SSCL
can be found in the records of the U. S. Department of Energy, Superconducting
Super Collider Project Office, Record Group 434, National Archives and
Records Administration, Southwest Region, Fort Worth, Texas.
Previous destructions:
Destruction requests on file in the Archives and Information Services
Division of the Library and Archives Commission were checked for the
Texas National Research Laboratory Commission and none were found for
this series or for equivalent or related series.
Publications based on records: No
Series data from agency schedule:
Title: SSC Laboratory - Background information
Series item number: 1.1.034
Agency item number: 36
Archival code: R
Retention: AC+2
Appraisal decision:
These records provide sketchy coverage of the operation of the SSCL.
TNRLC's interaction with the Lab is more fully documented in the series
Commission meetings and Administrative correspondence,
which is sufficient coverage of the interaction of the commission and
the lab with each other. Since the SSC Lab was operated by the Department
of Energy, more complete documentation of the SSC Lab is available in
the records of the SSC project at the National Archives (see Known related
records section). Also, operation of the SSC lab was not a direct function
of the TNRLC, thus specific documentation on the lab does not need to
be maintained by the Library and Archives Commission. These records
have been appraised to be non-archival. They have not yet fulfilled
their retention period and will be maintained by the Texas General Services
Commission until 2002.
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Records Series Review
Series Title: Superconducting Super Collider Development Authority
of Dallas, Tarrant, and Ellis Counties
Agency: Texas National Research Laboratory Commission
Archival holdings:
The series contains records of the Texas National Research Laboratory
Commission's (TNRLC) involvement with the Superconducting Super Collider
Development Authority of Dallas, Tarrant, and Ellis Counties (SSC Authority),
including correspondence, memoranda, minutes of the Authority, notes,
drafts and the final copy of the SSC Authority and TNRLC funding agreement,
court orders, and dissolution materials for the Authority. Dates covered
are 1987-1996. Topics covered include the initial proposal for siting
the Superconducting Super Collider (SSC) in the Dallas/Fort Worth area
submitted by the SSC Authority to TNRLC, the funding agreement between
the SSC Authority and the TNRLC for the purchase of land for the SSC
project, and the use of funds collected by the SSC Authority for wrapping
up the SSC project. Correspondence is primarily between the SSC Authority
and the TNRLC. Some materials concerning the state of Texas-U. S. Department
of Energy (DOE) funding is present following the end of this series
and likely belongs in another series.
Further documentation of the work by the SSC Authority and the work
of the TNRLC in presenting the Ellis County site to the DOE is in the
series, Site development - Site historical information.
Size of the files totals about 1.25 cubic ft.
Purpose:
This series documents the interaction between the TNRLC and the
SSC Authority.
Agency program:
The Dallas/Fort Worth Superconducting Supercollider Authority (SSC
Authority) was formed in 1987 to prepare a proposal to submit to the
Texas Natural Research Laboratory Commission (TNRLC) for siting the
Superconducting Super Collider in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, specifically
in Ellis County. The SSC Authority worked with the TNRLC for further
presentation of the site to the U. S. Department of Energy (DOE) after
the site was selected as a finalist. Work done by the SSC Authority
included geological, ecological, and environmental research as to advantages
of the site; confirmation of soil characteristics; providing plans and
schedules for real estate acquisition; providing data on regional resources,
such as utilities; and obtaining commitments for financial inducements.
The name of the SSC Authority was changed in 1988 to the Texas Superconducting
Super Collider Authority. In March, 1989 the SSC Authority was dissolved.
In 1990, through court order, the Authority was recreated as the Superconducting
Super Collider Development Authority for Dallas, Tarrant, and Ellis
Counties. It was charged with improving the commerce and economy in
the area and reducing unemployment through planning, financing, acquiring,
constructing, owning, operating, and maintaining eligible projects necessary
or incidental to the SSC and the neighboring communities. In 1991 the
SSC Authority and TNRLC signed a funding agreement concerning land acquisition,
whereupon the SSC Authority would pay the TNRLC $36,000,000 without
interest, with TNRLC then providing all the funds necessary to acquire
all lands required for the SSC project, regardless of the cost. In 1996,
the Authority was again dissolved, and any remaining funds collected
by the SSC Authority were transferred to the TNRLC for use in wrapping
up the SSC project.
The Texas National Research Laboratory Commission (TNRLC) was created
in 1985 by the 69th Legislature, Senate Bill 1169. The Commission was
initially created to prepare one or more proposals for siting the Superconducting
Super Collider (SSC) in Texas. The SSC was a super collider high-energy
research facility sponsored and authorized by the United States government
as part of the U. S. Department of Energy (DOE). The Commission reviewed
14 proposals from around the state, eventually selecting two sites--one
near Dallas/Fort Worth, the other near Amarillo, to be proposed to the
DOE for the location of the SSC. The Department of Energy selected the
Dallas/Fort Worth area site, in Ellis County, for the location of the
SSC in January 1989. The role of the Commission changed from securing
the site to overseeing the state's responsibilities in the SSC project.
The Superconducting Super Collider was never finished. In October 1993,
the U. S. Congress discontinued federal funding for the construction
of the SSC and appropriated $640 million in FY94 for the termination
of the project. Terms of the state-federal settlement included cash
payments of $210 million, transfers of federally-owned personal and
real property, and restoration of the site. The Texas National Research
Laboratory Commission ceased operations during the 1996-1997 biennium.
(Vernon's Ann. Civ. St., Chapter 465)
Arrangement: Topical
Access constraints: None
Use constraints: None
Indexes or finding aids required for/or an aid to access? No
Gaps: None
Problems: None
Known related records in other agencies: None
Previous destructions:
Destruction requests on file in the Archives and Information Services
Division of the Library and Archives Commission were checked for the
Texas National Research Laboratory Commission and none were found for
this series or for equivalent or related series.
Publications based on records: None
Series data from agency schedule:
Title: SSC Authority
Series item number: 1.1
Agency item number: 137
Archival code: R
Retention: AC+5
Appraisal decision:
These records document the work of the SSC Authority, especially
the funding agreement between the Authority and the TNRLC. The Commission's
initial function was to prepare proposals for siting the SSC in Texas.
This series is reflective of that function and the collaboration between
local and state government in achieving this goal. If the state uses
the site in the future, action by local governments may again be involved
and this material documents such state-local involvement. These records
have been appraised to be archival.
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Records Series Review
Series Title: U. S. Department of Energy - Background information
Agency: Texas National Research Laboratory Commission
Archival holdings:
This series contains correspondence, status reports, fact sheets,
a project plan, and an audit report on the Superconducting Super Collider
(SSC) project. Dates covered are 1987-1993. Correspondence is present
between the U. S. Department of Energy (DOE) and Texas National Research
Laboratory Commission (TNRLC), dating 1988, which specifically covers
the selection of the Dallas/Fort Worth site as a finalist for the SSC
project. Accompanying the letters are background material on the SSC
project prepared by the DOE, including fact sheets, and an early status
report (1987). The majority of the materials concern an audit report
on cost overruns of the SSC project done in 1993 by the United States
General Accounting Office. There was some controversy over the accuracy
of this report by the Department of Energy. Also present is a project
plan for the SSC project done by the DOE in 1992 .
Other correspondence with the Department of Energy can be found in
the series Administrative correspondence, and the subseries,
Administrative correspondence - U. S. Department of Energy. Further
coverage of the project plan can be found in the series Planning
records . Additional early background material on the SSC project
can be found in some other TNRLC records, including the series Commission
meetings and Reports--Library.
The General Accounting Office audit report has a note "Restricted -
not to be released outside the GAO unless specifically approved by the
Office of Congressional Relations." Since a photocopy of the report
is in the records of the Commission, we have assumed its release to
have been approved.
Size of the files totals 0.24 cubic ft.
Purpose:
These materials provide some background information on the Superconducting
Super Collider project.
Agency program:
The Texas National Research Laboratory Commission (TNRLC) was created
in 1985 by the 69th Legislature, Senate Bill 1169. The Commission was
initially created to prepare one or more proposals for siting the Superconducting
Super Collider (SSC) in Texas. The SSC was a super collider high-energy
research facility sponsored and authorized by the United States government
as part of the U. S. Department of Energy (DOE).
The Department of Energy selected the Dallas/Fort Worth area site,
in Ellis County, for the location of the SSC in January 1989. The role
of the Commission changed from securing the site to overseeing the state's
responsibilities in the SSC project. Congress appropriated $268 million
for the SSC in FY90, including initial funds for construction. In January
1989 the DOE contracted with a non-profit group, Universities Research
Association, to manage and operate the construction and scientific programs
of the Superconducting Super Collider Laboratory (SSCL). The SSCL carried
out DOE contract activities at the SSC site with DOE maintaining oversight.
The TNRLC maintained a close working relationship with the Department
of Energy and the SSCL while carrying out the state's responsibilities.
The final environmental impact statement was approved by the DOE in
1991. It was determined by the DOE that the SSC would have no significant
environmental impact on Ellis County. The Magnet Development Laboratory
was then completed and employees began working at the site. Congress
appropriated $483.7 million for the project for federal fiscal year
1992. The baseline cost for completion of the SSC was established by
the DOE at $8.249 billion, which included the $1 billion Texas contribution,
$5.9 billion from the federal government, and the balance from other
sources, primarily foreign investments.
The Superconducting Super Collider was never finished. In October 1993,
the U. S. Congress discontinued federal funding for the construction
of the SSC and appropriated $640 million in FY94 for the termination
of the project. Terms of the state-federal settlement included cash
payments of $210 million, transfers of federally-owned personal and
real property, and restoration of the site. The Texas National Research
Laboratory Commission ceased operations during the 1996-1997 biennium.
(Vernon's Ann. Civ. St., Chapter 465)
Arrangement: Topical
Access constraints: None
Use constraints: None
Indexes or finding aids required for/or an aid to access? No
Gaps: None
Problems: None
Known related records in other agencies:
Related records can be found in the records of the U. S. Department
of Energy, Superconducting Super Collider Project Office, Record Group
434, National Archives and Records Administration, Southwest Region,
Fort Worth, Texas.
Previous destructions:
Destruction requests on file in the Archives and Information Services
Division of the Library and Archives Commission were checked for the
Texas National Research Laboratory Commission and none were found for
this series or for equivalent or related series.
Publications based on records: None
Series data from agency schedule:
Title: Department of Energy - Background information
Series item number: 1.1
Agency item number: 31
Archival code: none
Retention: PS
Appraisal decision:
This series provides some documentation on the SSC project, but
it is fragmented. The correspondence (1988) could easily be put in the
series Administrative correspondence - U. S. Department of Energy
(1990-1994) although the time frames are slightly different, or else
placed in the overall administrative correspondence series, where the
earliest correspondence with the DOE resides. The status reports and
fact sheets contain data which is likely duplicated in other series
and summarized in reports; and the project plan is documented in the
series Planning records . Because of the sketchy coverage of
the SSC project in this series and the fact that early documentation
of the project is available in several other series, the correspondence
has been appraised to be archival and will be transferred to one of
the correspondence series. Further, the project plan will be transferred
to the series Planning records. The status report and audit report
will be retained only if not found within the records of another series.
The fact sheets have been appraised as non-archival. All these records
have fulfilled their retention period.
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Records Series Review
Series Title: Working group with the Superconducting Super Collider
Laboratory and the Department of Energy
Agency: Texas National Research Laboratory Commission
Archival holdings:
These are minutes and associated materials from the Texas National
Research Laboratory Commission (TNRLC), U. S. Department of Energy (DOE),
and Superconducting Super Collider Lab (SSCL) working groups. Types
of materials present include minutes, meeting summaries, agenda, phone
transcripts of conference calls, notes, objectives of the groups, membership
lists, correspondence, memoranda, and items discussed at the meetings,
such as reports, site maps, plans, project specifications, and schedules.
Dates covered are 1987-1990.
The working groups were composed of members of the DOE staff, the SSCL
staff, and the TNRLC staff. The groups were created as outlets for the
exchange of information and coordination among parties interested in
the group's specific issues (real estate, etc.) related to the Superconducting
Super Collider (SSC). They identified goals, issues, and potential solutions
related to their specific charge. The working groups were Real Estate/Conventional
Construction, Socioeconomics, Survey and Site Modeling, Physics Research,
Policy, Outreach, Education, and Private Inducements. According to the
records, the groups were largely active in 1989, with some materials
also present in 1990.
Size of the files totals 1 cubic ft.
Purpose:
These records document the activities of the DOE/SSCL/TNRLC working
groups.
Agency program:
The Texas National Research Laboratory Commission (TNRLC) was created
in 1985 by the 69th Legislature, Senate Bill 1169. The Commission was
initially created to prepare one or more proposals for siting the Superconducting
Super Collider (SSC) in Texas. The SSC was a super collider high-energy
research facility sponsored and authorized by the United States government
as part of the U. S. Department of Energy (DOE).
The Department of Energy selected the Dallas/Fort Worth area site,
in Ellis County, for the location of the SSC in January 1989. The role
of the Commission changed from securing the site to overseeing the state's
responsibilities in the SSC project. In 1990, the Commission initiated
a land acquisition program to acquire clear title to about 16,550 acres
in Ellis County. Other programs begun were a Regulatory Management Program,
to facilitate acquisition of required permits for constructing and operating
the super collider; a Research and Development program designed to support
research programs at the site and at universities and laboratories throughout
the world, and to heighten the importance of science education; and
a Site Development program, to coordinate planning and review during
construction of the super collider, facilitate the infrastructure needs
of the SSC project, including utilities and transportation, and to develop
measures to mitigate impacts on the site region.
Congress appropriated $268 million for the SSC in FY90, including initial
funds for construction. In January 1989 the DOE contracted with a non-profit
group, Universities Research Association, to manage and operate the
construction and scientific programs of the Superconducting Super Collider
Laboratory (SSCL). The SSCL carried out DOE contract activities at the
SSC site with DOE maintaining oversight. The TNRLC maintained a close
working relationship with the Department of Energy and the SSCL while
carrying out the state's responsibilities. One facet of this coordination
was the establishment of working groups composed of staff from all three
parties--the DOE, the SSC Lab, and the TNRLC. These groups were created
as outlets for the exchange of information and coordination among parties
interested in the group's specific issues (real estate, etc.) related
to the SSC.
The final environmental impact statement was approved by the DOE in
1991. It was determined by the DOE that the SSC would have no significant
environmental impact on Ellis County. The Magnet Development Laboratory
was then completed and employees began working at the site. Congress
appropriated $483.7 million for the project for federal fiscal year
1992. The baseline cost for completion of the SSC was established by
the DOE at $8.249 billion, which included the $1 billion Texas contribution,
$5.9 billion from the federal government, and the balance from other
sources, primarily foreign investments.
The Superconducting Super Collider was never finished. In October 1993,
the U. S. Congress discontinued federal funding for the construction
of the SSC and appropriated $640 million in FY94 for the termination
of the project. Terms of the state-federal settlement included cash
payments of $210 million, transfers of federally-owned personal and
real property, and restoration of the site. The Texas National Research
Laboratory Commission ceased operations during the 1996-1997 biennium.
(Vernon's Ann. Civ. St., Chapter 465)
Arrangement: Topical by group
Access constraints: None
Use constraints: None
Indexes or finding aids required for/or an aid to access? No
Gaps: None
Problems: None
Known related records in other agencies:
Related records can be found in the records of the U. S. Department
of Energy, Superconducting Super Collider Project Office, Record Group
434, National Archives and Records Administration, Southwest Region,
Fort Worth, Texas.
Previous destructions:
Destruction requests on file in the Archives and Information Services
Division of the Library and Archives Commission were checked for the
Texas National Research Laboratory Commission and none were found for
this series or for equivalent or related series.
Publications based on records: None
Series data from agency schedule:
Title: Working group with SSCL and Dept. of Energy
Series item number: 1.1
Agency item number: 26
Archival code: R
Retention: 3
Appraisal decision:
These records document the actions of the DOE/SSCL/TNRLC working
groups. These files provide a good look at the working relationship
these groups developed to carry out projects/actions, etc. to push forward
the implementation of the SSC project. These records have been appraised
to be archival.
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Records Series Review
Series Title: Public Affairs - Speeches
Agency: Texas National Research Laboratory Commission
Office of Public Affairs
Archival holdings:
This series contains speeches, most given by Texas National Research
Laboratory Commission (TNRLC) personnel; background material used for
speech preparation; and informational material about the Superconducting
Super Collier (SSC) and the TNRLC. Types of records present include
speeches, slide presentation transcripts, notes, correspondence, brochures
and other informational publications, fact sheets, newsletters, maps,
articles, papers, reports, and similar materials used for research or
speech preparation. Dates covered are 1988-1993. Topics covered include
what the SSC is, why it is needed, what it can do, work of the Commission,
and budget requests for the U. S. Department of Energy (DOE). Many of
the speeches were presented by Ed Bingler, the executive director of
the agency; others were given by commissioners; TNRLC staff; staff of
the SSC Lab; and DOE staff.
The Public Affairs Office of the TNRLC offered opportunities for groups,
classes, etc., to get information about the SSC and the agency. They
provided speakers, slide presentations, information displays, and organized
tours of the SSC Lab. They also assisted speakers with speech preparation.
Size of the files totals 1.25 cubic ft.
Purpose:
These records document efforts of the agency is to disseminate information
about the SSC project and the agency to the general public, various
organizations, and others.
Agency program:
The Texas National Research Laboratory Commission (TNRLC) was created
in 1985 by the 69th Legislature, Senate Bill 1169. The Commission was
initially created to prepare one or more proposals for siting the Superconducting
Super Collider (SSC) in Texas. The SSC was a super collider high-energy
research facility sponsored and authorized by the United States government
as part of the U. S. Department of Energy (DOE).
The Department of Energy selected the Dallas/Fort Worth area site,
in Ellis County, for the location of the SSC in January 1989. The role
of the Commission changed from securing the site to overseeing the state's
responsibilities in the SSC project. Congress appropriated $268 million
for the SSC in FY90, including initial funds for construction. In January
1989 the DOE contracted with a non-profit group, Universities Research
Association, to manage and operate the construction and scientific programs
of the Superconducting Super Collider Laboratory (SSCL). The SSCL carried
out DOE contract activities at the SSC site with DOE maintaining oversight.
The TNRLC maintained a close working relationship with the Department
of Energy and the SSCL while carrying out the state's responsibilities.
Part of the TNRLC's responsibilities was to disseminate information
about the SSC project and the agency to the public and others. This
was carried out through the agency's Office of Public Affairs. This
office disseminated information about the SSC, the agency, the site,
and related subjects to Commission members, staff, contractors, media,
other government agencies, and the general public. They operated several
informational offices, manned a toll-free hot line, issued a regular
newsletter and press releases, coordinated site tours, provided speakers
to groups, assisted with speech preparation, prepared informational
packets and papers, and monitored media coverage.
The Superconducting Super Collider was never finished. In October 1993,
the U. S. Congress discontinued federal funding for the construction
of the SSC and appropriated $640 million in FY94 for the termination
of the project. Terms of the state-federal settlement included cash
payments of $210 million, transfers of federally-owned personal and
real property, and restoration of the site. The Texas National Research
Laboratory Commission ceased operations during the 1996-1997 biennium.
(Vernon's Ann. Civ. St., Chapter 465)
Arrangement: Topical
Access constraints: None
Use constraints: None
Indexes or finding aids required for/or an aid to access? No
Gaps: None
Problems: None
Known related records in other agencies: None
Previous destructions:
Destruction requests on file in the Archives and Information Services
Division of the Library and Archives Commission were checked for the
Texas National Research Laboratory Commission and none were found for
this series or for equivalent or related series.
Publications based on records: None
Series data from agency schedule:
Title: Speeches
Series item number: 1.1.040
Agency item number: 46
Archival code: R
Retention: 2
Appraisal decision:
The speeches and informational material prepared by the agency
document the Public Affairs Office responsibilities in disseminating
information about the SSC and the agency, which was one of the functions
of the TNRLC. These materials have been appraised to be archival. However,
there are duplicates of some items that can be removed and discarded.
Also, background materials used for research and speeches given by other
entities are not needed to document this function. These can be discarded.
All the materials have fulfilled their retention period.
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Records Series Review
Series Title: Public Affairs - Correspondence
Agency: Texas National Research Laboratory Commission
Office of Public Affairs
Archival holdings:
This series contains correspondence and memoranda of the Office
of Public Affairs of the Texas National Research Laboratory Commission
(TNRLC). Other materials present include copies of press releases, newspaper
articles, lists of research and development grants awarded, itinerary
for visiting dignitaries, resolutions, copies of symposium or conference
registration forms, and a few monthly reports of public affairs activities.
Dates covered are 1989-1991. These materials concern activities such
as advising the commission of current community relations issues, preparing
drafts of statements to be used for speeches, writing newspaper editors
to comment on editorials or provide them notice of newsworthy events,
checking facts for magazine articles, and advising media of education
activities, such as a major science competition won by a Texas high
school using Superconducting Super Collider (SSC) data. Major correspondents
include Sandra Dunn, director of Public Affairs, the chair of the commission,
other commissioners and TNRLC staff, and newspaper editors.
Size of the files totals about 0.4 cubic ft.
Purpose:
These records document efforts of the agency is to disseminate information
about the SSC project and the agency to the general public.
Agency program:
The Texas National Research Laboratory Commission (TNRLC) was created
in 1985 by the 69th Legislature, Senate Bill 1169. The Commission was
initially created to prepare one or more proposals for siting the Superconducting
Super Collider (SSC) in Texas. The SSC was a super collider high-energy
research facility sponsored and authorized by the United States government
as part of the U. S. Department of Energy (DOE).
The Department of Energy selected the Dallas/Fort Worth area site,
in Ellis County, for the location of the SSC in January 1989. The role
of the Commission changed from securing the site to overseeing the state's
responsibilities in the SSC project. Congress appropriated $268 million
for the SSC in FY90, including initial funds for construction. In January
1989 the DOE contracted with a non-profit group, Universities Research
Association, to manage and operate the construction and scientific programs
of the Superconducting Super Collider Laboratory (SSCL). The SSCL carried
out DOE contract activities at the SSC site with DOE maintaining oversight.
The TNRLC maintained a close working relationship with the Department
of Energy and the SSCL while carrying out the state's responsibilities.
Part of the TNRLC's responsibilities was to disseminate information
about the SSC project and the agency to the public and others. This
was carried out through the agency's Office of Public Affairs. This
office disseminated information about the SSC, the agency, the site,
and related subjects to Commission members, staff, contractors, media,
other government agencies, and the general public. They operated several
informational offices, manned a toll-free hot line, issued a regular
newsletter and press releases, coordinated site tours, provided speakers
to groups, assisted with speech preparation, prepared informational
packets and papers, and monitored media coverage.
The Superconducting Super Collider was never finished. In October 1993,
the U. S. Congress discontinued federal funding for the construction
of the SSC and appropriated $640 million in FY94 for the termination
of the project. Terms of the state-federal settlement included cash
payments of $210 million, transfers of federally-owned personal and
real property, and restoration of the site. The Texas National Research
Laboratory Commission ceased operations during the 1996-1997 biennium.
(Vernon's Ann. Civ. St., Chapter 465)
Arrangement: By staff member
Access constraints: None
Use constraints: None
Indexes or finding aids required for/or an aid to access? No
Gaps: No records present after 1991.
Problems: None
Known related records in other agencies: None
Previous destructions: None
Destruction requests on file in the Archives and Information Services
Division of the Library and Archives Commission were checked for the
Texas National Research Laboratory Commission and none were found for
this series or for equivalent or related series.
Publications based on records: None
Series data from agency schedule:
Title: Public Affairs - correspondence
Series item number: 1.1.007
Agency item number: 39
Archival code: R
Retention: 3
Appraisal decision:
These records document activities of the Office of Public Affairs.
However, the output of the office, such as speeches prepared and press
releases issued are documented in other series Public Affairs - Speeches;
Public Affairs - Press releases and media lists. These two latter
series provide sufficient documentation of the dissemination of information
function of the agency. This series provides data on some of the background
activities used to produce these materials but the overall actions of
the office are adequately documented in annual reports, minutes, and
various publications of the Commission.
This series has been appraised to be non-archival. The retention period
of the records has been fulfilled.
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Records Series Review
Series Title: Public Affairs - Press releases and media lists
Agency: Texas National Research Laboratory Commission
Office of Public Affairs
Archival holdings:
This series consists of press releases and media lists. Dates covered
are 1987-1993. Most of the press releases were issued by the Texas National
Research Laboratory Commission (TNRLC), but also present are releases
from the Superconducting Super Collider Laboratory (SSCL), the U. S.
Department of Energy (DOE), and the Universities Research Association
(URA), the latter being a group of universities and research institutions
affiliated with the SSCL. The media lists are copies of articles and
editorials appearing in newspapers and journals about varying aspects
of the Superconducting Super Collider (SSC) project and related scientific
issues. Topics covered by the releases and articles include the choice
of Dallas as a finalist in the site selection, selection of Dallas as
the SSC site, notice of public or town meetings and speakers, notice
of commission meetings, scientific projects the SSC project would produce,
appointments to positions at the TNRLC and the SSCL, work underway at
the site (eg. historic resources survey), construction progress, land
acquisition updates, RFP's and contracts, fellowships and grants awarded,
education issues involving the SSC project, and financing for the project.
Also present is a series of reports prepared by economist Ray Perryman,
dating August 1993, concerning the economic impact the SSC would have
in the United States and specific economic impacts in most of the states.
A report is present for the US and one for most states. The reports
consist of news releases issued by Perryman Consultants. An earlier
series of reports by Perryman Consultants concerning the economic impact
of the SSC on Ellis County can be found in the series Reports - Library.
Size of the files totals about 1.25 cubic ft.
Purpose:
These records document efforts of the agency is to disseminate information
about the SSC project and the agency to the media, and they reflect
the type of information gathered about the project from outside sources.
Agency program:
The Texas National Research Laboratory Commission (TNRLC) was created
in 1985 by the 69th Legislature, Senate Bill 1169. The Commission was
initially created to prepare one or more proposals for siting the Superconducting
Super Collider (SSC) in Texas. The SSC was a super collider high-energy
research facility sponsored and authorized by the United States government
as part of the U. S. Department of Energy (DOE).
The Department of Energy selected the Dallas/Fort Worth area site,
in Ellis County, for the location of the SSC in January 1989. The role
of the Commission changed from securing the site to overseeing the state's
responsibilities in the SSC project. In 1990, the Commission initiated
a land acquisition program to acquire clear title to about 16,550 acres
in Ellis County. Other programs begun were a Regulatory Management Program,
to facilitate acquisition of required permits for constructing and operating
the super collider; a Research and Development program designed to support
research programs at the site and at universities and laboratories throughout
the world, and to heighten the importance of science education; and
a Site
Development program, to coordinate planning and review during construction
of the super collider, facilitate the infrastructure needs of the SSC
project, including utilities and transportation, and to develop measures
to mitigate impacts on the site region.
Congress appropriated $268 million for the SSC in FY90, including initial
funds for construction. In January 1989 the DOE contracted with a non-profit
group, Universities Research Association, to manage and operate the
construction and scientific programs of the Superconducting Super Collider
Laboratory (SSCL). The SSCL carried out DOE contract activities at the
SSC site with DOE maintaining oversight. The TNRLC maintained a close
working relationship with the Department of Energy and the SSCL while
carrying out the state's responsibilities.
The final environmental impact statement was approved by the DOE in
1991. It was determined by the DOE that the SSC would have no significant
environmental impact on Ellis County. The Magnet Development Laboratory
was then completed and employees began working at the site. Congress
appropriated $483.7 million for the project for federal fiscal year
1992. The baseline cost for completion of the SSC was established by
the DOE at $8.249 billion, which included the $1 billion Texas contribution,
$5.9 billion from the federal government, and the balance from other
sources, primarily foreign investments.
Part of the TNRLC's responsibilities was to disseminate information
about the SSC project and the agency to the public and others. This
was carried out through the agency's Office of Public Affairs. This
office disseminated information about the SSC, the agency, the site,
and related subjects to Commission members, staff, contractors, media,
other government agencies, and the general public. They operated several
informational offices, manned a toll-free hot line, issued a regular
newsletter and press releases, coordinated site tours, provided speakers
to groups, assisted with speech preparation, prepared informational
packets and papers, and monitored media coverage.
The Superconducting Super Collider was never finished. In October 1993,
the U. S. Congress discontinued federal funding for the construction
of the SSC and appropriated $640 million in FY94 for the termination
of the project. Terms of the state-federal settlement included cash
payments of $210 million, transfers of federally-owned personal and
real property, and restoration of the site. The Texas National Research
Laboratory Commission ceased operations during the 1996-1997 biennium.
(Vernon's Ann. Civ. St., Chapter 465)
Arrangement: By type of record
Access constraints: None
Use constraints: None
Indexes or finding aids required for/or an aid to access? No
Gaps: None
Problems: None
Known related records in other agencies: None
Previous destructions:
Destruction requests on file in the Archives and Information Services
Division of the Library and Archives Commission were checked for the
Texas National Research Laboratory Commission and none were found for
this series or for equivalent or related series.
Publications based on records:
The releases were sent to the media and were published in various
state and national newspapers.
Series data from agency schedule:
Title: Press releases and media lists
Series item number: 1.1.019
Agency item number: 41
Archival code: R
Retention: 2
Appraisal decision:
The press releases document efforts of the agency to disseminate
information about the agency and the SSC project, which was a function
of the TNRLC. A variety of topics are covered and these provide a good
source for information about the SSC project as presented to the public.
The releases issued by the other bodies (SSC Lab, DOE, and URA) complement
the data presented by the TNRLC.
The media lists are compilations of articles about the SSC and related
scientific issues/projects. The Perryman reports are a reference source
about economic impact of the SSC in the United States and various states.
The value in these items would be for the agency to see how the SSC
project was perceived by the media and others. While this value is less
significant than the press releases, it does complement the press releases.
Also, some of the information reported by outside sources likely prompted
responses by the agency in several areas. The records in this series
have been appraised to be archival.
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Records Series Review
Series Title: Public Affairs - Public relations
Agency: Texas National Research Laboratory Commission
Office of Public Affairs
Archival holdings:
This series contains background materials for pending projects within
the Office of Public Affairs of the Texas National Research Laboratory
Commission (TNRLC). Materials present are a printed general information
book (multiple copies) about the agency and the Superconducting Super
Collider (SSC); drafts of a publication on benefits of the SSC, "Not
for Scientists Only," by the SSC Lab, and notes on benefits, including
a list giving summary descriptions on some SSC/TNRLC videos; proofs
for a technical presentation book used for site tours; and photographs
of the site. Dates covered are 1989-1992. The photographs consist of
35mm color prints of state legislators touring the site in 1992. The
people in the photos are not identified.
Size of the files totals 0.5 cubic ft.
Purpose:
These materials were used in preparing information about the site
for the general public and others.
Agency program:
The Texas National Research Laboratory Commission (TNRLC) was created
in 1985 by the 69th Legislature, Senate Bill 1169. The Commission was
initially created to prepare one or more proposals for siting the Superconducting
Super Collider (SSC) in Texas. The SSC was a super collider high-energy
research facility sponsored and authorized by the United States government
as part of the U. S. Department of Energy (DOE).
The Department of Energy selected the Dallas/Fort Worth area site,
in Ellis County, for the location of the SSC in January 1989. The role
of the Commission changed from securing the site to overseeing the state's
responsibilities in the SSC project. Congress appropriated $268 million
for the SSC in FY90, including initial funds for construction.
In January 1989 the DOE contracted with a non-profit group, Universities
Research Association, to manage and operate the construction and scientific
programs of the Superconducting Super Collider Laboratory (SSCL). The
SSCL carried out DOE contract activities at the SSC site with DOE maintaining
oversight. The TNRLC maintained a close working relationship with the
Department of Energy and the SSCL while carrying out the state's responsibilities.
Part of the TNRLC's responsibilities was to disseminate information
about the SSC project and the agency to the public and others. This
was carried out through the agency's Office of Public Affairs. This
office disseminated information about the SSC, the agency, the site,
and related subjects to Commission members, staff, contractors, media,
other government agencies, and the general public. They operated several
informational offices, manned a toll-free hot line, issued a regular
newsletter and press releases, coordinated site tours, provided speakers
to groups, assisted with speech preparation, prepared informational
packets and papers, and monitored media coverage.
The Superconducting Super Collider was never finished. In October 1993,
the U. S. Congress discontinued federal funding for the construction
of the SSC and appropriated $640 million in FY94 for the termination
of the project. Terms of the state-federal settlement included cash
payments of $210 million, transfers of federally-owned personal and
real property, and restoration of the site. The Texas National Research
Laboratory Commission ceased operations during the 1996-1997 biennium.
(Vernon's Ann. Civ. St., Chapter 465)
Arrangement: By project.
Access constraints: None
Use constraints: None
Indexes or finding aids required for/or an aid to access? No
Gaps:
Final copies of two of the reports are not present. Also, the proofs
for the technical presentation book do not indicate if they are complete.
Problems: None
Known related records in other agencies: None
Previous destructions:
Destruction requests on file in the Archives and Information Services
Division of the Library and Archives Commission were checked for the
Texas National Research Laboratory Commission and none were found for
this series or for equivalent or related series.
Publications based on records:
Not for Scientists Only: Technology Spin-offs from High Energy
Physics and the Super Collider, by the Superconducting Super Collider
Laboratory.
Series data from agency schedule:
Title: Public relations
Series item number: 1.1.028
Agency item number: 44
Archival code: R
Retention: PS+3
Appraisal decision:
This series consists largely of background materials used in preparing
informational publications about the TNRLC and the SSC. We are interested
in the final publications, which can be found in the series, Speeches,
or in the State Publications Depository. Dissemination of information
about the SSC project was a function of the TNRLC but the coverage of
that function in this series is minimal and better documented in other
series, such as Speeches or Press releases and media lists.
The only items of interest in this series are the printed general information
book and the photographs. The general information book has been appraised
to be archival, as it provides a good summary of the agency and the
SSC through 1990. The photographs have also been appraisal as archival
since they show state legislators and detailed shots of the site construction
in late 1992, shortly before funding was removed from the project by
the federal government. The drafts and notes for the publication on
SSC benefits are for a publication done by the SSCL, and the proofs
for the technical presentation book may be incomplete. The drafts, notes,
and proofs have been appraisal to be non-archival . They have fulfilled
their retention requirements.
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Records Series Review
Series Title: Public Affairs - Special projects
Agency: Texas National Research Laboratory Commission
Office of Public Affairs
Archival holdings:
The series contains correspondence, memoranda, and other materials
concerning a variety of special projects involving the Office of Public
Affairs of the Texas National Research Laboratory Commission (TNRLC).
While correspondence and memoranda account for the majority of records
in this series, also present in these files are notes, conference and
meeting agendas, clippings, press releases, questions (of the landowners)
and answers (of the commission), itineraries, videos, transcripts (for
the video and TV interviews), audio cassettes from the landowner meetings,
and requests for proposals and responses for the national education
project. Dates covered are 1988- 1993. Types of projects represented
in these records include conducting question and answer sessions with
landowners about the project; production and distribution of an informational
video; giving television interviews; setting up exhibits; setting the
itinerary (luncheons, tours, etc.,) for VIP visits; preparing briefings
for the governor or others; making arrangements - acquiring hotels,
meeting rooms, etc., for superconductor related symposiums, meetings,
or conferences held in the area; U. S. Department of Energy (DOE) hearings
on the Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement; and sending out
requests for proposals for a national education program.
Size of the files totals 4 cubic ft.
Purpose:
These files document a variety of activities undertaken by the Office
of Public Affairs.
Agency program:
The Texas National Research Laboratory Commission (TNRLC) was created
in 1985 by the 69th Legislature, Senate Bill 1169. The Commission was
initially created to prepare one or more proposals for siting the Superconducting
Super Collider (SSC) in Texas. The SSC was a super collider high-energy
research facility sponsored and authorized by the United States government
as part of the U. S. Department of Energy (DOE).
The Department of Energy selected the Dallas/Fort Worth area site,
in Ellis County, for the location of the SSC in January 1989. The role
of the Commission changed from securing the site to overseeing the state's
responsibilities in the SSC project. In 1990, the Commission initiated
a land acquisition program to acquire clear title to about 16,550 acres
in Ellis County. Other programs begun were a Regulatory Management Program,
to facilitate acquisition of required permits for constructing and operating
the super collider; a Research and Development program designed to support
research programs at the site and at universities and laboratories throughout
the world, and to heighten the importance of science education; and
a Site Development program, to coordinate planning and review during
construction of the super collider, facilitate the infrastructure needs
of the SSC project, including utilities and transportation, and to develop
measures to mitigate impacts on the site region.
Congress appropriated $268 million for the SSC in FY90, including initial
funds for construction. In January 1989 the DOE contracted with a non-profit
group, Universities Research Association, to manage and operate the
construction and scientific programs of the Superconducting Super Collider
Laboratory (SSCL). The SSCL carried out DOE contract activities at the
SSC site with DOE maintaining oversight. The TNRLC maintained a close
working relationship with the Department of Energy and the SSCL while
carrying out the state's responsibilities.
Part of the TNRLC's responsibilities was to disseminate information
about the SSC project and the agency to the public and others. This
was carried out through the agency's Office of Public Affairs. This
office disseminated information about the SSC, the agency, the site,
and related subjects to Commission members, staff, contractors, media,
other government agencies, and the general public. They operated several
informational offices, manned a toll-free hot line, issued a regular
newsletter and press releases, coordinated site tours, provided speakers
to groups, assisted with speech preparation, prepared informational
packets and papers, and monitored media coverage.
The final environmental impact statement was approved by the DOE in
1991. It was determined by the DOE that the SSC would have no significant
environmental impact on Ellis County. The Magnet Development Laboratory
was then completed and employees began working at the site. Congress
appropriated $483.7 million for the project for federal fiscal year
1992. The baseline cost for completion of the SSC was established by
the DOE at $8.249 billion, which included the $1 billion Texas contribution,
$5.9 billion from the federal government, and the balance from other
sources, primarily foreign investments.
The Superconducting Super Collider was never finished. In October 1993,
the U. S. Congress discontinued federal funding for the construction
of the SSC and appropriated $640 million in FY94 for the termination
of the project. Terms of the state-federal settlement included cash
payments of $210 million, transfers of federally-owned personal and
real property, and restoration of the site. The Texas National Research
Laboratory Commission ceased operations during the 1996-1997 biennium.
(Vernon's Ann. Civ. St., Chapter 465)
Arrangement: Topical
Access constraints: None
Use constraints: None
Indexes or finding aids required for/or an aid to access? No
Gaps: None known
Problems: None
Known related records in other agencies: None
Previous destructions:
Destruction requests on file in the Archives and Information Services
Division of the Library and Archives Commission were checked for the
Texas National Research Laboratory Commission and none were found for
this series or for equivalent or related series.
Publications based on records: None known
Series data from agency schedule:
Title: Special projects
Series item number: 1.1
Agency item number: 45
Archival code: R
Retention: 3
Appraisal decision:
These records document a variety of activities of the Office of
Public Affairs. The actions documented are adequately described in other
sources, such as annual reports and in the series Commission meetings.
We do not need to retain the background materials used to prepare or
carry out these projects. These materials have been appraised to be
non-archival. The retention period for all the materials has expired.
return to top
Records Series Review
Series Title: Public Affairs - Local information action plan
Agency: Texas National Research Laboratory Commission
Office of Public Affairs
Archival holdings:
This series contains a plan developed by the Texas National Research
Laboratory Commission (TNRLC) for establishing local information offices
and what functions such offices would perform, a memo directing a plan
to be done, copies of office leases and floor plans, employee contracts
and time sheets, visitor registration sheets, and monthly recaps of
activities, including number of visitors and categories of activities,
such as land, environment, etc. Dates covered are 1989-1991. Most of
the materials concern just the Ennis office, some materials are present
for both the Waxahachie and Ennis offices.
Size of the files totals 0.1 cubic ft.
Purpose:
These records document efforts of the agency to establish local
information offices, which were used to disseminate information about
the SSC project and the agency to the public.
Agency program:
The Texas National Research Laboratory Commission (TNRLC) was created
in 1985 by the 69th Legislature, Senate Bill 1169. The Commission was
initially created to prepare one or more proposals for siting the Superconducting
Super Collider (SSC) in Texas. The SSC was a super collider high-energy
research facility sponsored and authorized by the United States government
as part of the U. S. Department of Energy (DOE).
The Department of Energy selected the Dallas/Fort Worth area site,
in Ellis County, for the location of the SSC in January 1989. The role
of the Commission changed from securing the site to overseeing the state's
responsibilities in the SSC project. Congress appropriated $268 million
for the SSC in FY90, including initial funds for construction. In January
1989 the DOE contracted with a non-profit group, Universities Research
Association, to manage and operate the construction and scientific programs
of the Superconducting Super Collider Laboratory (SSCL). The SSCL carried
out DOE contract activities at the SSC site with DOE maintaining oversight.
The TNRLC maintained a close working relationship with the Department
of Energy and the SSCL while carrying out the state's responsibilities.
Part of the TNRLC's responsibilities was to disseminate information
about the SSC project and the agency to the public and others. This
was carried out through the agency's Office of Public Affairs. This
office disseminated information about the SSC, the agency, the site,
and related subjects to Commission members, staff, contractors, media,
other government agencies, and the general public. They operated several
informational offices, manned a toll-free hot line, issued a regular
newsletter and press releases, coordinated site tours, provided speakers
to groups, assisted with speech preparation, prepared informational
packets and papers, and monitored media coverage.
The Superconducting Super Collider was never finished. In October 1993,
the U. S. Congress discontinued federal funding for the construction
of the SSC and appropriated $640 million in FY94 for the termination
of the project. Terms of the state-federal settlement included cash
payments of $210 million, transfers of federally-owned personal and
real property, and restoration of the site. The Texas National Research
Laboratory Commission ceased operations during the 1996-1997 biennium.
(Vernon's Ann. Civ. St., Chapter 465)
Arrangement: Topical
Access constraints: None
Use constraints: None
Indexes or finding aids required for/or an aid to access? No
Gaps: None, the memo suggesting the offices be set up was written
in 1989.
Problems: None
Known related records in other agencies: None
Previous destructions:
Destruction requests on file in the Archives and Information Services
Division of the Library and Archives Commission were checked for the
Texas National Research Laboratory Commission and none were found for
this series or for equivalent or related series.
Publications based on records: None
Series data from agency schedule:
Title: Local information action plan
Series item number: 1.1.024
Agency item number: 43
Archival code: R
Retention: AC+6
Appraisal decision:
This series consists of routine materials used in setting up and
staffing their public information offices, and forms tabulating the
number of requests they received. The information provided by these
files is of a routine nature. The functions of the Office of Public
Affairs are adequately documented in the annual reports and in the series
Commission meetings. These materials have been appraised to be
non-archival. They have not yet fulfilled their retention period and
will be maintained by the Texas General Services Commission until 2002.
return to top
Records Series Review
Series Title: State legislation - Testimony
Agency: Texas National Research Laboratory Commission
Archival holdings:
This series contains testimony and materials prepared by the Texas
National Research Laboratory Commission (TNRLC) for use in appropriation
hearings before the state legislature in 1991 and 1993, primarily before
the Committee on Science and Technology (72nd Legislature) and the Senate
Finance Committee (73rd Legislature). Types of materials present include
correspondence between the agency and legislative committee members,
memos, presentations done for the committee members, briefing points,
expenditure details of the agency, proposed appropriations, draft of
rider the agency prepared, notes, reference materials, audio tapes and
transcripts of testimony and remarks by the agency, and recommendations
of the Committee on Science and Technology for the TNRLC. Dates covered
are 1989-1993, bulk of the materials were prepared for the hearings
in 1991, before the 72nd Legislature.
Additional budget materials can be found in the series Legislative
budget requests and operating budgets.
Size of the files totals 0.5 cubic ft.
Purpose:
These files document the work undertaken by the agency to request
appropriations from the state legislature during the budget process.
Agency program:
The Texas National Research Laboratory Commission (TNRLC) was created
in 1985 by the 69th Legislature, Senate Bill 1169. The Commission was
initially created to prepare one or more proposals for siting the Superconducting
Super Collider (SSC) in Texas. The SSC was a super collider high-energy
research facility sponsored and authorized by the United States government
as part of the U. S. Department of Energy (DOE).
The Department of Energy selected the Dallas/Fort Worth area site,
in Ellis County, for the location of the SSC in January 1989. The role
of the Commission changed from securing the site to overseeing the state's
responsibilities in the SSC project. In 1990, the Commission initiated
a land acquisition program to acquire clear title to about 16,550 acres
in Ellis County. Other programs begun were a Regulatory Management Program,
to facilitate acquisition of required permits for constructing and operating
the super collider; a Research and Development program designed to support
research programs at the site and at universities and laboratories throughout
the world, and to heighten the importance of science education; and
a Site Development program, to coordinate planning and review during
construction of the super collider, facilitate the infrastructure needs
of the SSC project, including utilities and transportation, and to develop
measures to mitigate impacts on the site region.
Congress appropriated $268 million for the SSC in FY90, including initial
funds for construction. In January 1989 the DOE contracted with a non-profit
group, Universities Research Association, to manage and operate the
construction and scientific programs of the Superconducting Super Collider
Laboratory (SSCL). The SSCL carried out DOE contract activities at the
SSC site with DOE maintaining oversight. The TNRLC maintained a close
working relationship with the Department of Energy and the SSCL while
carrying out the state's responsibilities.
The final environmental impact statement was approved by the DOE in
1991. It was determined by the DOE that the SSC would have no significant
environmental impact on Ellis County. The Magnet Development Laboratory
was then completed and employees began working at the site. Congress
appropriated $483.7 million for the project for federal fiscal year
1992. The baseline cost for completion of the SSC was established by
the DOE at $8.249 billion, which included the $1 billion Texas contribution,
$5.9 billion from the federal government, and the balance from other
sources, primarily foreign investments.
The Superconducting Super Collider was never finished. In October 1993,
the U. S. Congress discontinued federal funding for the construction
of the SSC and appropriated $640 million in FY94 for the termination
of the project. Terms of the state-federal settlement included cash
payments of $210 million, transfers of federally-owned personal and
real property, and restoration of the site. The Texas National Research
Laboratory Commission ceased operations during the 1996-1997 biennium.
(Vernon's Ann. Civ. St., Chapter 465)
Arrangement: Topical
Access constraints: None
Use constraints: None
Indexes or finding aids required for/or an aid to access? No
Gaps: Documentation does not cover the budget process prior
to the 72 nd legislature.
Problems: None
Known related records in other agencies: None
Previous destructions:
Destruction requests on file in the Archives and Information Services
Division of the Library and Archives Commission were checked for the
Texas National Research Laboratory Commission and none were found for
this series or for equivalent or related series.
Publications based on records:
The agency prepares biennial budget requests, which are published
and two copies deposited in the State Publications Depository at the
Texas State Library. Also, the Legislative Budget Board, produces Legislative
Budget Estimates, which have been published since fiscal
years 1954 and 1955. This publication, a compilation of data for all
state agencies, summarizes the fiscal information found in agency-submitted
budgets or appropriation requests, but omits most of the narrative.
Series data from agency schedule:
Title: State legislation - Testimony
Series item number: 1.1.049
Agency item number: 20
Archival code: R
Retention: PS+3
Appraisal decision:
These materials comprise budget working papers, which is not an
archival series on the state retention schedule. The budget process
and appropriation requests are adequately documented in the published
biennial budget requests and are discussed in the minutes and annual
reports of the agency. This is sufficient coverage of that process.
These records have been appraised to be non-archival. They have not
yet fulfilled their retention period and will be maintained by the Texas
General Services Commission until 2002.
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Records Series Review
Series Title: Educational curriculum
Agency: Texas National Research Laboratory Commission
Archival holdings:
This series contains correspondence, memos, notes, a news release,
educational proposals, and a survey of characteristics of secondary
schools in the vicinity of the Superconducting Super Collider (SSC).
Dates covered are 1987-1990. Topics discussed included higher education
inducements to be offered to SSC staff (such as adjunct professorships);
availability of funding by the SSC or federal government for SSC related
education projects; requests by universities for Texas National Research
Laboratory Commission (TNRLC) and/or SSC participation in programs they
offer; the formation and goals of the National Supercollider Education
Consortium, Inc. (raise funds, sponsor workshops and seminars, conduct
research in schools, promote the SSC and educational events for technology
transfer, etc.); and a survey of secondary schools by the SSCL to provide
data on each school district and school to assist SSC staff in locating
secondary schools for their children.
Offering higher education inducements to SSC staff for use in securing
the SSC and encouraging top scientists to relocate to the SSC was the
most heavily covered topic in these files, containing some documents
from the TNRLC's Executive Committee on Inducements and the University
Executive Committee. This topic is also discussed in the series Commission/committee
meetings, and to a lesser extent in the series Commission meetings,
where topics such as this were summarized in committee reports.
Size of the files totals 0.2 cubic ft.
Purpose:
According to the retention schedule, the series is supposed to contain
the proposed curriculum plan to educate students about the SSC project.
The National Supercollider Education Consortium, Inc. materials discuss
the goals for that project, but do not contain a detailed curriculum
plan. Also, these materials account for a very small portion of the
records.
Agency program:
The Texas National Research Laboratory Commission (TNRLC) was created
in 1985 by the 69th Legislature, Senate Bill 1169. The Commission was
initially created to prepare one or more proposals for siting the Superconducting
Super Collider (SSC) in Texas. The SSC was a super collider high-energy
research facility sponsored and authorized by the United States government
as part of the U. S. Department of Energy (DOE).
The Department of Energy selected the Dallas/Fort Worth area site,
in Ellis County, for the location of the SSC in January 1989. The role
of the Commission changed from securing the site to overseeing the state's
responsibilities in the SSC project. In 1990, the Commission initiated
a land acquisition program to acquire clear title to about 16,550 acres
in Ellis County. Other programs begun were a Regulatory Management Program,
to facilitate acquisition of required permits for constructing and operating
the super collider; a Research and Development program designed to support
research programs at the site and at universities and laboratories throughout
the world, and to heighten the importance of science education; and
a Site Development program, to coordinate planning and review during
construction of the super collider, facilitate the infrastructure needs
of the SSC project, including utilities and transportation, and to develop
measures to mitigate impacts on the site region.
Congress appropriated $268 million for the SSC in FY90, including initial
funds for construction. In January 1989 the DOE contracted with a non-profit
group, Universities Research Association, to manage and operate the
construction and scientific programs of the Superconducting Super Collider
Laboratory (SSCL). The SSCL carried out DOE contract activities at the
SSC site with DOE maintaining oversight. The TNRLC maintained a close
working relationship with the Department of Energy and the SSCL while
carrying out the state's responsibilities.
The Superconducting Super Collider was never finished. In October 1993,
the U. S. Congress discontinued federal funding for the construction
of the SSC and appropriated $640 million in FY94 for the termination
of the project. Terms of the state-federal settlement included cash
payments of $210 million, transfers of federally-owned personal and
real property, and restoration of the site. The Texas National Research
Laboratory Commission ceased operations during the 1996-1997 biennium.
(Vernon's Ann. Civ. St., Chapter 465)
Arrangement: Topical
Access constraints: None
Use constraints: None
Indexes or finding aids required for/or an aid to access? No
Gaps:
An actual curriculum plan detailing educational goals is not there,
just the goals for the committee concerning education. Such a plan may
not have been finalized.
Problems: None
Known related records in other agencies: None
Previous destructions:
Destruction requests on file in the Archives and Information Services
Division of the Library and Archives Commission were checked for the
Texas National Research Laboratory Commission and none were found for
this series or for equivalent or related series.
Publications based on records: None
Series data from agency schedule:
Title: Educational curriculum
Series item number: 1.1.037
Agency item number: 10
Archival code: R
Retention: PS+3
Appraisal decision:
This series contains a variety of educational-related topics, but
little on the topic it is supposed to document, educational curriculum.
Since the SSC was never finished, it appears that many, if not most,
of the educational proposals were never implemented, which may be why
there is not much on this topic here. Much of the material concerns
higher education inducements, which is summarized adequately in the
meeting minutes of the Commission and its committees, in the series
Commission meetings and Commission committee meetings.
The other topics, requests of TNRLC's participation in programs, inquiries
as to availability of funding, etc., are also discussed in the meeting
minutes of the Commission's committees. That is sufficient coverage
for these topics. These materials have been appraised to be non-archival.
They have not yet fulfilled their retention period and will be maintained
by the Texas General Services Commission until 2002.
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Records Series Review
Series Title: Relocation inducements
Agency: Texas National Research Laboratory Commission
Archival holdings:
This series contains memos, correspondence, proposals, and financial
summaries, dating 1987-1993. The topics covered focus on relocation
inducements made by the Texas National Research Laboratory Commission
(TNRLC) to aid with the relocation of top scientists and other key personnel
to the Superconducting Super Collider Laboratory (SSCL). Specific materials
present include memorandum, correspondence between the Commission and
the SSC Lab, correspondence with banks and mortgage companies, and correspondence
and proposals from third party relocation services offering their services.
The TNRLC provided several types of financial assistance to key SSCL
personnel, including supplementing salaries, paying mortgage payments
on previous residences of key personnel (including mortgage interest,
hazard insurance, real estate taxes, utilities, and maintenance payments),
and working with banks and loan companies to make available below market
rate mortgage loans to key personnel for new residences.
This topic is also discussed in the series Commission committee
meetings, primarily in the files of a standing committee, the Executive
Committee on Inducements; and to a lesser extent in the series Commission
meetings, where topics such as this were summarized in committee
reports.
Size of the files totals 1 cubic ft.
Purpose:
Documents the relocation inducements the agency made to aid with
the relocation of top scientists and other key personnel to the SSC.
Agency program:
The Texas National Research Laboratory Commission (TNRLC) was created
in 1985 by the 69th Legislature, Senate Bill 1169. The Commission was
initially created to prepare one or more proposals for siting the Superconducting
Super Collider (SSC) in Texas. The SSC was a super collider high-energy
research facility sponsored and authorized by the United States government
as part of the U. S. Department of Energy (DOE).
The Department of Energy selected the Dallas/Fort Worth area site,
in Ellis County, for the location of the SSC in January 1989. The role
of the Commission changed from securing the site to overseeing the state's
responsibilities in the SSC project. Congress appropriated $268 million
for the SSC in FY90, including initial funds for construction. In January
1989 the DOE contracted with a non-profit group, Universities Research
Association, to manage and operate the construction and scientific programs
of the Superconducting Super Collider Laboratory (SSCL). The SSCL carried
out DOE contract activities at the SSC site with DOE maintaining oversight.
The TNRLC maintained a close working relationship with the Department
of Energy and the SSCL while carrying out the state's responsibilities.
The Superconducting Super Collider was never finished. In October 1993,
the U. S. Congress discontinued federal funding for the construction
of the SSC and appropriated $640 million in FY94 for the termination
of the project. Terms of the state-federal settlement included cash
payments of $210 million, transfers of federally-owned personal and
real property, and restoration of the site. The Texas National Research
Laboratory Commission ceased operations during the 1996-1997 biennium.
(Vernon's Ann. Civ. St., Chapter 465)
Arrangement: Topical
Access constraints: None
Use constraints: None
Indexes or finding aids required for/or an aid to access? None
Gaps: None
Problems: None
Known related records in other agencies: None
Previous destructions:
Destruction requests on file in the Archives and Information Services
Division of the Library and Archives Commission were checked for the
Texas National Research Laboratory Commission and none were found for
this series or for equivalent or related series.
Publications based on records: None
Series data from agency schedule:
Title: Relocation inducements
Series item number: 1.1
Agency item number: 40
Archival code: R
Retention: AC+5
Appraisal decision:
This series contains administrative files that document the relocation
inducements made by the TNRLC at the request of the SSC Lab to aid with
the relocation of top scientists and other key personnel to the SSC.
Relocation inducements are discussed and summarized adequately in the
meeting minutes of the Commission and it's committees, in the series
Commission meetings and Commission committee meetings.
That is sufficient coverage for this topic. These materials have been
appraised to be non-archival. They have not yet fulfilled their retention
period and will be maintained by the Texas General Services Commission
until 2002.
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Records Series Review
Series Title: Regional university consortia - grants and proposals
Agency: Texas National Research Laboratory Commission
Archival holdings:
This series consists of correspondence, memos, reports, grant proposals,
contracts, financial reports, and meeting transcripts, dating 1989-1992.
The materials concern the research and development program funded by
the Texas National Research Laboratory Commission (TNRLC). The Commission
dedicated $100 million to the support of Superconducting Super Collider
(SSC) related research and development. A Research and Development Review
panel of experts was developed which reviewed proposals and made recommendations
to the Commission of projects to fund. The Commission made the final
determination of which projects to fund at their meetings. Funding was
granted initially for a year for those projects awarded funds. There
are three basic sets of files which document this process--administrative
files, proposals submitted, and project files.
The administrative files consist of correspondence and memoranda concerning
the startup of the research and development program, creation of the
proposal format, assignment of rights of research projects funded by
the TNRLC, wording of grant agreements, requests for information about
the program or about Commission funding in general, lists of proposed
projects, lists of accepted proposals for funding, requests for continued
funding for projects for additional years, letters of appreciation to
the Research and Development review panel members, letters to commissioners
about upcoming agenda items re: the R&D grant program, and transcripts
of some of the Commission's Research and Education Committee meetings.
The proposals consist of the proposals submitted requesting funding.
These were sometimes accompanied by letters of support, such as from
university presidents or congressmen. The cover sheet contains an area
indicating approval by the Commission. There is a set of these files
with nothing written in the approval section.
The project files consist of the proposal, the research agreements,
any subcontracts decided upon for the project, quarterly progress reports,
final financial reports (detailing the computation of the amount requested
and the status of the funds used), and the final narrative performance
report. This report described the work accomplished, number of graduate
students or other students involved, any publications done, lectures
given, any theses or dissertations produced, and any patents filed.
Also present is correspondence with the universities or researchers
about the project, mostly concerning reports due, requests for no-costs
extensions to finish up the work, requests of sub-contract work, and
budget discrepancies.
The research and development proposals and funded projects are discussed
in the series Commission meetings and Commission committee
meetings. In the latter series they are primarily covered in the
files of a standing committee, the Research and Education Committee.
Size of the files totals about 20 cubic ft.
Purpose:
These materials document the research and development program funded
by the TNRLC.
Agency program:
The Texas National Research Laboratory Commission (TNRLC) was created
in 1985 by the 69th Legislature, Senate Bill 1169. The Commission was
initially created to prepare one or more proposals for siting the Superconducting
Super Collider (SSC) in Texas. The SSC was a super collider high-energy
research facility sponsored and authorized by the United States government
as part of the U. S. Department of Energy (DOE).
The Department of Energy selected the Dallas/Fort Worth area site,
in Ellis County, for the location of the SSC in January 1989. The role
of the Commission changed from securing the site to overseeing the state's
responsibilities in the SSC project. In 1990, the Commission initiated
a land acquisition program to acquire clear title to about 16,550 acres
in Ellis County. Other programs begun were a Regulatory Management Program,
to facilitate acquisition of required permits for constructing and operating
the super collider; a Research and Development program designed to support
research programs at the site and at universities and laboratories throughout
the world, and to heighten the importance of science education; and
a Site Development program, to coordinate planning and review during
construction of the super collider, facilitate the infrastructure needs
of the SSC project, including utilities and transportation, and to develop
measures to mitigate impacts on the site region.
Congress appropriated $268 million for the SSC in FY90, including initial
funds for construction. In January 1989 the DOE contracted with a non-profit
group, Universities Research Association, to manage and operate the
construction and scientific programs of the Superconducting Super Collider
Laboratory (SSCL). The SSCL carried out DOE contract activities at the
SSC site with DOE maintaining oversight. The TNRLC maintained a close
working relationship with the Department of Energy and the SSCL while
carrying out the state's responsibilities.
The Commission dedicated $100 million over a 10 year period to the
support of SSC-related research and development. The program was administered
by the Commission. A Research and Development Review panel of physicists
of international stature, along with representatives from the SSCL,
the DOE, and the TNRLC was established, which reviewed proposals and
made recommendations to the Commission of projects to fund. The Commission
made the final determination of which projects received funding.
The Superconducting Super Collider was never finished. In October 1993,
the U. S. Congress discontinued federal funding for the construction
of the SSC and appropriated $640 million in FY94 for the termination
of the project. Terms of the state-federal settlement included cash
payments of $210 million, transfers of federally-owned personal and
real property, and restoration of the site. The Texas National Research
Laboratory Commission ceased operations during the 1996-1997 biennium.
(Vernon's Ann. Civ. St., Chapter 465)
Arrangement: Topical; project files by university
Access constraints:
The grant agreements contain an identifying number on the cover,
often a social security number.
Use constraints: None
Indexes or finding aids required for/or an aid to access? No
Gaps: None
Problems: None
Known related records in other agencies: None
Previous destructions:
Destruction requests on file in the Archives and Information Services
Division of the Library and Archives Commission were checked for the
Texas National Research Laboratory Commission and none were found for
this series or for equivalent or related series.
Publications based on records:
Many of the projects funded produced publications, which are listed
in the final performance report done for each project.
Series data from agency schedule:
Title: Regional university consortia - grants and proposals
Series item number: 1.1
Agency item number: 50
Archival code: R
Retention: AC+3
Appraisal decision:
This series contains records from the Research and Development program
of the TNRLC, covering the establishment of the program and discussing
proposals received and grants awarded. While this was an important function
of the agency, it does not require detailed coverage of which proposals
were received and what grants were awarded. Summary documentation of
the program is covered adequately in the series Commission meetings
and Commission committee meetings, and in the annual reports
of the Commission. We have appraised as archival the final narrative
reports produced by the grant recipients because they describe the work
undertaken for their projects. The remainder of the materials have been
determined to be non-archival. The retention period for these records
has been fulfilled.
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Records Series Review
Series Title: Superconducting Super Collider Fellowships- administration
of program
Agency: Texas National Research Laboratory Commission
Archival holdings:
This series consists of correspondence, financial records, reports,
proposals, agreements, and other materials documenting the administration
of the Superconducting Super Collider (SSC) Fellowship program. Dates
covered are 1979-1994 (bulk 1989-1993). The Superconducting Super Collider
Laboratory (SSCL) and Texas National Research Laboratory Commission
(TNRLC) created a fellowship program for young scientists to prepare
an imaginative program of research for the SSC. The SSCL selected the
fellows and the TNRLC provided the funding. Specific types of records
present include internal memoranda and correspondence between the TNRLC
and the SSCL over administration of the program, letters notifying the
nominees of their acceptance or rejection as fellows, lists of fellows,
internal tracking sheets, and files on each of the fellows. These latter
files contain the fellow's research proposal, letters of nomination,
correspondence with fellows re: finances, signed award agreements, budget
summaries, purchase vouchers, financial reports (giving computation
of amount of remittance and budget summaries), and final progress reports.
The progress reports provide a summary of research activities, list
their most tangible accomplishments during the year, list papers and
reports produced, and provide copies of some of the papers and reports.
Also present are a few materials from other grant programs, likely
used as references for establishing this program, dating 1979-1989.
Summary discussion of this program can be found in the Commission
meetings series, and in the Commission committee meetings
series, primarily in the minutes of the Research and Education standing
committee.
Size of the files totals 5 cubic ft.
Purpose:
These materials document the funding of the SSC Fellowship program
by the TNRLC.
Agency program:
The Texas National Research Laboratory Commission (TNRLC) was created
in 1985 by the 69th Legislature, Senate Bill 1169. The Commission was
initially created to prepare one or more proposals for siting the Superconducting
Super Collider (SSC) in Texas. The SSC was a super collider high-energy
research facility sponsored and authorized by the United States government
as part of the U. S. Department of Energy (DOE).
The Department of Energy selected the Dallas/Fort Worth area site,
in Ellis County, for the location of the SSC in January 1989. The role
of the Commission changed from securing the site to overseeing the state's
responsibilities in the SSC project. In 1990, the Commission initiated
a land acquisition program to acquire clear title to about 16,550 acres
in Ellis County. Other programs begun were a Regulatory Management Program,
to facilitate acquisition of required permits for constructing and operating
the super collider; a Research and Development program designed to support
research programs at the site and at universities and laboratories throughout
the world, and to heighten the importance of science education; and
a Site Development program, to coordinate planning and review during
construction of the super collider, facilitate the infrastructure needs
of the SSC project, including utilities and transportation, and to develop
measures to mitigate impacts on the site region.
Congress appropriated $268 million for the SSC in FY90, including initial
funds for construction. In January 1989 the DOE contracted with a non-profit
group, Universities Research Association, to manage and operate the
construction and scientific programs of the Superconducting Super Collider
Laboratory (SSCL). The SSCL carried out DOE contract activities at the
SSC site with DOE maintaining oversight. The TNRLC maintained a close
working relationship with the Department of Energy and the SSCL while
carrying out the state's responsibilities.
The TNRLC and the SSCL established a national SSC Fellowship program
in 1989 and began awarding fellowships in 1990. It was created to encourage
young scientists in the United States to prepare an imaginative program
of research for the SSC. Twelve postdoctoral Research Association and
twelve junior faculty members at United States universities and national
labs were selected annually for a year-long, non-renewable fellowship.
Applicants were nominated by senior members of their departments or
research groups. The SSCL selected a panel of scientists to review the
nominations and make recommendations. The fellows were then selected
by the SSCL. The TNRLC provided the funding for the program, which would
cover things such as salaries, fringe benefits, and travel expenses
to attend workshops, seminars, etc. Funding for the project was terminated
in 1994.
The Superconducting Super Collider was never finished. In October 1993,
the U. S. Congress discontinued federal funding for the construction
of the SSC and appropriated $640 million in FY94 for the termination
of the project. Terms of the state-federal settlement included cash
payments of $210 million, transfers of federally-owned personal and
real property, and restoration of the site. The Texas National Research
Laboratory Commission ceased operations during the 1996-1997 biennium.
(Vernon's Ann. Civ. St., Chapter 465)
Arrangement: Mostly by fiscal year, then by fellow.
Access constraints: None
Use constraints: None
Indexes or finding aids required for/or an aid to access? No
Gaps: None
Problems: None
Known related records in other agencies:
More detailed information about the selection of fellows and administration
of the program can be found in the records of the U. S. Department of
Energy, Superconducting Super Collider Project Office, Record Group
434, National Archives and Records Administration, Southwest Region,
Fort Worth, Texas.
Previous destructions:
Destruction requests on file in the Archives and Information Services
Division of the Library and Archives Commission were checked for the
Texas National Research Laboratory Commission and none were found for
this series or for equivalent or related series.
Publications based on records:
Several publications resulted from fellows' work. A list is available
in each fellow's file.
Series data from agency schedule:
Title: SSC Fellowships - administration of program
Series item number: 4.7
Agency item number: 51
Archival code: R
Retention: AC+3
Appraisal decision:
These records document the funding of the SSC fellowship program.
The TNRLC's involvement in this program was to provide funding for the
fellows to conduct research. This is a fairly routine financial activity
and does not require further documentation. Summary documentation of
the program can be found in the series Commission meetings, Commission
committee meetings, and annual reports. This is sufficient documentation
of this activity. These records have been appraised to be non-archival.
They have not yet fulfilled their retention period and will be maintained
by the Texas General Services Commission until 2002.
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Records Series Review
Series Title: Legal opinions
Agency: Texas National Research Laboratory Commission
Archival holdings:
This series contains legal opinions, correspondence, memos, proposals,
contracts, billing statements, and other materials, dating 1990, 1993-1996.
The Texas National Research Laboratory Commission (TNRLC) employed outside
legal counsel for much of their legal advice, with the approval of the
Texas Attorney General's Office. Specific materials present include
internal memoranda; correspondence with the attorney general's office
concerning employing outside counsel and contracts; correspondence with
outside counsel re: contracts, issues the attorneys were advising on,
and billing and other administrative details; billing statements; contracts;
and a proposal to hire outside counsel. The outside counsel provided
consultation on a number of issues, including obtaining access to survey
properties of owners, Texas sublease agreement with the DOE, redemption
provisions of 1991 revenue bonds and other bond concerns, federal tax
considerations, TNRLC's options with the loss of federal funding for
the super collider, and the settlement process with the U. S. Department
of Energy (DOE).
The opinions are marked confidential, attorney-client privilege. However,
the agency is defunct, the need for confidentiality is past, and the
Texas State Library and Archives Commission now owns the records. The
Commission waives the attorney-client privilege exception to the Public
Information Act.
Some of these issues are also covered in the series, Commission
meetings .
The Texas attorney general's office may have copies of some of these
materials in their files for this agency, but since most of the legal
work needed by the TNRLC was provided by outside legal counsel, they
may not have retained such materials.
Size of the files totals 0.5 cubic ft.
Purpose:
The series documents legal advice from outside legal counsel.
Agency program:
The Texas National Research Laboratory Commission (TNRLC) was created
in 1985 by the 69th Legislature, Senate Bill 1169. The Commission was
initially created to prepare one or more proposals for siting the Superconducting
Super Collider (SSC) in Texas. The SSC was a super collider high-energy
research facility sponsored and authorized by the United States government
as part of the U. S. Department of Energy (DOE).
The Department of Energy selected the Dallas/Fort Worth area site,
in Ellis County, for the location of the SSC in January 1989. The role
of the Commission changed from securing the site to overseeing the state's
responsibilities in the SSC project. In 1990, the Commission initiated
a land acquisition program to acquire clear title to about 16,550 acres
in Ellis County. Other programs begun were a Regulatory Management Program,
to facilitate acquisition of required permits for constructing and operating
the super collider; a Research and Development program designed to support
research programs at the site and at universities and laboratories throughout
the world, and to heighten the importance of science education; and
a Site Development program, to coordinate planning and review during
construction of the super collider, facilitate the infrastructure needs
of the SSC project, including utilities and transportation, and to develop
measures to mitigate impacts on the site region.
Congress appropriated $268 million for the SSC in FY90, including initial
funds for construction. In January 1989 the DOE contracted with a non-profit
group, Universities Research Association, to manage and operate the
construction and scientific programs of the Superconducting Super Collider
Laboratory (SSCL). The SSCL carried out DOE contract activities at the
SSC site with DOE maintaining oversight. The TNRLC maintained a close
working relationship with the Department of Energy and the SSCL while
carrying out the state's responsibilities.
The final environmental impact statement was approved by the DOE in
1991. It was determined by the DOE that the SSC would have no significant
environmental impact on Ellis County. The Magnet Development Laboratory
was then completed and employees began working at the site. Congress
appropriated $483.7 million for the project for federal fiscal year
1992. The baseline cost for completion of the SSC was established by
the DOE at $8.249 billion, which included the $1 billion Texas contribution,
$5.9 billion from the federal government, and the balance from other
sources, primarily foreign investments.
The Superconducting Super Collider was never finished. In October 1993,
the U. S. Congress discontinued federal funding for the construction
of the SSC and appropriated $640 million in FY94 for the termination
of the project. Terms of the state-federal settlement included cash
payments of $210 million, transfers of federally-owned personal and
real property, and restoration of the site. The Texas National Research
Laboratory Commission ceased operations during the 1996-1997 biennium.
(Vernon's Ann. Civ. St., Chapter 465)
Arrangement: By name of counsel
Access constraints: None
Use constraints: None
Indexes or finding aids required for/or an aid to access? No
Gaps: None known
Problems: None
Known related records in other agencies: None
Previous destructions:
Destruction requests on file in the Archives and Information Services
Division of the Library and Archives Commission were checked for the
Texas National Research Laboratory Commission and none were found for
this series or for equivalent or related series.
Publications based on records: None
Series data from agency schedule: Not on schedule
Appraisal decision:
These materials document legal issues on which the agency felt it
needed outside advice to handle correctly. There are several important
issues discussed, especially concerning the ending of the project and
the settlement process, which were significant subjects dealt with by
the TNRLC. While these issues are discussed to some degree in the minutes,
the full opinions and range of advice offered by the outside counsel
need to be retained. This series has been appraised to be archival.
return to top
Records Series Review
Series Title: Reports and studies on possible uses for Superconducting
Super Collider assets
Agency: Texas National Research Laboratory Commission
Archival holdings:
This series consists of reports, studies, correspondence, memoranda,
committee meeting files and minutes, administrative files, and other
materials resulting from the efforts of the Texas National Research
Laboratory Commission (TNRLC) and the U. S. Department of Energy (DOE)
to explore possible uses for the Superconducting Super Collider (SSC)
assets and facilities following the loss of federal funding in 1993.
Dates covered in this series are c. 1990-1995 (bulk 1993-1995).
In late 1993 the TNRLC and the DOE put out a call for proposals, known
as Expressions of Interest (EOIs) for uses of the major systems and
facilities developed for the SSC so as to maximize the value of the
investment made in the SSC. Thirty-four submissions were received, twenty-five
suggesting on-site use of the facilities and assets. These twenty-five
submissions were then reviewed by an expert panel established by the
DOE in cooperation with the TNRLC, which provided assessments of the
submissions. The DOE prepared a report that recommended several specific
fields of use as candidate topics for DOE grant applications for project
definition studies. Grants were awarded in July 1994 with reports due
by the end of October 1994. The fields of use receiving grant money
to conduct project definition studies were a) velocity of light in a
magnetic field, b) cryogenic helium gas convection research, c) a geotechnical
research facility at the SSC site in Texas, d) research and science
education center, e) minority institution network access to the SSC
Facility, and f) regional industrial technology center.
While the EOI process was going on, the state of Texas was conducting
its own studies for future uses of the SSC. In December of 1993 Governor
Ann Richards established the Governor's Advisory Committee on the Superconducting
Super Collider. The Committee produced a report in February 1994 recommending
studies in four areas of potential uses of SSC assets. The DOE awarded
the TNRLC a grant of up to $6 million to prepare project definition
studies in the four areas. These areas were a) research and development
in superconductivity and cryogenics, b) high-performance computing,
c) medical technology based on use of the SSC linear accelerator (LINAC),
d) restoration of Blackland Prairie at the SSC site. An advisory panel
of experts was established for each category to assist the TNRLC with
the study. Management and technical support was supplied by the Universities
Research Association and the Lockheed Science and Engineering Company.
The studies were completed in 1994-1995.
These records document both of these processes. Correspondence, memos,
EOI submissions (proposals), and final reports of the project definition
studies are present. The parallel process undertaken by the Governor's
Advisory Committee to the SSC is very well documented, more so than
the EOI process. Types of records present concerning that process include
agenda, minutes, correspondence and memoranda, membership rosters, proposals
presented to the committee for consideration, reports presented to Governor
Richards, presentation materials prepared by the TNRLC for the DOE on
accomplishments and progress of the studies, budget status, recommendations
of advisory panel members, the final reports, notes, and reference materials.
Some discussion of this process is available in the series Commission
meetings.
The boxes are marked confidential, but no reasons are given. It may
be because this was a work in progress and the agency did not want the
reports being available until firm decisions were made concerning the
uses of the site. The retention schedule for the series states the reports
become an open record at the completion of the project. No restrictions
are imposed by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission.
Size of the files totals 26 cubic ft.
Purpose:
This series documents the efforts of the agency, along with the
Department of Energy, to explore possible uses for the SSC assets and
facilities following the loss of federal funding in 1993.
Agency program:
The Texas National Research Laboratory Commission (TNRLC) was created
in 1985 by the 69th Legislature, Senate Bill 1169. The Commission was
initially created to prepare one or more proposals for siting the Superconducting
Super Collider (SSC) in Texas. The SSC was a super collider high-energy
research facility sponsored and authorized by the United States government
as part of the U. S. Department of Energy (DOE).
The Department of Energy selected the Dallas/Fort Worth area site,
in Ellis County, for the location of the SSC in January 1989. The role
of the Commission changed from securing the site to overseeing the state's
responsibilities in the SSC project. In 1990, the Commission initiated
a land acquisition program to acquire clear title to about 16,550 acres
in Ellis County. Congress appropriated $268 million for the SSC in FY90,
including initial funds for construction. In January 1989 the DOE contracted
with a non-profit group, Universities Research Association, to manage
and operate the construction and scientific programs of the Superconducting
Super Collider Laboratory (SSCL). The SSCL carried out DOE contract
activities at the SSC site with DOE maintaining oversight. The TNRLC
maintained a close working relationship with the Department of Energy
and the SSCL while carrying out the state's responsibilities.
The final environmental impact statement was approved by the DOE in
1991. It was determined by the DOE that the SSC would have no significant
environmental impact on Ellis County. The Magnet Development Laboratory
was then completed and employees began working at the site. Congress
appropriated $483.7 million for the project for federal fiscal year
1992. The baseline cost for completion of the SSC was established by
the DOE at $8.249 billion, which included the $1 billion Texas contribution,
$5.9 billion from the federal government, and the balance from other
sources, primarily foreign investments.
The Superconducting Super Collider was never finished. In October 1993,
the U. S. Congress discontinued federal funding for the construction
of the SSC and appropriated $640 million in FY94 for the termination
of the project. Terms of the state-federal settlement included cash
payments of $210 million, transfers of federally-owned personal and
real property, and restoration of the site. The Texas National Research
Laboratory Commission ceased operations during the 1996-1997 biennium.
(Vernon's Ann. Civ. St., Chapter 465)
Arrangement: Topical
Access constraints: None
Use constraints: None
Indexes or finding aids required for/or an aid to access? No
Gaps: None
Problems: None
Known related records in other agencies:
Related records can be found in the records of the U. S. Department
of Energy, Superconducting Super Collider Project Office, Record Group
434, National Archives and Records Administration, Southwest Region,
Fort Worth, Texas.
Previous destructions:
Destruction requests on file in the Archives and Information Services
Division of the Library and Archives Commission were checked for the
Texas National Research Laboratory Commission and none were found for
this series or for equivalent or related series.
Publications based on records: Unknown
Suggested series from agency schedule:
Title: Confidential administrative reports
Series item number: 1.1.031
Agency item number: 49
Archival code: R
Retention: AC+3
Appraisal decision:
This series documents the efforts of the agency and the DOE to find
other uses for the SSC and its assets. A lot of time and effort was
put into this process and these records provide good documentation of
the process. Because the SSC was such a unique project to the state
and because we do not know what future uses may still be possible from
the work that was accomplished, this series has been appraised to be
archival.
return
to top
Records Series Review
Series Title: Reports
Agency: Texas National Research Laboratory Commission
Archival holdings:
This series consists of reports likely maintained in the library
at the offices of the Texas National Research Laboratory Commission
(TNRLC). Dates covered are 1984-1993. The most voluminous set are a
group of reports by Perryman Consultants, dating c. 1990. Series title
is Comprehensive Demographic and Economic Profile of Ellis County
and an Economic Development Plan to be Implemented as a Component of
the Land Use and Infrastructure Plan in Association with the Superconducting
Super Collider in Ellis County, Texas. This report includes an economic
overview and projections, quality of life profile, and target industry
analysis and profiles. Data is presented for Ellis, Dallas, and Tarrant
counties, for the primary impact area, and for the region of influence.
Information gathered for each of these areas includes economic data
(salaries, labor productivity, gross product, retail sales, etc.), and
occupation profiles (total occupations, mining, construction, trade,
finance, insurance, real estate, manufacturing, government, transportation,
agriculture, etc.). Following each of these categories is comprehensive
planning data. There were 19 volumes produced in this report, only volumes
1-16 are present in this series. A related set of reports re: the economic
impact of the SSC in the United States and in some individual states
was done in 1993 by Ray Perryman, consisting largely of bound news releases
by Perryman Consultants. These can be found in the series Public
Affairs - Press Releases and media lists. Further economic studies
can be found in the series Site development - Special projects project
files, and the series Site development - Socioeconomic monitoring
files.
Also present is another multi-volume report, the Land Use and Infrastructure
Plan, prepared by Johnson, Johnson and Roy/Inc. in 1991 for the
TNRLC. The 71 st Legislature (Senate Bill 852) granted Ellis County
the first county wide planning and zoning powers in the state in order
to insure compatibility with the SSC. The land use and infrastructure
plan covered
- infrastructure planning and other civil engineering concerns
- planning for the development of public community facilities
- development of a county-wide thoroughfare plan
- economic feasibility of the plan
- development of needed ordinances for plan implementation (zoning,
subdivision regulations, etc.)
- coordination of citizen involvement and interaction with local elected
officials.
The overall project focused on unincorporated areas of the county and
was designed in four phases:
- the discovery phase - what is Ellis County
- what can Ellis County become
- the comprehensive plan - what Ellis County ought to become
- the implementation phase - what does Ellis County need to do.
We hold the reports for phase 1 (3 volumes) and phase 3 (only volume
2). Additional planning materials (primarily correspondence and working
papers) can be found in the series Site development - Planning and
zoning information.
The third multi-volume report present is the SSC Conceptual Design
Report and the attachments, dating March 1996. This was prepared
by the SSC Central Design Group, which was operated by the Universities
Research Association. In July 1983 the High Energy Physics Advisory
Panel of the DOE recommended the immediate development of a super collider.
Subsequent to this, the DOE launched a research and development program
aimed at establishing a sound technical base for the design of the SSC.
The conceptual design report, requested by DOE, incorporated the results
of the SSC Research and Development program. It presented a discussion
of scientific needs, a technically feasible design based on extensive
accelerator physics studies, and a detailed cost estimate and construction
schedule based on the design. A supplemental conceptual design report
was done in 1989 and site specific conceptual design reports were done
in 1990, but those reports are not present in this series.
Also present are some reports done for early studies to provide geological
and geotechnical data about the Dallas/Fort Worth site for the Texas
SSC proposal. The first report is Preliminary Geotechnical Investigation,
Dallas/Fort Worth Site, Superconducting Super Collider Project, Ellis
County, Texas. This was done in July 1987 by Mason Johnston and
Associates, Inc., for the Dallas/Fort Worth Superconducting Super Collider
Authority. Another report done for the D/FW SSC Authority in July 1987
was by Southwestern Laboratories, Geotechnical Explorations Laboratory
Testing for Dallas/Fort Worth SSC Project, Ellis County, Texas.
This latter report is accompanied by photographs of boring core samples
and a map of the proposed SSC layout within the county.
Other reports present are:
- report by Texas Utilities Electric Company, done in March 1988,
containing information about the operations of the company requested
by the TNRLC for use in their response to DOE about utility issues.
- Report of the Ellis County Environmental Review Committee for
the Superconducting Super Collider, prepared by this committee
for the TNRLC and the DOE, in March 1988. We have volume one in this
series. Volume two contains appendices and is not present. This report
discusses concerns addressed through public meetings held by this
committee to seek public input related to the potential environmental
impacts of siting the SSC in Ellis County.
- Economic Impacts of a Texas-based SSC project on other states.
It was prepared by Southwest Econometrics, Inc. for the TNRLC in February
1988.
- Preliminary Engineering Report, Ellis County Regional Water Plan,
January 1993, prepared by Espey, Huston and Associates, Inc. in association
with Alan Plummer and Associates, Inc.
Two briefing books are filed in this series - Office of the SSC,
Briefing on project status, September 1989, prepared by the DOE;
and SSC Briefing Book - FY1993 for the Federal Energy and Water Development
Appropriation Bill. This was prepared by the Superconducting Super
Collider Laboratory (SSCL) in 1992.
Size of the files totals 10 cubic ft.
Purpose:
This series primarily contains reports prepared to assist in getting
the SSC to Texas and studies done by or for the TNRLC to assist with
their site development duties.
Agency program:
The Texas National Research Laboratory Commission (TNRLC) was created
in 1985 by the 69th Legislature, Senate Bill 1169. The Commission was
initially created to prepare one or more proposals for siting the Superconducting
Super Collider (SSC) in Texas. The SSC was a super collider high-energy
research facility sponsored and authorized by the United States government
as part of the U. S. Department of Energy (DOE). In 1983, the U. S.
physics community recommended the DOE give the highest priority to building
a superconducting super collider. According to the SSC Conceptual Design
Report, "The purpose of the SSC was to accelerate and guide oppositely
directed and tightly focused streams of ultra high energy protons into
collision, thereby releasing enormous energy into a volume of subnuclear
size, creating conditions believed to have occurred during the first
moments of our universe." A conceptual design effort began and in 1987
the President of the United States authorized the DOE to go forward
with the project. States were then invited to submit proposals for siting
the SSC in their state.
The Department of Energy selected the Dallas/Fort Worth area site,
in Ellis County, for the location of the SSC in January 1989. The role
of the Commission changed from securing the site to overseeing the state's
responsibilities in the SSC project. In 1990, the Commission initiated
a land acquisition program to acquire clear title to about 16,550 acres
in Ellis County. Other programs begun were a Regulatory Management Program,
to facilitate acquisition of required permits for constructing and operating
the super collider; a Research and Development program designed to support
research programs at the site and at universities and laboratories throughout
the world, and to heighten the importance of science education; and
a Site Development program, to coordinate planning and review during
construction of the super collider, facilitate the infrastructure needs
of the SSC project, including utilities and transportation, and to develop
measures to mitigate impacts on the site region.
Congress appropriated $268 million for the SSC in FY90, including initial
funds for construction. In January 1989 the DOE contracted with a non-profit
group, Universities Research Association, to manage and operate the
construction and scientific programs of the Superconducting Super Collider
Laboratory (SSCL). The SSCL carried out DOE contract activities at the
SSC site with DOE maintaining oversight. The TNRLC maintained a close
working relationship with the Department of Energy and the SSCL while
carrying out the state's responsibilities.
The final environmental impact statement was approved by the DOE in
1991. It was determined by the DOE that the SSC would have no significant
environmental impact on Ellis County. The Magnet Development Laboratory
was then completed and employees began working at the site. Congress
appropriated $483.7 million for the project for federal fiscal year
1992. The baseline cost for completion of the SSC was established by
the DOE at $8.249 billion, which included the $1 billion Texas contribution,
$5.9 billion from the federal government, and the balance from other
sources, primarily foreign investments.
The Superconducting Super Collider was never finished. In October 1993,
the U. S. Congress discontinued federal funding for the construction
of the SSC and appropriated $640 million in FY94 for the termination
of the project. Terms of the state-federal settlement included cash
payments of $210 million, transfers of federally-owned personal and
real property, and restoration of the site. The Texas National Research
Laboratory Commission ceased operations during the 1996-1997 biennium.
(Vernon's Ann. Civ. St., Chapter 465)
Arrangement: Topical
Access constraints: None
Use constraints: None
Indexes or finding aids required for/or an aid to access? No
Gaps: Missing some volumes, as noted in Archival holdings.
Problems: None
Known related records in other agencies:
Related reports can be found in the records of the U. S. Department
of Energy, Superconducting Super Collider Laboratory, filed in the Federal
Records Center of the National Archives and Records Administration,
Fort Worth, Texas.
Previous destructions:
Destruction requests on file in the Archives and Information Services
Division of the Library and Archives Commission were checked for the
Texas National Research Laboratory Commission and none were found for
this series or for equivalent or related series.
Publications based on records:
Some of these reports are published.
Series data from agency schedule: Not on schedule
Appraisal decision:
These reports document several SSC issues the TNRLC was involved
with, including preliminary work done to assist in locating the SSC
at the Dallas/Fort Worth site and site development issues, specifically
economic impacts of the SSC project and development of a land use and
infrastructure plan. Most of these reports discuss levels of study and
planning in a comprehensive or summary stage, which is a good tool for
documenting some of these issues. Some of the reports, such as the Land
Use and Infrastructure Planning Report have other uses besides their
SSC connection. This particular report provides a model of county planning
not done for any other counties in Texas, and many of the components
studied could be applicable to other growth areas in the state. The
economic reports provide a good demographic and economic study of the
north Texas metroplex area and could be used in researching the history
of the region. And the SSC Conceptual Design Report documents
the scientific needs and plans for the idea of the SSC, a good source
forresearching the origins and history of the SSC. This series has been
appraised to be archival.
return to top
Records Series Review
Series Title: Photographs
Agency: Texas National Research Laboratory Commission
Archival holdings:
This series consists of photographs and negatives of construction
at the Superconducting Super Collider (SSC) site and SSC related activities.
Dates covered are c. 1990-1994. Specific photographic formats include
8 x 10" and 4 x 6" color prints, 35mm color negatives, 2 x 2" color
slides, a few 8 x 10" black and white prints, and a few 4 x 5" color
negatives. Views shown include primarily different stages of construction
activities such as interior and exterior shots of the reconstruction
of the central facility, construction of the magnet development lab,
the linear accelerator, the Accelerator Systems String Test facility
(ASST), the N15 site (a major service area at the site), the tunnel,
and some shafts. Also shown are aerial views of the site; shots of groups;
shots of educational related activities, such as the winning students
in the U. S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Science Bowl contest; and
some pictures of buildings in the vicinity of the site. There are also
several sets of slides from speeches and presentations prepared about
various aspects of the SSC project. Many of the photographs were taken
by the Photographic Services Section of the Superconducting Super Collider
Laboratory (SSCL), some by the Texas National Research Laboratory Commission
(TNRLC).
Size of the files totals about 4 cubic ft.
Purpose:
These photographs provide visual documentation of construction and
other activities at the SSC site.
Agency program:
The Texas National Research Laboratory Commission (TNRLC) was created
in 1985 by the 69th Legislature, Senate Bill 1169. The Commission was
initially created to prepare one or more proposals for siting the Superconducting
Super Collider (SSC) in Texas. The SSC was a super collider high-energy
research facility sponsored and authorized by the United States government
as part of the U. S. Department of Energy (DOE).
The Department of Energy selected the Dallas/Fort Worth area site,
in Ellis County, for the location of the SSC in January 1989. The role
of the Commission changed from securing the site to overseeing the state's
responsibilities in the SSC project. In 1990, the Commission initiated
a land acquisition program to acquire clear title to about 16,550 acres
in Ellis County. Other programs begun were a Regulatory Management Program,
to facilitate acquisition of required permits for constructing and operating
the super collider; a Research and Development program designed to support
research programs at the site and at universities and laboratories throughout
the world, and to heighten the importance of science education; and
a Site Development program, to coordinate planning and review during
construction of the super collider, facilitate the infrastructure needs
of the SSC project, including utilities and transportation, and to develop
measures to mitigate impacts on the site region.
Congress appropriated $268 million for the SSC in FY90, including initial
funds for construction. In January 1989 the DOE contracted with a non-profit
group, Universities Research Association, to manage and operate the
construction and scientific programs of the Superconducting Super Collider
Laboratory (SSCL). The SSCL carried out DOE contract activities at the
SSC site with DOE maintaining oversight. The TNRLC maintained a close
working relationship with the Department of Energy and the SSCL while
carrying out the state's responsibilities.
The final environmental impact statement was approved by the DOE in
1991. It was determined by the DOE that the SSC would have no significant
environmental impact on Ellis County. The Magnet Development Laboratory
was then completed and employees began working at the site. Congress
appropriated $483.7 million for the project for federal fiscal year
1992. The baseline cost for completion of the SSC was established by
the DOE at $8.249 billion, which included the $1 billion Texas contribution,
$5.9 billion from the federal government, and the balance from other
sources, primarily foreign investments.
The Superconducting Super Collider was never finished. In October 1993,
the U. S. Congress discontinued federal funding for the construction
of the SSC and appropriated $640 million in FY94 for the termination
of the project. Terms of the state-federal settlement included cash
payments of $210 million, transfers of federally-owned personal and
real property, and restoration of the site. The Texas National Research
Laboratory Commission ceased operations during the 1996-1997 biennium.
(Vernon's Ann. Civ. St., Chapter 465)
Arrangement: Topical
Access constraints: None
Use constraints: None
Indexes or finding aids required for/or an aid to access? No
Gaps: None
Problems: None
Known related records in other agencies:
Similar visual documentation can be found in the records of the
U. S. Department of Energy, Superconducting Super Collider Project Office,
Record Group 434, National Archives and Records Administration, Southwest
Region, Fort Worth, Texas.
Some photographic documentation created by the Department of Energy,
especially documenting the early history of the site and the SSCL, has
been transferred to the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, Archives,
Superconducting Super Collider records, Batavia, Illinois.
Previous destructions:
Destruction requests on file in the Archives and Information Services
Division of the Library and Archives Commission were checked for the
Texas National Research Laboratory Commission and none were found for
this series or for equivalent or related series.
Publications based on records: None
Series data from agency schedule: Not on schedule
Appraisal decision:
These photographs provide visual documentation of the SSC site by
portraying the various stages through which the facilities and site
itself evolved. These images supplement the records in several of the
site development and construction management series and are a valuable
resource for researchers to use in researching the overall history of
the site and/or various components within the site. This series has
been appraised to be archival.
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Records Series Review
Series Title: Films, videos
Agency: Texas National Research Laboratory Commission
Office of Public Affairs
Archival holdings:
This series consists of videocassettes and audiocassettes of various
Superconducting Super Collider (SSC) related events. Dates covered are
1987-1994. Videos are present in both VHS and betacam formats. A variety
of events and topics can be found in these videos, including videos
of public meetings, primarily land acquisition meetings; overviews of
the SSC project; scientific value of SSC research and activities; news
releases, such as SSC tunnel boring; details of the Superconducting
Super Collider Laboratory (SSCL) and other facilities; site tours given
for dignitaries, such as for Governor Ann Richards; interviews with
SSC scientists or staff; debates on the SSC in the U. S. House of Representatives;
promotional videos about the SSC project; and videotapes of SSC conferences.
The audiocassettes consist of hearing masters from 1988 Texas SSC authority
meetings, tapes from meetings about the socioeconomic monitoring and
mitigation plan (SMMP), and tapes of radio broadcasts from interviews
with SSC staff or scientists and from radio call-in shows.
Size of the files totals about 7 cubic ft.
Purpose:
This series documents some of the efforts of the Public Affairs
Office to disseminate information about the SSC project to the public
and also documents some TNRLC activities, such as conducting public
meetings.
Agency program:
The Texas National Research Laboratory Commission (TNRLC) was created
in 1985 by the 69th Legislature, Senate Bill 1169. The Commission was
initially created to prepare one or more proposals for siting the Superconducting
Super Collider (SSC) in Texas. The SSC was a super collider high-energy
research facility sponsored and authorized by the United States government
as part of the U. S. Department of Energy (DOE).
The Department of Energy selected the Dallas/Fort Worth area site,
in Ellis County, for the location of the SSC in January 1989. The role
of the Commission changed from securing the site to overseeing the state's
responsibilities in the SSC project. In 1990, the Commission initiated
a land acquisition program to acquire clear title to about 16,550 acres
in Ellis County. Other programs begun were a Regulatory Management Program,
to facilitate acquisition of required permits for constructing and operating
the super collider; a Research and Development program designed to support
research programs at the site and at universities and laboratories throughout
the world, and to heighten the importance of science education; and
a Site Development program, to coordinate planning and review during
construction of the super collider, facilitate the infrastructure needs
of the SSC project, including utilities and transportation, and to develop
measures to mitigate impacts on the site region.
Part of the TNRLC's responsibilities was to disseminate information
about the SSC project and the agency to the public and others. This
was carried out through the agency's Office of Public Affairs. This
office disseminated information about the SSC, the agency, the site,
and related subjects to Commission members, staff, contractors, media,
other government agencies, and the general public. They operated several
informational offices, manned a toll-free hot line, issued a regular
newsletter and press releases, coordinated site tours, provided speakers
to groups, assisted with speech preparation, prepared informational
packets and papers, and monitored media coverage.
Congress appropriated $268 million for the SSC in FY90, including initial
funds for construction. In January 1989 the DOE contracted with a non-profit
group, Universities Research Association, to manage and operate the
construction and scientific programs of the Superconducting Super Collider
Laboratory (SSCL). The SSCL carried out DOE contract activities at the
SSC site with DOE maintaining oversight. The TNRLC maintained a close
working relationship with the Department of Energy and the SSCL while
carrying out the state's responsibilities.
The final environmental impact statement was approved by the DOE in
1991. It was determined by the DOE that the SSC would have no significant
environmental impact on Ellis County. The Magnet Development Laboratory
was then completed and employees began working at the site. Congress
appropriated $483.7 million for the project for federal fiscal year
1992. The baseline cost for completion of the SSC was established by
the DOE at $8.249 billion, which included the $1 billion Texas contribution,
$5.9 billion from the federal government, and the balance from other
sources, primarily foreign investments.
The Superconducting Super Collider was never finished. In October 1993,
the U. S. Congress discontinued federal funding for the construction
of the SSC and appropriated $640 million in FY94 for the termination
of the project. Terms of the state-federal settlement included cash
payments of $210 million, transfers of federally-owned personal and
real property, and restoration of the site. The Texas National Research
Laboratory Commission ceased operations during the 1996-1997 biennium.
(Vernon's Ann. Civ. St., Chapter 465)
Arrangement: Topical
Access constraints: None
Use constraints: No in-house use of beta format videos is currently
available. Arrangements can be made at the patrons expense to make copies
of these particular videos for viewing offsite.
Indexes or finding aids required for/or an aid to access? No
Gaps: None
Problems: None
Known related records in other agencies:
The films, videos, and photographs documenting the history of the
site or operations of the SSCL created by the Department of Energy has
been transferred to the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory Archives,
Superconducting Super Collider records, Batavia, Illinois.
Previous destructions:
Destruction requests on file in the Archives and Information Services
Division of the Library and Archives Commission were checked for the
Texas National Research Laboratory Commission and none were found for
this series or for equivalent or related series.
Publications based on records: None
Series data from agency schedule: Not on schedule
Appraisal decision:
These videos provide visual documentation of the SSC project, illustrating
scientific value of the project and documenting one of the activities
of the TNRLC, which was to disseminate information about the project
to the public. The videos cover a number of different activities and
are a good visual source on the SSC project. The audiocassettes cover
meetings that were important in getting the Dallas/Fort Worth site selected
and meetings concerning the socioeconomic and mitigation concerns for
the site and surrounding region. This series has been appraised to be
archival.
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Records Series Review
Series Title: Site development - Correspondence
Agency: Texas National Research Laboratory Commission
Archival holdings:
This series contains administrative correspondence concerning site
development for the Superconducting Super Collider (SSC). Types of materials
present include incoming and outgoing correspondence, memoranda, summaries
of telephone conversations, meeting notices, summaries of meetings with
local officials and communities, contracts and agreements, site observations,
progress and summary reports of work done at the site, maps, and form
letters sent to land owners, businesses, etc. informing them of upcoming
surveys and other work to be done in their area. Dates covered are 1989-1994.
The site development process involved a variety of issues, which are
covered in this series, including meetings with local governments and
communities; land acquisition; surface and subsurface access at the
SSC site; noise studies and surveys; drilling on the SSC property; utility
work, road improvement, and other infrastructure changes; ecological,
environmental, historical, archaeological, geological, geotechnical,
hydrological and other scientific studies; and site development work
on specific projects, such as the prototype installation facility. Correspondents
include various Texas National Research Laboratory Commission (TNRLC)
staff (director of site development, facilities manager, land acquisition
manager and others), other state agencies and officials, U. S. Department
of Energy (DOE), the Superconducting Super Collider Laboratory (SSCL)
contractors, businesses, land owners, law firms, congressmen, and others.
These files document the everyday activities--the planning, studies,
local contacts, progress reports, etc. which were part of the site development
process. For more in depth details about the topical studies see the
various topical series of site development records, e.g., Site development
- Environmental. For more details about site development activities
for specific projects, such as the prototype installation, see the topical
site development series, e.g., Site development - Prototype installation
facility project files. Overall management of the process is discussed
in the series Site development - Administration. Additional documentation
of the overall site development process can be found in the series Commission
meetings and in the series Commission committee meetings,
specifically in the files of the Site Acquisition and Development Committee.
Size of the files totals about 6.5 cubic ft.
Purpose:
The files document the activities involved in site development and
the role of the TNRLC in that process.
Agency program:
The Texas National Research Laboratory Commission (TNRLC) was created
in 1985 by the 69th Legislature, Senate Bill 1169. The Commission was
initially created to prepare one or more proposals for siting the Superconducting
Super Collider (SSC) in Texas. The SSC was a super collider high-energy
research facility sponsored and authorized by the United States government
as part of the U. S. Department of Energy (DOE). The Commission reviewed
14 proposals from around the state, eventually selecting two sites--one
near Dallas/Fort Worth, the other near Amarillo, to be proposed to the
DOE for the location of the SSC.
The Department of Energy selected the Dallas/Fort Worth area site,
in Ellis County, for the location of the SSC in January 1989. The role
of the Commission changed from securing the site to overseeing the state's
responsibilities in the SSC project. In 1990, the Commission initiated
a land acquisition program to acquire clear title to about 16,550 acres
in Ellis County. Other programs begun were a Regulatory Management Program,
to facilitate acquisition of required permits for constructing and operating
the super collider; a Research and Development program designed to support
research programs at the site and at universities and laboratories throughout
the world, and to heighten the importance of science education; and
a Site Development program, to coordinate planning and review during
construction of the super collider, facilitate the infrastructure needs
of the SSC project, including utilities and transportation, and to develop
measures to mitigate impacts on the site region.
Congress appropriated $268 million for the SSC in FY90, including initial
funds for construction. In January 1989 the DOE contracted with a non-profit
group, Universities Research Association, to manage and operate the
construction and scientific programs of the Superconducting Super Collider
Laboratory (SSCL). The SSCL carried out DOE contract activities at the
SSC site with DOE maintaining oversight. The TNRLC maintained a close
working relationship with the Department of Energy and the SSCL while
carrying out the state's responsibilities.
The final environmental impact statement was approved by the DOE in
1991. It was determined by the DOE that the SSC would have no significant
environmental impact on Ellis County. The Magnet Development Laboratory
was then completed and employees began working at the site. Congress
appropriated $483.7 million for the project for federal fiscal year
1992. The baseline cost for completion of the SSC was established by
the DOE at $8.249 billion, which included the $1 billion Texas contribution,
$5.9 billion from the federal government, and the balance from other
sources, primarily foreign investments.
The Superconducting Super Collider was never finished. In October 1993,
the U. S. Congress discontinued federal funding for the construction
of the SSC and appropriated $640 million in FY94 for the termination
of the project. Terms of the state-federal settlement included cash
payments of $210 million, transfers of federally-owned personal and
real property, and restoration of the site. The Commission is working
with the Attorney General's Office to complete eminent domain proceedings,
and must also certify the return to the state of restored land after
the DOE has completed site restoration. The Texas National Research
Laboratory Commission ceased operations during the 1996-1997 biennium.
(Vernon's Ann. Civ. St., Chapter 465)
Arrangement:
Chronological, then by type of correspondence (incoming/outgoing
or memoranda) or by staff member.
Access constraints: None
Use constraints: None
Indexes or finding aids required for/or an aid to access? No
Gaps: None
Problems: None
Known related records in other agencies: None
Previous destructions:
Destruction requests on file in the Archives and Information Services
Division of the Library and Archives Commission were checked for the
Texas National Research Laboratory Commission and none were found for
this series or for equivalent or related series.
Publications based on records: None
Series data from agency schedule:
Title: Site development -- Correspondence
Series item number: 1.1.007
Agency item number: 118
Archival code: A
Retention: 3
Appraisal decision:
This correspondence documents the site development process. A major
function of the agency to be undertaken during the construction of the
super collider concerned site development. The agency was to coordinate
planning and review during construction, facilitate the infrastructure
needs of the project, and develop measures to mitigate the impacts on
the site region. These topics are covered in this correspondence series.
Further detailed materials about specific components of this process
can be found in topical site development series, such as Site development
- Environmental or Site development - Prototype installation.
Summary documentation of the site development process can be found in
the series Commission meetings and the series Commission committee
meetings, specifically in the files of the Site Acquisition and
Development Committee.
The correspondence in this series provides a good source for overall
coverage of the site development process, supplementing the more summary
materials in the aforementioned meeting series. This series has been
appraised to be archival.
return to top
Records Series Review
Series Title: Site development - Administration
Agency: Texas National Research Laboratory Commission
Archival holdings:
This series consists of administrative files concerning site development
for the Superconducting Super Collider (SSC). Records present include
correspondence and memoranda; staff reports; status and progress reports;
audit and financial reports; monthly subcontractor reports; a joint
agency project management plan; distribution lists; local and state
legislation; interlocal agreements re: planning and zoning; notes; and
agenda for interagency meetings. Dates covered are 1986-1995 (bulk 1989-1995).
Topics discussed include the role of the TNRLC in the site development
process; progress of site development projects, especially concerning
land acquisition and infrastructure changes; cost tracking; and overall
management of the process. Correspondents were usually staff of the
Texas National Research Laboratory Commission (TNRLC), the U. S. Department
of Energy (DOE), and the Superconducting Super Collider Laboratory (SSCL).
Also present are minutes, memos, reports, change requests, etc. of
the Configuration Control Board, run through the SSCL with a TNRLC staff
member as a representative; and the Conventional Construction Division
of the SSCL. These files primarily concern the operations of this Division
of the SSCL, discussing items such as engineering change requests, change
cost scheduling requests, and similar engineering concerns.
For more in depth files about the topical studies see the various topical
series of site development records, e.g. Site development - Environmental.
For more details about site development activities for specific
projects, such as the prototype installation, see the topical site development
series, e.g. Site development - Prototype installation facility project
files. Most of the correspondence concerning the overall site development
process can be found in the series Site development - Correspondence.
Additional documentation of the overall site development process can
be found in the series Commission meetings and in the series
Commission committee meetings, specifically in the files of the
Site Acquisition and Development Committee.
Size of the files totals about 3 cubic ft.
Purpose:
The files provide administrative documentation of the role of the
TNRLC in the site development process.
Agency program:
The Texas National Research Laboratory Commission (TNRLC) was created
in 1985 by the 69th Legislature, Senate Bill 1169. The Commission was
initially created to prepare one or more proposals for siting the Superconducting
Super Collider (SSC) in Texas. The SSC was a super collider high-energy
research facility sponsored and authorized by the United States government
as part of the U. S. Department of Energy (DOE).
The Department of Energy selected the Dallas/Fort Worth area site,
in Ellis County, for the location of the SSC in January 1989. The role
of the Commission changed from securing the site to overseeing the state's
responsibilities in the SSC project. In 1990, the Commission initiated
a land acquisition program to acquire clear title to about 16,550 acres
in Ellis County. Other programs begun were a Regulatory Management Program,
to facilitate acquisition of required permits for constructing and operating
the super collider; a Research and Development program designed to support
research programs at the site and at universities and laboratories throughout
the world, and to heighten the importance of science education; and
a Site Development program, to coordinate planning and review during
construction of the super collider, facilitate the infrastructure needs
of the SSC project, including utilities and transportation, and to develop
measures to mitigate impacts on the site region.
Congress appropriated $268 million for the SSC in FY90, including initial
funds for construction. In January 1989 the DOE contracted with a non-profit
group, Universities Research Association, to manage and operate the
construction and scientific programs of the Superconducting Super Collider
Laboratory (SSCL). The SSCL carried out DOE contract activities at the
SSC site with DOE maintaining oversight. The TNRLC maintained a close
working relationship with the Department of Energy and the SSCL while
carrying out the state's responsibilities.
The final environmental impact statement was approved by the DOE in
1991. It was determined by the DOE that the SSC would have no significant
environmental impact on Ellis County. The Magnet Development Laboratory
was then completed and employees began working at the site. Congress
appropriated $483.7 million for the project for federal fiscal year
1992. The baseline cost for completion of the SSC was established by
the DOE at $8.249 billion, which included the $1 billion Texas contribution,
$5.9 billion from the federal government, and the balance from other
sources, primarily foreign investments.
The Superconducting Super Collider was never finished. In October 1993,
the U. S. Congress discontinued federal funding for the construction
of the SSC and appropriated $640 million in FY94 for the termination
of the project. Terms of the state-federal settlement included cash
payments of $210 million, transfers of federally-owned personal and
real property, and restoration of the site. The Texas National Research
Laboratory Commission ceased operations during the 1996-1997 biennium.
(Vernon's Ann. Civ. St., Chapter 465)
Arrangement: Topical
Access constraints: None
Use constraints: None
Indexes or finding aids required for/or an aid to access? None
Gaps: None
Problems: None
Known related records in other agencies: None
Previous destructions:
Destruction requests on file in the Archives and Information Services
Division of the Library and Archives Commission were checked for the
Texas National Research Laboratory Commission and none were found for
this series or for equivalent or related series.
Publications based on records: None
Series data from agency schedule:
Title: Site development - Administration
Series item number: 5.1
Agency item number: 140
Archival code: R
Retention: AC+10
Appraisal decision:
A major function of the agency to be undertaken during the construction
of the super collider concerned site development. The agency was to
coordinate planning and review during construction, facilitate the infrastructure
needs of the project, and develop measures to mitigate the impacts on
the site region. These files provide some documentation of the management
of the site development process. Further detailed materials about specific
components of this process can be found in topical site development
series, such as Site development - Environmental or Site
development - Prototype installation. Most of the correspondence
concerning the overall site development process can be found in the
series Site development - Correspondence . Summary documentation
of the site development process can be found in the series Commission
meetings, and in the series Commission committee meetings,
specifically in the files of the Site Acquisition and Development Committee.
Although some of the materials have marginal value, many of the administrative
files in this series provide a good source for overall management of
the process, supplementing the more summary materials in the aforementioned
meeting series and complementing the correspondence in the correspondence
series. This series has been appraised to be archival.
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Records Series Review
Series Title: Site development - Site historical information
Agency: Texas National Research Laboratory Commission
Archival holdings:
This series contains the original proposals submitted to the Texas
National Research Laboratory Commission (TNRLC) from regional groups
representing various sites in Texas wishing to locate the Superconducting
Super Collider (SSC) in their areas, and the two proposals for Texas
sites sent in by the TNRLC to the U. S. Department of Energy (DOE).
Records accompanying these proposals include correspondence, memoranda,
phone conversation summaries, minutes, proposal reviews, reports, environmental
impact statements, notes, maps, research files, publication files, drafts,
charts, tables, photographs, magnetic computer tapes, and site proposals
submitted by other states. Dates covered are 1980-1990 (bulk dating
1987).
The type of information present in the regional proposals includes
land availability for the site, inducements, regional considerations
and resources (housing, industry and businesses, water resources, wildlife,
parks and recreation sources, etc.), data on the economy and environment,
utility and other infrastructure services available, transportation,
and geological and geotechnical studies on the suitability of the site
for the SSC, etc. Other materials concerning the regional proposals
are files from the regional reviews by the TNRLC of these proposals.
Materials found here include correspondence, memoranda, notes, lists
and discussions of criteria to review, lists of review team members,
reconsideration requests by a few sites, and the final selection of
Texas sites chosen by the TNRLC.
The majority of the materials present concern the proposals TNRLC prepared
for the Amarillo and Dallas/Fort Worth sites. These proposals include
the same type of information as the regional proposals, though in more
detail. Other materials accompanying the proposals are their publication
files, containing the original page layouts, original maps and drawings,
photographs, negatives, charts, tables, etc.; drafts; review comments;
and reference materials used in gathering additional data about the
Amarillo and the Dallas/Fort Worth sites, including reports, articles,
clippings, city financial reports, statistics, regional planning documents,
etc. Some of the reference materials gathered date back to 1980, most
are from the mid 1980s. Further materials from the D/FW site selected
as a finalist by the DOE (actually located in Ellis County) include
files re: DOE visits to the site, and detailed responses of the TNRLC
to the DOE's inquiries about the site, generally resulting from questions
arising from the site visits. Also present are the environmental impact
statements prepared by the TNRLC and DOE for the final seven sites in
1988, the supplemental environmental impact statement prepared in 1989,
and the final supplemental environmental impact statement done in 1990.
The TNRLC reviewed proposals from fourteen areas in Texas. Through
their site selection review process, they selected two sites from those
to present to the DOE for siting the SSC in Texas. These sites were
a site near Amarillo and one near Dallas/Fort Worth (Ellis County).
These records document the work done by regional SSC groups hoping to
attract the SSC to their communities, and the work done by the TNRLC
in conjunction with the SSC groups in Amarillo and the Dallas/Fort Worth
area to convince the DOE to select a Texas site. Once the Ellis County
site was selected as one of the seven finalists by the DOE, the TNRLC
went through a process to gather additional information, much of it
in response to DOE inquiries. Additionally, the seven finalists were
required to submit environmental impact statements (EIS). The TNRLC
prepared one in 1988, using several review committees or groups to assist
in providing input. The EIS was evaluated by the DOE in consideration
for choosing the final site. The DOE prepared an EIS in August 1988
for all seven final sites, and published a final environmental impact
statement covering all the sites in December 1988, but focusing on Texas
as the preferred site. After Texas was confirmed as the site, the DOE
selected Argonne National Laboratory to prepare a supplemental environmental
impact statement (SEIS), which was done in 1989 and subsequently approved
by the DOE. In December 1990 the DOE published the Final Supplemental
Environmental Impact Statement. Further documentation of the environmental
impact statements can be found in the series Site development - Environmental.
Correspondents in these records include staff of the TNRLC, the DOE,
regional committee/groups submitting the proposals, consultants, and
contractors.
Discussion of the site selection process is also documented in the
series, Texas National Research Laboratory Commission - Organizational
information and the series Commission meetings. Further information
about the regional group presenting and later assisting the TNRLC with
the proposal for Dallas/Fort Worth area (Ellis County) site can be found
in the series, Superconducting Super Collider Development Authority
of Dallas, Tarrant, and Ellis Counties.
Size of the files totals about 55 cubic ft.
Purpose:
This series documents the work done by the TNRLC to get the SSC
site to Texas, through their review of the regional Texas proposals
and their subsequent work on the Texas proposals they presented to the
DOE.
Agency program:
The Texas National Research Laboratory Commission (TNRLC) was created
in 1985 by the 69th Legislature, Senate Bill 1169. The Commission was
initially created to prepare one or more proposals for siting the Superconducting
Super Collider (SSC) in Texas. The SSC was a super collider high-energy
research facility sponsored and authorized by the United States government
as part of the U. S. Department of Energy (DOE). According to the SSC
Conceptual Design Report, "The purpose of the SSC was to accelerate
and guide oppositely directed and tightly focused streams of ultra high
energy protons into collision, thereby releasing enormous energy into
a volume of subnuclear size, creating conditions believed to have occurred
during the first moments of our universe." A conceptual design effort
began and in 1987 the President of the United States authorized the
DOE to go forward with the project. States were then invited to submit
proposals for siting the SSC in their state.
The TNRLC reviewed 14 proposals from around the state, eventually selecting
two sites--one near Dallas/Worth Worth, the other near Amarillo, to
be proposed to the DOE for the location of the SSC. The Dallas/Fort
Worth area site, located actually in Ellis County, made the list of
seven final sites in the United States. In January 1989 the DOE selected
the Ellis County for the location of the SSC. The role of the Commission
changed from securing the site to overseeing the state's responsibilities
in the SSC project. In 1990, the Commission initiated a land acquisition
program to acquire clear title to about 16,550 acres in Ellis County.
Other programs begun were a Regulatory Management Program, to facilitate
acquisition of required permits for constructing and operating the super
collider; a Research and Development program designed to support research
programs at the site and at universities and laboratories throughout
the world, and to heighten the importance of science education; and
a Site Development program, to coordinate planning and review during
construction of the super collider, facilitate the infrastructure needs
of the SSC project, including utilities and transportation, and to develop
measures to mitigate impacts on the site region.
Congress appropriated $268 million for the SSC in FY90, including initial
funds for construction. In January 1989 the DOE contracted with a non-profit
group, Universities Research Association, to manage and operate the
construction and scientific programs of the Superconducting Super Collider
Laboratory (SSCL). The SSCL carried out DOE contract activities at the
SSC site with DOE maintaining oversight. The TNRLC maintained a close
working relationship with the Department of Energy and the SSCL while
carrying out the state's responsibilities.
The final environmental impact statement was approved by the DOE in
1991. It was determined by the DOE that the SSC would have no significant
environmental impact on Ellis County. The Magnet Development Laboratory
was then completed and employees began working at the site. Congress
appropriated $483.7 million for the project for federal fiscal year
1992. The baseline cost for completion of the SSC was established by
the DOE at $8.249 billion, which included the $1 billion Texas contribution,
$5.9 billion from the federal government, and the balance from other
sources, primarily foreign investments.
The Superconducting Super Collider was never finished. In October 1993,
the U. S. Congress discontinued federal funding for the construction
of the SSC and appropriated $640 million in FY94 for the termination
of the project. Terms of the state-federal settlement included cash
payments of $210 million, transfers of federally-owned personal and
real property, and restoration of the site. The Texas National Research
Laboratory Commission ceased operations during the 1996-1997 biennium.
(Vernon's Ann. Civ. St., Chapter 465)
Arrangement: Topical
Access constraints: None
Use constraints: None
Indexes or finding aids required for/or an aid to access? No
Gaps: None
Problems: None
Known related records in other agencies:
The site historical information created by the Department of Energy
has been transferred to the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory Archives,
Superconducting Super Collider records, Batavia, Illinois.
Superconducting Super Collider Records, 1983-1992, Center for American
History, University of Texas at Austin. These materials contain additional
boxes of information in the Site development - Site historical information
series.
Previous destructions:
Destruction requests on file in the Archives and Information Services
Division of the Library and Archives Commission were checked for the
Texas National Research Laboratory Commission and none were found for
this series or for equivalent or related series.
Publications based on records:
The environmental impact statements were published by the Department
of Energy.
Series data from agency schedule:
Title: Site development - Site historical information
Series item number: 5.2.002
Agency item number: 132
Archival code: A
Retention: AC+10
Appraisal decision:
This series documents the work done by the TNRLC to get the SSC
site to Texas, through their review of the regional Texas proposals
and their subsequent work on the Texas proposals they presented to the
DOE. The TNRLC was initially created for the purpose of enticing the
DOE to bring the SSC to Texas. This series contains all the proposals
the agency reviewed from Texas sites, documents their review process,
contains all the administrative files and background data gathered for
the Amarillo and Dallas/Fort Worth sites, and additional data gathered
for the Dallas/Fort Worth site. This series documents the beginning
work of the TNRLC. The information present here could have other uses:
a lot of demographic, economic, and geologic data was gathered for various
regions in Texas which could perhaps be used for other projects, or
the processes involved in the site selection could well be used for
a similar project. The materials we are not keeping in this series are
the magnetic computer tapes used by the agency in creating the Amarillo
and Dallas/Fort Worth (Ellis County) proposals. We have all the printed
data and the background materials gathered for the proposals, and that
is sufficient documentation. This series has historical value, for the
history of the TNRLC and the history of the data gathering and site
selection process undergone to locate a suitable site for the Superconducting
Super Collider.
This series has been appraised to be archival. The retention period
for the computer tapes has been fulfilled.
return to top
Records Series Review
Series Title: Site development - Historical resources
Agency: Texas National Research Laboratory Commission
Archival holdings:
This series consists of files covering the historical resources
work done by the Texas National Research Laboratory Commission (TNRLC)
as part of their site development duties for the Superconducting Super
Collider (SSC) project. Types of records present include correspondence,
memoranda, phone conversation summaries, contracts, proposals for historic
resources services, reports, management plans, descriptions of historic
properties, eligibility determination sheets for structures to be listed
on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP), notes, maps, and
photographs and negatives of structures. Dates covered are 1987-1995.
These files concern the survey, documentation, and mitigation of historical
resources in the SSC footprint. These activities undertaken are discussed
in several reports and management plans present, including the report
on the Historic American Building Survey (HABS) conducted and the Historic
Structures Management Plan (HSMP). The HSMP and the HABS were undertaken
by the TNRLC in accordance with the Programmatic Agreement (PA). The
PA is a special type of legal memorandum between parties that establishes
conditions, duties, and responsibilities under Section 106 of the National
Historic Preservation Act for a large or complex engineering and construction
project. A programmatic agreement was signed between the DOE, TNRLC,
the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, and the Texas State Historic
Preservation Office. It called for inventorying, evaluating, and treatment
of historic resources that are usually at least 50 years old, may be
important to local or regional history or prehistory, or that are potentially
eligible for nomination to the NRHP. The PA stipulated that a record
be made of buildings and other improvements which would be moved from
the SSC project area. The DOE monitored compliance with the agreement
and remained responsible for compliance with Section 106 of the National
Historic Preservation Act. The TNRLC was responsible for archaeological
and historical resources work done within the SSC footprint, the U.
S. Department of Energy (DOE) was responsible for conducting the surveys,
studies, etc. of sites outside the SSC footprint. This series contains
materials documenting the work done by the TNRLC.
A survey of historic resources was undertaken in 1989-1990 by the DOE,
resulting in 3,714 unrecorded historical resources being identified
and documented in Ellis County. Of these, 465 appeared to be eligible
for listing in the NRHP. There were 41 sites located within the SSC
footprint, 51 outside the footprint. A Historic Structures Management
Plan (HSMP) was developed in by the TNRLC in 1991. The plan focused
on historic structures and standing buildings within the SSC footprint
which were considered eligible for nomination in the NRHP or were currently
listed there. The work done through the plan resulted in 12 sites being
determined as eligible for the NRHP by the Texas Historical Commission.
The HABS survey was done in 1992. Architectural and historical data
was recovered for buildings dating between c. 1856- c. 1940 and consisted
of field measurements, photography, historic and architectural research
and analysis, and a final report on mitigation recommendations. The
report contained a history and analysis of the sites and historic structures,
a photograph, map of the area pinpointing the site or structures within
the site, an evaluation as to whether it would qualify for the NRHP,
and what further documentation would be needed, if any.
Correspondents include staff of the TNRLC, the Superconducting Super
Collider Laboratory (SSCL), the Texas Historical Commission, and contractors.
Plans of the sites and historic structures surveyed through the Historic
American Buildings Survey (HABS) and other related materials can be
found in the series, Site development - Environmental. Documentation
of the overall site development process can be found in the series Commission
meetings; the series Commission committee meetings, specifically
in the files of the Site Acquisition and Development Committee; and
in the correspondence series, Site development - Correspondence.
Size of the files totals about 8 cubic ft.
Purpose:
This series documents the work done by the TNRLC in locating, documenting,
and mitigating historical resources in the SSC footprint as part of
their site development duties for the SSC project.
Agency program:
The Texas National Research Laboratory Commission (TNRLC) was created
in 1985 by the 69th Legislature, Senate Bill 1169. The Commission was
initially created to prepare one or more proposals for siting the Superconducting
Super Collider (SSC) in Texas. The SSC was a super collider high-energy
research facility sponsored and authorized by the United States government
as part of the U. S. Department of Energy (DOE).
The Department of Energy selected the Dallas/Fort Worth area site,
in Ellis County, for the location of the SSC in January 1989. The role
of the Commission changed from securing the site to overseeing the state's
responsibilities in the SSC project. In 1990, the Commission initiated
a land acquisition program to acquire clear title to about 16,550 acres
in Ellis County. Other programs begun were a Regulatory Management Program,
to facilitate acquisition of required permits for constructing and operating
the super collider; a Research and Development program designed to support
research programs at the site and at universities and laboratories throughout
the world, and to heighten the importance of science education; and
a Site Development program, to coordinate planning and review during
construction of the super collider, facilitate the infrastructure needs
of the SSC project, including utilities and transportation, and to develop
measures to mitigate impacts on the site region.
Congress appropriated $268 million for the SSC in FY90, including initial
funds for construction. In January 1989 the DOE contracted with a non-profit
group, Universities Research Association, to manage and operate the
construction and scientific programs of the Superconducting Super Collider
Laboratory (SSCL). The SSCL carried out DOE contract activities at the
SSC site with DOE maintaining oversight. The TNRLC maintained a close
working relationship with the Department of Energy and the SSCL while
carrying out the state's responsibilities.
The final environmental impact statement was approved by the DOE in
1991. It was determined by the DOE that the SSC would have no significant
environmental impact on Ellis County. The Magnet Development Laboratory
was then completed and employees began working at the site. Congress
appropriated $483.7 million for the project for federal fiscal year
1992. The baseline cost for completion of the SSC was established by
the DOE at $8.249 billion, which included the $1 billion Texas contribution,
$5.9 billion from the federal government, and the balance from other
sources, primarily foreign investments.
The Superconducting Super Collider was never finished. In October 1993,
the U. S. Congress discontinued federal funding for the construction
of the SSC and appropriated $640 million in FY94 for the termination
of the project. Terms of the state-federal settlement included cash
payments of $210 million, transfers of federally-owned personal and
real property, and restoration of the site. The Texas National Research
Laboratory Commission ceased operations during the 1996-1997 biennium.
(Vernon's Ann. Civ. St., Chapter 465)
Arrangement: Topical
Access constraints: None
Use constraints: None
Indexes or finding aids required for/or an aid to access? No
Gaps: None
Problems: None
Known related records in other agencies:
Related records can be found in the records of the U. S. Department
of Energy, Superconducting Super Collider Project Office, Record Group
434, National Archives and Records Administration, Southwest Region,
Fort Worth, Texas.
Previous destructions:
Destruction requests on file in the Archives and Information Services
Division of the Library and Archives Commission were checked for the
Texas National Research Laboratory Commission and none were found for
this series or for equivalent or related series.
Publications based on records: None known
Series data from agency schedule:
Title: Site development - Historical resources
Series item number: 5.1
Agency item number: 142
Archival code: A
Retention: AC+10
Appraisal decision:
A major function of the agency to be undertaken during the construction
of the super collider concerned site development, which included developing
and implementing a program to remove improvements and all structures
from land to be purchased for the super collider. Before structures
could be removed, they had to be thoroughly documented to determine
if they had any historical status, especially their eligibility for
inclusion into the National Register for Historic Places. This series
documents the work done by the TNRLC in this regard as well as providing
historical documentation on rural historic architecture in Ellis County.
The series contains the management plans, reports, correspondence, notes,
etc. that well illustrate how this program was conducted. This is a
unique site for Texas and it requires thorough documentation on how
the process worked to establish the site and how historical resources
were documented and mitigated. These files supplement materials in the
series, Site development - Environmental, as well as the summary
materials found in the Commission meetings; in the series Commission
committee meetings, specifically in the files of the Site Acquisition
and Development Committee; and in the correspondence series, Site
development - Correspondence. This series has been appraised to
be archival.
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Records Series Review
Series Title: Site development - Special projects project files
Agency: Texas National Research Laboratory Commission
Archival holdings:
This series consists of records concerning the economic impact of
the Superconducting Super Collider (SSC), including correspondence,
memoranda, reports, research materials, invoices, contracts, maps, and
meeting files. Dates covered are 1987-1992.
The Texas National Research Laboratory Commission (TNRLC) commissioned
economic impact studies to be done in conjunction with their proposal
to the U. S. Department of Energy to bring the SSC to Texas. These were
done by Southwest Econometrics and include a report on the economic
impacts of the SSC in other states and one on the impacts in the local
region. These studies are dated 1987-1988. Also present are several
economic impact studies done after Texas was awarded the SSC, done by
the North Texas Commission. They prepared several reports for the TNRLC
on the economic impacts of the SSC, primarily impacts on the Dallas-Fort
Worth region, dating from 1990- 1992. A few other items present include
minutes and meeting materials from the Environmental Concerns Task Force,
dating January 1991 concerning the final environmental impact statement.
And, some memos, invoices and a contract for consulting civil engineering
services are present concerning some infrastructure concerns of the
TNRLC, dating 1991.
Correspondents include staff of the TNRLC, contractors, and the North
Texas Commission.
Other series providing additional data on economic impact on the region
are the series, Site development - Socioeconomic monitoring files
and the series Reports. Documentation of the overall site development
process can be found in the series Commission meetings and in
the series Commission committee meetings, specifically in the
files of the Site Acquisition and Development Committee; and in the
correspondence series, Site development - Correspondence.
Size of the files totals about 0.5 cubic ft.
Purpose:
This series consists of records concerning economic impact studies
done for the Texas National Research Laboratory Commission, both before
and after Texas was awarded the SSC project.
Agency program:
The Texas National Research Laboratory Commission (TNRLC) was created
in 1985 by the 69th Legislature, Senate Bill 1169. The Commission was
initially created to prepare one or more proposals for siting the Superconducting
Super Collider (SSC) in Texas. The SSC was a super collider high-energy
research facility sponsored and authorized by the United States government
as part of the U. S. Department of Energy (DOE).
The Department of Energy selected the Dallas/Fort Worth area site,
in Ellis County, for the location of the SSC in January 1989. The role
of the Commission changed from securing the site to overseeing the state's
responsibilities in the SSC project. In 1990, the Commission initiated
a land acquisition program to acquire clear title to about 16,550 acres
in Ellis County. Other programs begun were a Regulatory Management Program,
to facilitate acquisition of required permits for constructing and operating
the super collider; a Research and Development program designed to support
research programs at the site and at universities and laboratories throughout
the world, and to heighten the importance of science education; and
a Site Development program, to coordinate planning and review during
construction of the super collider, facilitate the infrastructure needs
of the SSC project, including utilities and transportation, and to develop
measures to mitigate impacts on the site region.
Congress appropriated $268 million for the SSC in FY90, including initial
funds for construction. In January 1989 the DOE contracted with a non-profit
group, Universities Research Association, to manage and operate the
construction and scientific programs of the Superconducting Super Collider
Laboratory (SSCL). The SSCL carried out DOE contract activities at the
SSC site with DOE maintaining oversight. The TNRLC maintained a close
working relationship with the Department of Energy and the SSCL while
carrying out the state's responsibilities.
The final environmental impact statement was approved by the DOE in
1991. It was determined by the DOE that the SSC would have no significant
environmental impact on Ellis County. The Magnet Development Laboratory
was then completed and employees began working at the site. Congress
appropriated $483.7 million for the project for federal fiscal year
1992. The baseline cost for completion of the SSC was established by
the DOE at $8.249 billion, which included the $1 billion Texas contribution,
$5.9 billion from the federal government, and the balance from other
sources, primarily foreign investments.
The Superconducting Super Collider was never finished. In October 1993,
the U. S. Congress discontinued federal funding for the construction
of the SSC and appropriated $640 million in FY94 for the termination
of the project. Terms of the state-federal settlement included cash
payments of $210 million, transfers of federally-owned personal and
real property, and restoration of the site. The Texas National Research
Laboratory Commission ceased operations during the 1996-1997 biennium.
(Vernon's Ann. Civ. St., Chapter 465)
Arrangement: Topical
Access constraints: None
Use constraints: None
Indexes or finding aids required for/or an aid to access? No
Gaps: None
Problems: None
Known related records in other agencies: None
Previous destructions:
Destruction requests on file in the Archives and Information Services
Division of the Library and Archives Commission were checked for the
Texas National Research Laboratory Commission and none were found for
this series or for equivalent or related series.
Publications based on records: None
Series data from agency schedule:
Title: Site development - Special projects project files
Series item number: 5.2.002
Agency item number: 128
Archival code: A
Retention: AC+10
Appraisal decision:
A major function of the agency to be undertaken during the construction
of the super collider concerned site development, and a component of
that was for the agency to study and develop measures to mitigate the
economic impacts on the site region. This series documents the economic
impact studies done as part of the site development program. This is
a unique site for Texas and it requires perhaps more thorough documentation
on how the process worked to establish the site and how economic impact
concerns were studied. These files complement other series containing
data on economic impacts of the SSC, the series, Site development
- Socioeconomic monitoring files, and the series Reports.
This series has been appraised to be archival.
return to top
Records Series Review
Series Title: Site development - Environmental
Agency: Texas National Research Laboratory Commission
Archival holdings:
This series consists of files covering the environmental aspects
of the site development program undertaken by the Texas National Research
Laboratory Commission (TNRLC) for the Superconducting Super Collider
(SSC). Types of records present include correspondence and memoranda;
summaries of telephone conversations; scientific reports and studies;
plans of historic sites and structures; meeting minutes, notes and summaries;
environmental impact statements; monitoring plans and reports; proposals
for work to be undertaken; status reports of work in progress; interagency
contracts; notes; and reference materials. Dates covered are 1983-1995
(bulk 1988-1995).
The majority of these files concern the environmental impact of the
SSC project and monitoring and compliance measures undertaken to mitigate
any effects. These topics are discussed in several reports, including
the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS), the Final Environmental
Impact Statement (FEIS), the Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement
(SEIS), the Mitigation Action Plan (MAP), the Programmatic Agreement
(PA), various Environmental Compliance Plans (ECPs), and several specific
management plans. Specific environmental concerns addressed include
radiological, ecological, and groundwater impacts on the region. Other
aspects of the site development process covered in this series include
historical structures and archaeological sites affected, land resource
development, regulatory compliance (applications and permits needed,
etc.), solid and hazardous waste management, and monitoring and mitigating
socioeconomic changes, such as significant loss of property taxes due
to loss of taxable land to the site, resulting in losses of revenue
to certain school districts.
The environmental impact statements developed in stages. An initial
environmental impact statement was required to be completed by the seven
state finalists for the SSC site. The TNRLC prepared one in 1988, using
several review committees or groups to assist in providing input. The
EIS was evaluated by the U. S. Department of Energy (DOE) for consideration
in choosing the final site for the SSC. In August 1988 the DOE prepared
a draft EIS on the final seven sites, and a final EIS in December 1988,
covering all seven sites but focusing on Texas as the preferred site.
In January 1989, a Record of Decision (ROD) was signed documenting the
decision to proceed with the Ellis County site. In February 1989 the
DOE selected Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) to prepare the Supplemental
Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS). The purpose of the SEIS was to
analyze in a more thorough manner the environmental impact of a site-specific
design to explore ways to mitigate any adverse impacts. The SEIS was
approved by the DOE and a final SEIS was published in December of 1990.
A Record of Decision (ROD) was signed in January 1991.
Resulting from the SEIS was the Mitigation Action Plan (MAP), which
was an internal DOE management document. According to the MAP, it had
three main purposes:
- To catalog environmental impacts requiring mitigation indicated
in the FEIS, SEIS and their RODs
- To specify responsibility for the actions that will be taken to
mitigate the impacts catalogued
- To ensure implementation of the required action by the appropriate
parties.
DOE maintained overall responsibility to ensure impacts assessed were
mitigated as specified.
Several other monitoring reports resulting from and/or related to the
SEIS and MAP reports are also documented in this series. The contractor
for the design and construction of the conventional facilities, PB/MK
Team (Parsons Brinckerhoff and Morrison Knudsen), was required to prepare
Environmental Compliance Plans (ECPs), with each plan addressing site
specific application of mitigation measures in the MAP. The ECPs also
anticipated permit requirements and described the environmental monitoring
to be incorporated into the design and construction of each site and/or
facility component. The DOE prepared the Soil and Water Resource
Protection Plan to establish fundamental principles to be incorporated
into the ECPs and to assist the Superconducting Super Collider Laboratory
(SSCL) in developing sound property management guidelines. The DOE also
prepared the Habitat Management Plan which formed a basis for
the ECPs and enhanced, where practical, existing habitats of value to
wildlife and promoted restoration of former croplands. The DOE and the
TNRLC prepared the Socioeconomic Monitoring and Mitigation Action
Plan (SMMP) which tracked key indicators, described procedures for
monitoring SSC related impacts, gave thresholds for determining when
adverse impacts occurred, detailed the types of mitigation and assistance
that would be available, and described the appropriate levels of assistance
for parties affected.
Another document discussed in this series concerned impacts to cultural
resources, known as the Programmatic Agreement (PA). The PA is a special
type of legal memorandum between parties that establishes conditions,
duties, and responsibilities under Section 106 of the National Historic
Preservation Act for a large or complex engineering and construction
project. A programmatic agreement was signed between the DOE, TNRLC,
the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, and the Texas State Historic
Preservation Office. It called for inventorying, evaluating, and treatment
of historic resources that are usually at least 50 years old, may be
important to local or regional history or prehistory, or that are potentially
eligible for nomination to the NRHP. The DOE monitored compliance with
the agreement and remained responsible for compliance with Section 106
of the National Historic Preservation Act. The PA provided requirements
for several specific management plans. The Archaeological Resources
Preservation Plan (ARPP) and the Archaeological Data Recovery
Plan (ADRP) specified how known and discovered archaeological resources
would be protected and properly documented. The Historic Structures
Management Plan (HSMP) and the Area of Potential Effect Management
Plan specified how historic properties on the SSC footprint and
area of potential effect (Ellis County) would be monitored and how mitigation
of any adverse impacts would be provided. The TNRLC was responsible
for archaeological and historical resources work done within the SSC
footprint, the U. S. Department of Energy (DOE) was responsible for
conducting the surveys, studies, etc. of sites outside the SSC footprint.
This series contains materials documenting the work done by the TNRLC
and some by the DOE.
Some of the later files reflect environmental concerns with the proposed
uses of the SSC site following the loss of federal funding, such as
the environmental impact of a proposed regional medical technology center
or the use of the completed portion of the SSC tunnel as a water resource.
Correspondents include the U. S. Department of Energy (DOE), the Superconducting
Super Collider Laboratory (SSCL), TNRLC staff, other state and federal
agencies, research scientists, contractors, local officials, and members
of review committees.
For more detailed records on the work done concerning historic structures
and resources, see the series Site development - Historical resources.
For additional records about socioeconomic monitoring activities, see
the series Site development - Socioeconomic monitoring files.
Copies of all the environmental impact statements done can be found
in the series Site development - Site historical information.
Documentation of the overall site development process can be found in
the series Commission meetings and in the series Commission
committee meetings, specifically in the files of the Site Acquisition
and Development Committee; and in the correspondence series, Site
development - Correspondence.
Size of the files totals about 19 cubic ft.
Purpose:
These records document all environmental facets of the site development
program.
Agency program:
The Texas National Research Laboratory Commission (TNRLC) was created
in 1985 by the 69th Legislature, Senate Bill 1169. The Commission was
initially created to prepare one or more proposals for siting the Superconducting
Super Collider (SSC) in Texas. The SSC was a super collider high-energy
research facility sponsored and authorized by the United States government
as part of the U. S. Department of Energy (DOE).
The Department of Energy selected the Dallas/Fort Worth area site,
in Ellis County, for the location of the SSC in January 1989. The role
of the Commission changed from securing the site to overseeing the state's
responsibilities in the SSC project. In 1990, the Commission initiated
a land acquisition program to acquire clear title to about 16,550 acres
in Ellis County. Other programs begun were a Regulatory Management Program,
to facilitate acquisition of required permits for constructing and operating
the super collider; a Research and Development program designed to support
research programs at the site and at universities and laboratories throughout
the world, and to heighten the importance of science education; and
a Site Development program, to coordinate planning and review during
construction of the super collider, facilitate the infrastructure needs
of the SSC project, including utilities and transportation, and to develop
measures to mitigate impacts on the site region.
Congress appropriated $268 million for the SSC in FY90, including initial
funds for construction. In January 1989 the DOE contracted with a non-profit
group, Universities Research Association, to manage and operate the
construction and scientific programs of the Superconducting Super Collider
Laboratory (SSCL). The SSCL carried out DOE contract activities at the
SSC site with DOE maintaining oversight. The TNRLC maintained a close
working relationship with the Department of Energy and the SSCL while
carrying out the state's responsibilities.
The final environmental impact statement was approved by the DOE in
1991. It was determined by the DOE that the SSC would have no significant
environmental impact on Ellis County. The Magnet Development Laboratory
was then completed and employees began working at the site. Congress
appropriated $483.7 million for the project for federal fiscal year
1992. The baseline cost for completion of the SSC was established by
the DOE at $8.249 billion, which included the $1 billion Texas contribution,
$5.9 billion from the federal government, and the balance from other
sources, primarily foreign investments.
The Superconducting Super Collider was never finished. In October 1993,
the U. S. Congress discontinued federal funding for the construction
of the SSC and appropriated $640 million in FY94 for the termination
of the project. Terms of the state-federal settlement included cash
payments of $210 million, transfers of federally-owned personal and
real property, and restoration of the site. The Texas National Research
Laboratory Commission ceased operations during the 1996-1997 biennium.
(Vernon's Ann. Civ. St., Chapter 465)
Arrangement: Topical
Access constraints: None
Use constraints: None
Indexes or finding aids required for/or an aid to access? No
Gaps: None
Problems: None
Known related records in other agencies:
Environmental records produced by the federal government can be
found in the records of the U. S. Department of Energy, Superconducting
Super Collider Project Office, Record Group 434, National Archives and
Records Administration, Southwest Region, Fort Worth, Texas.
Previous destructions:
Destruction requests on file in the Archives and Information Services
Division of the Library and Archives Commission were checked for the
Texas National Research Laboratory Commission and none were found for
this series or for equivalent or related series.
Publications based on records:
The environmental impact statements were published by the Department
of Energy, some other reports may have been published as well.
Series data from agency schedule:
Title: Site development - Environmental
Series item number: 5.1
Agency item number: 141
Archival code: A
Retention: AC+10
Appraisal decision:
A major function of the agency to be undertaken during the construction
of the super collider concerned site development. The agency was to
coordinate planning and review during construction, facilitate the infrastructure
needs of the project, and develop measures to mitigate the impacts on
the site region. This series documents the environmental facets of the
site development program. The various environmental impact statements
and monitoring reports are present as well as correspondence and some
materials used in their preparation. Materials are also present which
illustrate how these programs were conducted. This is a unique site
for Texas and it requires thorough documentation on how the process
worked to establish the site and how environmental concerns were handled.
These files supplement materials in the series, Site development
- Historical resources and in the series Socioeconomic monitoring
files; as well as the summary materials found in the Commission
meetings; in the series Commission committee meetings, specifically
in the files of the Site Acquisition and Development Committee; and
in the correspondence series, Site development - Correspondence.
This series has been appraised to be archival.
return to top
Records Series Review
Series Title: Site development - Socioeconomic monitoring services
project files
Agency: Texas National Research Laboratory Commission
Archival holdings:
These files concern the monitoring activities undertaken for the
Socioeconomic Monitoring and Mitigation Plan (SMMP) prepared for the
Superconducting Super Collider (SSC) project by the Texas National Research
Laboratory Commission (TNRLC) and the U. S. Department of Energy (DOE).
Types of records present include drafts and final copies of the SMMP;
proposals by firms seeking the contract to conduct the monitoring studies;
reports by the contractor on activities completed; monthly socioeconomic
monitoring reports by the TNRLC, the DOE, and the Superconducting Super
Collider Lab (SSCL); status reports; meeting materials (notes, summaries,
agenda, etc.) of the SSMP monitoring group (composed primarily of TNRLC,
SSCL, DOE staff and local officials); memoranda and a little correspondence
(with TNRLC, DOE, SSCL, local officials, and contractors); materials
concerning mitigation claims; and data gathered for the monitoring project,
including county and city financial statements and budgets, and financial
reports and other materials from school districts. Dates covered are
1991-1992.
The overall goal of the SMMP was to monitor the impacts of the SSC
project in order to boost positive impacts and mitigate negative ones.
The plan tracked key indicators, described monitoring procedures, gave
thresholds for determining when adverse impacts occurred, detailed the
types of mitigation and assistance that would be available, and described
the appropriate levels of assistance for parties affected. Such a plan
was required for this project for several reasons. The National Environmental
Policy Act requires federal agencies to conduct project development
activities in ways that minimize significant environmental impacts.
Also, population in-migration and settlement patterns are unknown in
advance for a project such as this so a process to develop mitigation
needs for socioeconomic impacts needs to be in place. And, the Secretary
of Energy's Notice of February 5, 1990 (SEN-15-90) states DOE must prepare
an "Action Plan" for any environmental impact statement (EIS) that makes
commitments to mitigation in the EIS/Record of Decision (ROD).
The series Site development - Environmental, contains additional
materials about this monitoring program and related environmental concerns.
Additional documentation of economic impact studies done by the TNRLC
can be found in the series Site development - Special projects.
Reports which discuss the economic impact of the SSC project on the
region can be found in the series, Reports. Documentation of
the overall site development process can be found in the series Commission
meetings and in the series Commission committee meetings,
specifically in the files of the Site Acquisition and Development Committee;
and in the correspondence series, Site development - Correspondence.
Size of the files totals about 1.5 cubic ft.
Purpose:
These files document the socioeconomic monitoring component of the
site development process for the SSC project.
Agency program:
The Texas National Research Laboratory Commission (TNRLC) was created
in 1985 by the 69th Legislature, Senate Bill 1169. The Commission was
initially created to prepare one or more proposals for siting the Superconducting
Super Collider (SSC) in Texas. The SSC was a super collider high-energy
research facility sponsored and authorized by the United States government
as part of the U. S. Department of Energy (DOE).
The Department of Energy selected the Dallas/Fort Worth area site,
in Ellis County, for the location of the SSC in January 1989. The role
of the Commission changed from securing the site to overseeing the state's
responsibilities in the SSC project. In 1990, the Commission initiated
a land acquisition program to acquire clear title to about 16,550 acres
in Ellis County. Other programs begun were a Regulatory Management Program,
to facilitate acquisition of required permits for constructing and operating
the super collider; a Research and Development program designed to support
research programs at the site and at universities and laboratories throughout
the world, and to heighten the importance of science education; and
a Site Development program, to coordinate planning and review during
construction of the super collider, facilitate the infrastructure needs
of the SSC project, including utilities and transportation, and to develop
measures to mitigate impacts on the site region.
Congress appropriated $268 million for the SSC in FY90, including initial
funds for construction. In January 1989 the DOE contracted with a non-profit
group, Universities Research Association, to manage and operate the
construction and scientific programs of the Superconducting Super Collider
Laboratory (SSCL). The SSCL carried out DOE contract activities at the
SSC site with DOE maintaining oversight. The TNRLC maintained a close
working relationship with the Department of Energy and the SSCL while
carrying out the state's responsibilities.
The final environmental impact statement was approved by the DOE in
1991. It was determined by the DOE that the SSC would have no significant
environmental impact on Ellis County. The Magnet Development Laboratory
was then completed and employees began working at the site. Congress
appropriated $483.7 million for the project for federal fiscal year
1992. The baseline cost for completion of the SSC was established by
the DOE at $8.249 billion, which included the $1 billion Texas contribution,
$5.9 billion from the federal government, and the balance from other
sources, primarily foreign investments.
The Superconducting Super Collider was never finished. In October 1993,
the U. S. Congress discontinued federal funding for the construction
of the SSC and appropriated $640 million in FY94 for the termination
of the project. Terms of the state-federal settlement included cash
payments of $210 million, transfers of federally-owned personal and
real property, and restoration of the site. The Texas National Research
Laboratory Commission ceased operations during the 1996-1997 biennium.
(Vernon's Ann. Civ. St., Chapter 465)
Arrangement: Topical
Access constraints: None
Use constraints: None
Indexes or finding aids required for/or an aid to access? No
Gaps: None present prior to 1991.
Problems: None
Known related records in other agencies:
Related records produced by the federal government can be found
in the records of the U. S. Department of Energy, Superconducting Super
Collider Project Office, Record Group 434, National Archives and Records
Administration, Southwest Region, Fort Worth, Texas.
Previous destructions:
Destruction requests on file in the Archives and Information Services
Division of the Library and Archives Commission were checked for the
Texas National Research Laboratory Commission and none were found for
this series or for equivalent or related series.
Publications based on records: None known
Series data from agency schedule:
Title: Site development - Socioeconomic monitoring services project
files
Series item number: 5.2
Agency item number: 145
Archival code: A
Retention: AC+10
Appraisal decision:
A major function of the agency to be undertaken during the construction
of the super collider concerned site development, and a component of
that was for the agency to develop measures to mitigate the socioeconomic
impacts on the site region. This series documents the socioeconomic
monitoring process of the site development program. This series contains
monitoring reports, the proposals by contractors, and data gathered
for project, which discuss socioeconomic impacts on the region--schools,
businesses, etc. The Socioeconomic Monitoring and Mitigation Plan (SMMP)
and summary reports represent an important component in the mitigation
process. Some of the background materials are not needed to document
this process, but the other materials are worth retaining. Also, they
supplement materials found in the series Site development - Environmental.
This series has been appraised to be archival.
return to top
Records Series Review
Series Title: Site development - Geotechnical project files
Agency: Texas National Research Laboratory Commission
Archival holdings:
These records concern the geotechnical testing and analysis that
was done for the Superconducting Super Collider (SSC). Types of records
present include correspondence and memoranda; summaries of telephone
conversations; scientific reports and studies; monitoring reports; status
reports; geophysical logs; core hole analysis reports; drilling schedules;
notes; maps; and agendas, reports, notes, and meeting summaries from
the Underground Technology Advisory Panel. Dates covered are 1988-1994.
Texas was awarded the site for the SSC in January 1989. Geologic and
hydrologic studies had been done of the site prior to that point for
the Texas National Research Laboratory Commission (TNRLC) to use in
preparing the final site proposal of the site's viability for the SSC
project to the U. S. Department of Energy (DOE). Some geotechnical testing
had been done for that proposal, however, most of the geotechnical testing
and analysis was done after Texas was awarded the SSC site, through
the Superconducting Super Collider Laboratory (SSCL). Contractors conducting
the studies were primarily the Earth Technology Corporation; RTK, A
Joint Venture; and the Bureau of Economic Geology , University of Texas
at Austin. These records primarily cover work done after Texas was awarded
the SSC project.
One of the first things needing to be accomplished was to determine
the exact footprint of the SSC project so land acquisition, construction
design and planning could be started. The goals for geotechnical characterization
were primarily to confirm the site's suitability for the SSC and optimize
the position of the SSC footprint--the ring, halls, etc.; to determine
the right construction techniques to use; and to support structural
design work. These studies also were used to identify the floodplains
that encroached on the location of surface facilities, to identify zones
of poor rock quality and potential high water inflow due to fault and
shear zones, and to test vibrations on areas where tunnel placement
would be shallow. Testing techniques included drilling core holes and
some trenches to analyze geologic faults, shear zones, and other geologic
features; conducting hydrologic testing and monitoring of ground water;
and measuring ambient vibrations at tunnel depth. Additional records
concerning geologic and hydrologic studies undertaken at the site are
present in the series Site development - Geological and hydrological
project files. There is some overlap between these two series, as
the geology project files also contain some of the geotechnical reports
produced, especially concerning core hole analysis. Most of the hydrologic
data gathered is present in the geology project files.
Another group involved with the geotechnical projects was the Underground
Technology Advisory Panel (UTAP), which was composed of members from
universities and SSC related industries. The SSCL and TNRLC generally
sent one or more representatives to the meetings of the group. The files
we have of the UTAP cover the years 1989-1994. The UTAP regularly produced
reports on topics discussed at their meetings. This group advised the
SSCL on various aspects of the testing process, including startup exploration,
location of the ring footprint, the experimental halls, site monitoring,
and ending with an assessment of the site conditions of the underground
tunnel at the close of the project in 1994.
While most of these records concern specific geotechnical tests and
analysis, some specific site development needs directly involving the
TNRLC are discussed in these records, concerning the decision to reposition
the super collider ring from the initial plan early in the project.
Because of this repositioning, more land was needed for the site and
additional rights of entry were needed through private lands. The TNRLC
worked with the SSCL to facilitate those needs and was also involved
indirectly in the geotechnical testing process.
Correspondents include staff of the TNRLC, the DOE, the SSCL, contractors,
and consultants.
Documentation of the overall site development process can be found
in the series Commission meetings and in the series Commission
committee meetings, specifically in the files of the Site Acquisition
and Development Committee; and in the correspondence series, Site
development - Correspondence.
Size of the files totals about 4 cubic ft.
Purpose:
This series documents the geotechnical testing and analysis that
was done for the Superconducting Super Collider (SSC).
Agency program:
The Texas National Research Laboratory Commission (TNRLC) was created
in 1985 by the 69t h Legislature, Senate Bill 1169. The Commission was
initially created to prepare one or more proposals for siting the Superconducting
Super Collider (SSC) in Texas. The SSC was a super collider high-energy
research facility sponsored and authorized by the United States government
as part of the U. S. Department of Energy (DOE).
The Department of Energy selected the Dallas/Fort Worth area site,
in Ellis County, for the location of the SSC in January 1989. The role
of the Commission changed from securing the site to overseeing the state's
responsibilities in the SSC project. In 1990, the Commission initiated
a land acquisition program to acquire clear title to about 16,550 acres
in Ellis County. Other programs begun were a Regulatory Management Program,
to facilitate acquisition of required permits for constructing and operating
the super collider; a Research and Development program designed to support
research programs at the site and at universities and laboratories throughout
the world, and to heighten the importance of science education; and
a Site Development program, to coordinate planning and review during
construction of the super collider, facilitate the infrastructure needs
of the SSC project, including utilities and transportation, and to develop
measures to mitigate impacts on the site region.
Congress appropriated $268 million for the SSC in FY90, including initial
funds for construction. In January 1989 the DOE contracted with a non-profit
group, Universities Research Association, to manage and operate the
construction and scientific programs of the Superconducting Super Collider
Laboratory (SSCL). The SSCL carried out DOE contract activities at the
SSC site with DOE maintaining oversight. The TNRLC maintained a close
working relationship with the Department of Energy and the SSCL while
carrying out the state's responsibilities.
The final environmental impact statement was approved by the DOE in
1991. It was determined by the DOE that the SSC would have no significant
environmental impact on Ellis County. The Magnet Development Laboratory
was then completed and employees began working at the site. Congress
appropriated $483.7 million for the project for federal fiscal year
1992. The baseline cost for completion of the SSC was established by
the DOE at $8.249 billion, which included the $1 billion Texas contribution,
$5.9 billion from the federal government, and the balance from other
sources, primarily foreign investments.
The Superconducting Super Collider was never finished. In October 1993,
the U. S. Congress discontinued federal funding for the construction
of the SSC and appropriated $640 million in FY94 for the termination
of the project. Terms of the state-federal settlement included cash
payments of $210 million, transfers of federally-owned personal and
real property, and restoration of the site. The Texas National Research
Laboratory Commission ceased operations during the 1996-1997 biennium.
(Vernon's Ann. Civ. St., Chapter 465)
Arrangement: Topical
Access constraints: None
Use constraints: None
Indexes or finding aids required for/or an aid to access? No
Gaps: None
Problems: None
Known related records in other agencies:
Related geotechnical records can be found in the records of the
U. S. Department of Energy, Superconducting Super Collider Project Office,
Record Group 434, National Archives and Records Administration, Southwest
Region, Fort Worth, Texas.
Related geotechnical records can also be found at the Bureau of Economic
Geology, Quality Assurance Group, University of Texas at Austin, Austin,
Texas.
Previous destructions:
Destruction requests on file in the Archives and Information Services
Division of the Library and Archives Commission were checked for the
Texas National Research Laboratory Commission and none were found for
this series or for equivalent or related series.
Publications based on records:
Numerous reports were produced from this testing process, including
detailed analysis of individual bore hole results and summary reports
on broader topics. These were printed, but I do not know how wide their
distribution was.
Series data from agency schedule:
Title: Site development - Geotechnical project files
Series item number: 5.2.002
Agency item number: 121
Archival code: A
Retention: AC+10
Appraisal decision:
These records document a number of scientific studies done at the
SSC site. The SSC was a unique and significant project which at some
point may be resurrected, or something similar done. The data gathered
here not only was needed for the SSC project, but, as was discussed
in the records, represents significant contributions to the civil and
underground engineering community. Other uses for this data could include
providing techniques for data gathering for other tunnel or underground
projects. Very little is discussed in these records which concern the
site development/infrastructure activities of the agency. However, the
TNRLC was involved in some ways directly and indirectly in others with
the geotechnical studies conducted.
Because of the scientific nature of these records and the uniqueness
of the SSC project, this series has been appraised to be archival.
return to top
Records Series Review
Series Title: Site development - Geological and hydrological
project files
Agency: Texas National Research Laboratory Commission
Archival holdings:
These records concern the geologic and hydrological studies that
were done at the Superconducting Super Collider (SSC) site. Types of
records present include correspondence and memoranda; summaries of telephone
conversations; scientific reports and studies; monitoring reports; status
reports; core hole analysis reports; notes; maps; and agendas, notes
and meeting summaries from various advisory/working groups. Dates covered
are 1987-1994.
Texas was awarded the site for the SSC in January 1989. Geologic and
hydrologic studies had been done of the site prior to that point for
the Texas National Research Laboratory Commission (TNRLC) to use in
preparing the final site proposal of the site's viability for the SSC
project to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). Once the site was awarded,
a geotechnical characterization program was begun, which included additional
geologic and hydrologic studies. These records reflect studies done
for the site proposal and those done after Texas was awarded the site.
The contractor most represented in these records was the Bureau of Economic
Geology at the University of Texas, which conducted hydrologic studies
and some later geologic studies. Geotechnical/geologic reports from
the Earth Technology Corporation and RTK, A Joint Venture also are present.
Geologic and hydrologic studies conducted included vibration testing;
studies of regional ground water resources and ground water flow, such
as through fractured rock; monitoring wells; chemical analysis of ground
water; determining faults and fractures in the rock formation; and mapping
faults and fractures in the surface excavations and the tunnels. For
more details on the geotechnical studies done, see the series Site
development - Geotechnical project files. There is some overlap
between these two series, as both series contain some of the geotechnical
reports produced, especially concerning core hole analysis.
While most of these records concern specific geologic and hydrologic
studies, some specific site development needs directly involving the
TNRLC are discussed in these records. These concern water to be supplied
to the site, and the decision to reposition the super collider ring
from the initial plan early in the project. Because of this repositioning,
more land was needed for the site and additional rights of entry were
needed through private lands. The TNRLC worked with the Superconducting
Super Collider Laboratory (SSCL) to facilitate those needs and was also
involved with the geologic and hydrologic studies conducted.
Correspondents include the staff of the TNRLC, the DOE, the SSCL, and
contractors and consultants, primarily the Bureau of Economic Geology
at the University of Texas at Austin.
Documentation of the overall site development process can be found
in the series Commission meetings and in the series Commission
committee meetings, specifically in the files of the Site Acquisition
and Development Committee; and in the correspondence series, Site
development - Correspondence.
Size of the files totals about 3 cubic ft.
Purpose:
This series documents the geologic and hydrological studies that
were done at the Superconducting Super Collider (SSC) site.
Agency program:
The Texas National Research Laboratory Commission (TNRLC) was created
in 1985 by the 69th Legislature, Senate Bill 1169. The Commission was
initially created to prepare one or more proposals for siting the Superconducting
Super Collider (SSC) in Texas. The SSC was a super collider high-energy
research facility sponsored and authorized by the United States government
as part of the U. S. Department of Energy (DOE).
The Department of Energy selected the Dallas/Fort Worth area site,
in Ellis County, for the location of the SSC in January 1989. The role
of the Commission changed from securing the site to overseeing the state's
responsibilities in the SSC project. In 1990, the Commission initiated
a land acquisition program to acquire clear title to about 16,550 acres
in Ellis County. Other programs begun were a Regulatory Management Program,
to facilitate acquisition of required permits for constructing and operating
the super collider; a Research and Development program designed to support
research programs at the site and at universities and laboratories throughout
the world, and to heighten the importance of science education; and
a Site Development program, to coordinate planning and review during
construction of the super collider, facilitate the infrastructure needs
of the SSC project, including utilities and transportation, and to develop
measures to mitigate impacts on the site region.
Congress appropriated $268 million for the SSC in FY90, including initial
funds for construction. In January 1989 the DOE contracted with a non-profit
group, Universities Research Association, to manage and operate the
construction and scientific programs of the Superconducting Super Collider
Laboratory (SSCL). The SSCL carried out DOE contract activities at the
SSC site with DOE maintaining oversight. The TNRLC maintained a close
working relationship with the Department of Energy and the SSCL while
carrying out the state's responsibilities.
The final environmental impact statement was approved by the DOE in
1991. It was determined by the DOE that the SSC would have no significant
environmental impact on Ellis County. The Magnet Development Laboratory
was then completed and employees began working at the site. Congress
appropriated $483.7 million for the project for federal fiscal year
1992. The baseline cost for completion of the SSC was established by
the DOE at $8.249 billion, which included the $1 billion Texas contribution,
$5.9 billion from the federal government, and the balance from other
sources, primarily foreign investments.
The Superconducting Super Collider was never finished. In October 1993,
the U. S. Congress discontinued federal funding for the construction
of the SSC and appropriated $640 million in FY94 for the termination
of the project. Terms of the state-federal settlement included cash
payments of $210 million, transfers of federally-owned personal and
real property, and restoration of the site. The Texas National Research
Laboratory Commission ceased operations during the 1996-1997 biennium.
(Vernon's Ann. Civ. St., Chapter 465)
Arrangement: Topical
Access constraints: None
Use constraints: None
Indexes or finding aids required for/or an aid to access? No
Gaps: None
Problems: None
Known related records in other agencies:
Related geological and hydrological records can be found in the
records of the U. S. Department of Energy, Superconducting Super Collider
Project Office, Record Group 434, National Archives and Records Administration,
Southwest Region, Fort Worth, Texas.
Related geological and hydrological records can also be found at the
Bureau of Economic Geology, Quality Assurance Group, University of Texas
at Austin, Austin, Texas.
Previous destructions:
Destruction requests on file in the Archives and Information Services
Division of the Library and Archives Commission were checked for the
Texas National Research Laboratory Commission and none were found for
this series or for equivalent or related series.
Publications based on records:
Numerous reports were produced from this testing process, including
detailed analysis of individual bore hole results and summary reports
on broader topics. These were printed, but I do not know how wide their
distribution was.
Series data from agency schedule:
Title: Site development - Geology project files
Series item number: 5.2.002
Agency item number: 120
Archival code: A
Retention: AC+10
Appraisal decision:
These records document a number of scientific studies done at the
SSC site. The SSC was a unique and significant project which at some
point may be resurrected, or something similar done. The data gathered
here not only was needed for the SSC project, but, as was discussed
in the records, represents significant contributions to the civil and
underground engineering community. Other uses for this data include
providing techniques for data gathering for other tunnel or underground
projects. Very little is discussed in these records which concern the
site development/infrastructure activities of the agency. However, the
TNRLC was involved in some ways directly and indirectly in others with
the geologic and hydrologic studies conducted.
Because of the scientific nature of these records and the uniqueness
of the SSC project, this series has been appraised to be archival.
return to top
Records Series Review
Series Title: Site development - Utility adjustments
Agency: Texas National Research Laboratory Commission
Archival holdings:
These records concern utility adjustments made for the Superconducting
Super Collider (SSC) project. Types of records present include a manual
for the utility adjustment process, correspondence, memoranda, records
of contact visits and telephone conversations, reports, applications
for permits, utility adjustment agreements, payment authorizations for
adjustments, easement authorizations, and maps showing site plans, easements
granted, and/or locations of lines to be moved and where they would
be relocated. Dates covered are 1990-1993.
The topic most heavily covered involves having local utility companies
(electric, water, gas, and telephone) relocate and adjust existing lines
to fit in with the site development and construction of the SSC project.
The Texas National Research Laboratory Commission (TNRLC) would reimburse
the utility companies for eligible expenses involved in the relocation
of lines. Their reimbursement policy required establishing an agreement
on work to be done, determining the eligibility of work for reimbursement,
and the responsibility for financing, scheduling and accomplishing the
work, and the method of accumulating costs and making payments. Most
reimbursement costs could be paid. However, lines placed through, under,
along and/or over public roads can be required by a public agency to
be relocated at the utility company's expense, without eligibility for
reimbursement.
Some other topics covered include easements and permit applications.
The TNRLC negotiated with utility companies who owned easement rights
on land acquired for the SSC project to remove those easements. Once
the TNRLC acquired the land, they in turn granted temporary easements
to companies for things such as running electric or water lines on or
above the property. A few permit applications and related materials
can be found in these records. In one case, a company's permit for building
a new reservoir became jeopardized by the SSC project and legal action
ensued over the permit application. A few materials are present from
law offices to the TNRLC claiming confidentiality due to attorney-client
privilege. This case was resolved.
Correspondents include staff of the TNRLC, the Superconducting Super
Collider Laboratory (SSCL), contractors, state agencies, and law offices.
Materials concerning new utility lines, etc. put into use during this
project can be found in other site development series, including Site
development - Infrastructure and series for specific site components,
such as Site development - West Campus project files. Documentation
of the overall site development process can be found in the series Commission
meetings and in the series Commission committee meetings,
specifically in the files of the Site Acquisition and Development Committee;
and in the correspondence series, Site development - Correspondence.
Size of the files totals 7 cubic ft.
Purpose:
These files document the process of handling utility adjustments
needed for the SSC project.
Agency program:
The Texas National Research Laboratory Commission (TNRLC) was created
in 1985 by the 69th Legislature, Senate Bill 1169. The Commission was
initially created to prepare one or more proposals for siting the Superconducting
Super Collider (SSC) in Texas. The SSC was a super collider high-energy
research facility sponsored and authorized by the United States government
as part of the U. S. Department of Energy (DOE).
The Department of Energy selected the Dallas/Fort Worth area site,
in Ellis County, for the location of the SSC in January 1989. The role
of the Commission changed from securing the site to overseeing the state's
responsibilities in the SSC project. In 1990, the Commission initiated
a land acquisition program to acquire clear title to about 16,550 acres
in Ellis County. Other programs begun were a Regulatory Management Program,
to facilitate acquisition of required permits for constructing and operating
the super collider; a Research and Development program designed to support
research programs at the site and at universities and laboratories throughout
the world, and to heighten the importance of science education; and
a Site Development program, to coordinate planning and review during
construction of the super collider, facilitate the infrastructure needs
of the SSC project, including utilities and transportation, and to develop
measures to mitigate impacts on the site region.
Congress appropriated $268 million for the SSC in FY90, including initial
funds for construction. In January 1989 the DOE contracted with a non-profit
group, Universities Research Association, to manage and operate the
construction and scientific programs of the Superconducting Super Collider
Laboratory (SSCL). The SSCL carried out DOE contract activities at the
SSC site with DOE maintaining oversight. The TNRLC maintained a close
working relationship with the Department of Energy and the SSCL while
carrying out the state's responsibilities.
The final environmental impact statement was approved by the DOE in
1991. It was determined by the DOE that the SSC would have no significant
environmental impact on Ellis County. The Magnet Development Laboratory
was then completed and employees began working at the site. Congress
appropriated $483.7 million for the project for federal fiscal year
1992. The baseline cost for completion of the SSC was established by
the DOE at $8.249 billion, which included the $1 billion Texas contribution,
$5.9 billion from the federal government, and the balance from other
sources, primarily foreign investments.
The Superconducting Super Collider was never finished. In October 1993,
the U. S. Congress discontinued federal funding for the construction
of the SSC and appropriated $640 million in FY94 for the termination
of the project. Terms of the state-federal settlement included cash
payments of $210 million, transfers of federally-owned personal and
real property, and restoration of the site. The Texas National Research
Laboratory Commission ceased operations during the 1996-1997 biennium.
(Vernon's Ann. Civ. St., Chapter 465)
Arrangement: Topical
Access constraints: None
Use constraints: None
Indexes or finding aids required for/or an aid to access? No
Gaps: None
Problems: None
Known related records in other agencies: None
Previous destructions:
Destruction requests on file in the Archives and Information Services
Division of the Library and Archives Commission were checked for the
Texas National Research Laboratory Commission and none were found for
this series or for equivalent or related series.
Publications based on records: None
Series data from agency schedule:
Title: Site development - Utility adjustments
Series item number: 5.2.002
Agency item number: 149
Archival code: A
Retention: AC+10
Appraisal decision:
A major function of the agency to be undertaken during the construction
of the super collider concerned site development, and a component of
that was for the agency to facilitate the infrastructure needs of the
SSC project, including adjustment of utilities in the site area. While
this was a necessary function undertaken to facilitate the site development
and construction of the SSC, it is not important enough to maintain
these detailed records about which lines were moved or scheduled to
be moved. Summary documentation of the site development process can
be found in the series Commission meetings, and in the series
Commission committee meetings, specifically in the files of the
Site Acquisition and Development Committee. This is adequate coverage
of this topic. These records have been appraised to be non-archival.
They have not yet fulfilled their retention period and will be maintained
by the Texas General Services Commission until 2006.
return
to top
Records Series Review
Series Title: Site development - Property management
Agency: Texas National Research Laboratory Commission
Archival holdings:
This series contains records concerning management of properties
acquired for the Superconducting Super Collider (SSC) project by the
Texas National Research Laboratory Commission (TNRLC). Types of records
present include correspondence and memoranda; leases, contracts and
agreements; property management plan; land use management plan; invitations
for bids/requests for proposals and proposals sent in response; proposal
review sheets; monthly contractor reports; certifications of removal
of hazardous materials, such as asbestos and chemical storage containers;
certifications of property clearance; plugging reports re: wells and
cisterns filled in; maps, photographs and slides showing well sites;
site surveillance reports; reports from property management status meetings;
real property inventories; site security logs; and minutes, agenda,
correspondence, and memoranda from the Land Use Steering Committee.
Dates covered are 1989-1994.
One of the responsibilities of the TNRLC was to purchase land for the
SSC project and have all improvements removed prior to SSC construction.
The agency contracted out for an environmental assessment to be done
of the parcels of land as they were purchased. The contractor was Raba-
Kistner Consultants, Inc. The objective of this assessment was to determine
the existence of hazardous substances on the property and determine
environmental aspects of land in the site vicinity. The major areas
of concern to the agency were the location of above-ground and underground
storage tanks; pits, sumps, and surface improvements; stored chemicals;
solid waste disposal on the premises; signs of chemical or hydrocarbon
spillage; locating filled areas on the site; locating all transformers;
and asbestos considerations. Once the assessment was done, contracts
were issued to carry out tasks to be done, the most common being removal
of asbestos and demolition or removal of all improvements to the site,
to include all structures, fences, septic tanks, concrete slabs, etc.
Additionally, all wells and cisterns were to be located and plugged.
Structures deemed to be historic were scheduled for relocation.
Another aspect of the property management program involved leasing
the land purchased by the agency back to the land owners or other interested
parties for agricultural activities, such as harvesting crops or cattle
grazing, until construction was ready to being.
Correspondents are primarily staff of the TNRLC, contractors, lessees,
bidders, other state agencies, and the Superconducting Super Collider
Laboratory (SSCL).
A few materials are present from the general counsel to the executive
director of the TNRLC regarding problems with a land-related purchase.
The materials were labeled as attorney work products and were claimed
to be confidential due to attorney-client privilege. This case was settled
and the Texas State Library and Archives Commission considers these
records to be open.
Documentation of the overall site development process can be found
in the series Commission meetings and in the series Commission
committee meetings, specifically in the files of the Site Acquisition
and Development Committee; and in the correspondence series, Site
development - Correspondence.
Size of the files totals about 5.5 cubic ft.
Purpose:
This series documents the property management activities of the
TNRLC, primarily focusing on land leasing, removal of asbestos and other
hazardous materials, and demolition activities.
Agency program:
The Texas National Research Laboratory Commission (TNRLC) was created
in 1985 by the 69th Legislature, Senate Bill 1169. The Commission was
initially created to prepare one or more proposals for siting the Superconducting
Super Collider (SSC) in Texas. The SSC was a super collider high-energy
research facility sponsored and authorized by the United States government
as part of the U. S. Department of Energy (DOE).
The Department of Energy selected the Dallas/Fort Worth area site,
in Ellis County, for the location of the SSC in January 1989. The role
of the Commission changed from securing the site to overseeing the state's
responsibilities in the SSC project. In 1990, the Commission initiated
a land acquisition program to acquire clear title to about 16,550 acres
in Ellis County. Other programs begun were a Regulatory Management Program,
to facilitate acquisition of required permits for constructing and operating
the super collider; a Research and Development program designed to support
research programs at the site and at universities and laboratories throughout
the world, and to heighten the importance of science education; and
a Site Development program, to coordinate planning and review during
construction of the super collider, facilitate the infrastructure needs
of the SSC project, including utilities and transportation, and to develop
measures to mitigate impacts on the site region.
Congress appropriated $268 million for the SSC in FY90, including initial
funds for construction. In January 1989 the DOE contracted with a non-profit
group, Universities Research Association, to manage and operate the
construction and scientific programs of the Superconducting Super Collider
Laboratory (SSCL). The SSCL carried out DOE contract activities at the
SSC site with DOE maintaining oversight. The TNRLC maintained a close
working relationship with the Department of Energy and the SSCL while
carrying out the state's responsibilities.
The final environmental impact statement was approved by the DOE in
1991. It was determined by the DOE that the SSC would have no significant
environmental impact on Ellis County. The Magnet Development Laboratory
was then completed and employees began working at the site. Congress
appropriated $483.7 million for the project for federal fiscal year
1992. The baseline cost for completion of the SSC was established by
the DOE at $8.249 billion, which included the $1 billion Texas contribution,
$5.9 billion from the federal government, and the balance from other
sources, primarily foreign investments.
The Superconducting Super Collider was never finished. In October 1993,
the U. S. Congress discontinued federal funding for the construction
of the SSC and appropriated $640 million in FY94 for the termination
of the project. Terms of the state-federal settlement included cash
payments of $210 million, transfers of federally-owned personal and
real property, and restoration of the site. The Texas National Research
Laboratory Commission ceased operations during the 1996-1997 biennium.
(Vernon's Ann. Civ. St., Chapter 465)
Arrangement: Topical
Access constraints: None
Use constraints: None
Indexes or finding aids required for/or an aid to access? No
Gaps: None
Problems: None
Known related records in other agencies: None
Previous destructions:
Destruction requests on file in the Archives and Information Services
Division of the Library and Archives Commission were checked for the
Texas National Research Laboratory Commission and none were found for
this series or for equivalent or related series.
Publications based on records: None
Series data from agency schedule:
Title: Site development - Property management
Series item number: 5.1
Agency item number: 143
Archival code: A
Retention: AC+10
Appraisal decision:
A major function of the agency to be undertaken during the construction
of the super collider concerned the purchase of land for the SSC project
and having all improvements removed prior to SSC construction. The materials
in this series document this function in fairly specific detail. Summary
documentation of the site development process, including property management
activities can be found in the series Commission meetings, and
in the series Commission committee meetings, specifically in
the files of the Site Acquisition and Development Committee. While we
feel the summary documentation is adequate coverage of this topic, we
are unsure as to whether sufficient documentation of some issues in
these records is present elsewhere, especially concerning asbestos removal.
Because of these concerns, this series has been appraised to be archival.
return to top
Records Series Review
Series Title: Site development - Ellis County project files
Agency: Texas National Research Laboratory Commission
Archival holdings:
This series contains correspondence, memos, reports, notes, agreements,
and other materials concerning interaction between the Texas National
Research Laboratory Commission (TNRLC) and officials in Ellis County
regarding a variety of issues, most related to infrastructure changes
due to the construction of the Superconducting Super Collider (SSC).
Dates covered are 1989-1993. Specific topics covered include road improvements,
a transportation plan for routing SSC traffic, water service agreements,
donation of county land to the TNRLC for the SSC project, and the cooperative
development of a Geographic Information System (GIS) between the TNRLC
and the Ellis County Appraisal District (ECAD)--TRNLC provided the expertise,
ECAD provided the funding. The GIS system was to provide maps and deed
information to expedite location and surveying of land and easements
to be purchased for the SSC project. Ellis County would then have a
permanent GIS system to facilitate their appraisal process.
Correspondents include local officials, staff of the TNRLC, the Superconducting
Super Collider Laboratory (SSCL), and a few law offices.
Documentation of the overall site development process can be found
in the series Commission meetings and in the series Commission
committee meetings, specifically in the files of the Site Acquisition
and Development Committee; and in the correspondence series, Site
development - Correspondence.
Size of the files totals about 1 cubic ft.
Purpose:
This series documents interaction between the Texas National Research
Laboratory Commission and officials in Ellis County regarding a variety
of issues, most related to infrastructure changes due to the construction
of the super collider.
Agency program:
The Texas National Research Laboratory Commission (TNRLC) was created
in 1985 by the 69th Legislature, Senate Bill 1169. The Commission was
initially created to prepare one or more proposals for siting the Superconducting
Super Collider (SSC) in Texas. The SSC was a super collider high-energy
research facility sponsored and authorized by the United States government
as part of the U. S. Department of Energy (DOE).
The Department of Energy selected the Dallas/Fort Worth area site,
in Ellis County, for the location of the SSC in January 1989. The role
of the Commission changed from securing the site to overseeing the state's
responsibilities in the SSC project. In 1990, the Commission initiated
a land acquisition program to acquire clear title to about 16,550 acres
in Ellis County. Other programs begun were a Regulatory Management Program,
to facilitate acquisition of required permits for constructing and operating
the super collider; a Research and Development program designed to support
research programs at the site and at universities and laboratories throughout
the world, and to heighten the importance of science education; and
a Site Development program, to coordinate planning and review during
construction of the super collider, facilitate the infrastructure needs
of the SSC project, including utilities and transportation, and to develop
measures to mitigate impacts on the site region.
Congress appropriated $268 million for the SSC in FY90, including initial
funds for construction. In January 1989 the DOE contracted with a non-profit
group, Universities Research Association, to manage and operate the
construction and scientific programs of the Superconducting Super Collider
Laboratory (SSCL). The SSCL carried out DOE contract activities at the
SSC site with DOE maintaining oversight. The TNRLC maintained a close
working relationship with the Department of Energy and the SSCL while
carrying out the state's responsibilities.
The final environmental impact statement was approved by the DOE in
1991. It was determined by the DOE that the SSC would have no significant
environmental impact on Ellis County. The Magnet Development Laboratory
was then completed and employees began working at the site. Congress
appropriated $483.7 million for the project for federal fiscal year
1992. The baseline cost for completion of the SSC was established by
the DOE at $8.249 billion, which included the $1 billion Texas contribution,
$5.9 billion from the federal government, and the balance from other
sources, primarily foreign investments.
The Superconducting Super Collider was never finished. In October 1993,
the U. S. Congress discontinued federal funding for the construction
of the SSC and appropriated $640 million in FY94 for the termination
of the project. Terms of the state-federal settlement included cash
payments of $210 million, transfers of federally-owned personal and
real property, and restoration of the site. The Texas National Research
Laboratory Commission ceased operations during the 1996-1997 biennium.
(Vernon's Ann. Civ. St., Chapter 465)
Arrangement: Topical
Access constraints: None
Use constraints: None
Indexes or finding aids required for/or an aid to access? No
Gaps: None
Problems: None
Known related records in other agencies: None
Previous destructions:
Destruction requests on file in the Archives and Information Services
Division of the Library and Archives Commission were checked for the
Texas National Research Laboratory Commission and none were found for
this series or for equivalent or related series.
Publications based on records: None
Series data from agency schedule:
Title: Site development - Ellis County project files
Series item number: 5.2.002
Agency item number: 119
Archival code: A
Retention: AC+10
Appraisal decision:
A major function of the agency to be undertaken during the construction
of the super collider concerned site development, and a component of
that was for the agency to facilitate the infrastructure needs of the
SSC project. This series documents some infrastructure changes and land
donation for Ellis County. Although infrastructure changes and land
acquisition were important functions of the TNRLC, specific details
are not necessary to document the process. We do not need to maintain
these records about routine infrastructure changes--road improvements
or rerouting traffic, etc. The land acquisition activities discussed
here, donation of county land and development of a Geographic Information
System (GIS) are also minor aspects of the whole site development process.
Summary documentation of the site development process can be found in
the series Commission meetings, and in the series Commission
committee meetings, specifically in the files of the Site Acquisition
and Development Committee. This is adequate coverage of this topic.
These records have been appraised to be non-archival. They have not
yet fulfilled their retention period and will be maintained by the Texas
General Services Commission until 2006.
return to top
Records Series Review
Series Title: Site development - Planning and zoning information
Agency: Texas National Research Laboratory Commission
Archival holdings:
This series contains correspondence, memoranda, contracts, schedules,
requests for proposals, proposals, working papers and reports, invoices,
weekly progress reports, schedules, notes, meeting notes from Ellis
County Commission planning meetings and topical focus groups, and summaries
of comments from public hearings on proposed Ellis County zoning guidelines.
Dates covered are 1989-1993.
As part of their site development duties, the Texas National Research
Laboratory Commission (TNRLC) engaged a contractor, Johnson, Johnson
& Roy/Inc., to serve as the primary contractor for providing land
use and infrastructure planning services for the Superconducting Super
Collider (SSC) project. This included planning for land use, transportation,
infrastructure support, support services, disasters and emergencies,
environmental impact monitoring, and public involvement in the planning
process. Part of this process also included working with the Ellis County
Commissioners on zoning issues--building codes, platting ordinances,
creating map of existing land uses, and creating a zoning ordinance.
The 71st Legislature, through Senate Bill 852, granted Ellis County
the authority to zone unincorporated areas of Ellis County within ten
miles of the SSC site.
Correspondence was primarily between the TNRLC and the contractor,
though some correspondence is also present from subcontractors, attorneys,
local officials, and local utility companies.
Additional materials about this process can be found in the Land
Use and Infrastructure Plan (for Ellis County), found in series
Reports. Documentation of the overall site development process
can be found in the series Commission meetings and in the series
Commission committee meetings, specifically in the files of the
Site Acquisition and Development Committee; and in the correspondence
series, Site development - Correspondence.
Size of the files totals about 3.5 cubic ft.
Purpose:
This series documents the agency's involvement with the land use
and infrastructure planning services for the Superconducting Super Collider
(SSC) project.
Agency program:
The Texas National Research Laboratory Commission (TNRLC) was created
in 1985 by the 69th Legislature, Senate Bill 1169. The Commission was
initially created to prepare one or more proposals for siting the Superconducting
Super Collider (SSC) in Texas. The SSC was a super collider high-energy
research facility sponsored and authorized by the United States government
as part of the U. S. Department of Energy (DOE).
The Department of Energy selected the Dallas/Fort Worth area site,
in Ellis County, for the location of the SSC in January 1989. The role
of the Commission changed from securing the site to overseeing the state's
responsibilities in the SSC project. In 1990, the Commission initiated
a land acquisition program to acquire clear title to about 16,550 acres
in Ellis County. Other programs begun were a Regulatory Management Program,
to facilitate acquisition of required permits for constructing and operating
the super collider; a Research and Development program designed to support
research programs at the site and at universities and laboratories throughout
the world, and to heighten the importance of science education; and
a Site Development program, to coordinate planning and review during
construction of the super collider, facilitate the infrastructure needs
of the SSC project, including utilities and transportation, and to develop
measures to mitigate impacts on the site region.
Congress appropriated $268 million for the SSC in FY90, including initial
funds for construction. In January 1989 the DOE contracted with a non-profit
group, Universities Research Association, to manage and operate the
construction and scientific programs of the Superconducting Super Collider
Laboratory (SSCL). The SSCL carried out DOE contract activities at the
SSC site with DOE maintaining oversight. The TNRLC maintained a close
working relationship with the Department of Energy and the SSCL while
carrying out the state's responsibilities.
The final environmental impact statement was approved by the DOE in
1991. It was determined by the DOE that the SSC would have no significant
environmental impact on Ellis County. The Magnet Development Laboratory
was then completed and employees began working at the site. Congress
appropriated $483.7 million for the project for federal fiscal year
1992. The baseline cost for completion of the SSC was established by
the DOE at $8.249 billion, which included the $1 billion Texas contribution,
$5.9 billion from the federal government, and the balance from other
sources, primarily foreign investments.
The Superconducting Super Collider was never finished. In October 1993,
the U. S. Congress discontinued federal funding for the construction
of the SSC and appropriated $640 million in FY94 for the termination
of the project. Terms of the state-federal settlement included cash
payments of $210 million, transfers of federally-owned personal and
real property, and restoration of the site. The Texas National Research
Laboratory Commission ceased operations during the 1996-1997 biennium.
(Vernon's Ann. Civ. St., Chapter 465)
Arrangement: Topical
Access constraints: None
Use constraints: None
Indexes or finding aids required for/or an aid to access? No
Gaps: None
Problems: None
Known related records in other agencies: None
Previous destructions:
Destruction requests on file in the Archives and Information Services
Division of the Library and Archives Commission were checked for the
Texas National Research Laboratory Commission and none were found for
this series or for equivalent or related series.
Publications based on records: None
Series data from agency schedule:
Title: Site development - Planning and zoning information
Series item number: 5.2.002
Agency item number: 131
Archival code: A
Retention: AC+10
Appraisal decision:
A major function of the agency to be undertaken during the construction
of the super collider concerned site development, and a component of
that was for the agency to undertake land use and infrastructure planning
services for the SSC project. This series documents planning and zoning
activities undertaken for Ellis County in the vicinity of the SSC project.
Although these are necessary services for a large project such as this,
specific details of the planning and zoning activities are not necessary
to document the process, especially since the project was never completed
and some of what was proposed was not done. Summary documentation of
the site development process can be found in the series Commission
meetings, and in the series Commission committee meetings,
specifically in the files of the Site Acquisition and Development Committee.
This is adequate coverage of this topic. These records have been appraised
to be non-archival. They have not yet fulfilled their retention period
and will be maintained by the Texas General Services Commission until
2006.
return to top
Records Series Review
Series Title: Site development - Infrastructure
Agency: Texas National Research Laboratory Commission
Archival holdings:
These records concern changes in the infrastructure of Ellis County
needed for the Superconducting Super Collider (SSC) project. Dates covered
are 1978, 1987-1994. Types of materials present include correspondence
and memoranda, telephone conversation summaries, requests for proposals,
proposals, studies and reports, contracts and agreements, minute orders
from the Texas Department of Transportation, permit applications, invoices,
weekly progress reports, schedules, notes, maps, and photographs. Also
present are meeting agenda, notes, and meeting summaries from various
committees and working groups, such as the infrastructure working group,
the power sub-group, and the infrastructure steering committee.
In January 1992, the DOE requested the assistance of the Texas National
Research Laboratory Commission (TNRLC) in securing all the infrastructure
requirements for the SSC project. These included primary and secondary
road improvements, water transmission and distribution, wastewater connection
lines, electric power transmission lines and substations, and natural
gas lines. Any cost to the TNRLC for this project was considered to
be part of Texas $1 billion contribution to the project. They were to
work with the existing general contractor, PB/MK (Parsons Brinckerhoff
and Morrison Knudsen). The Texas Department of Transportation was already
heavily involved with road improvements and changes, and local utility
companies had worked with TNRLC, the U. S. Department of Energy (DOE),
and the Superconducting Super Collider Laboratory (SSCL) already to
some degree to facilitate needed changes. The TNRLC's initial efforts
were directed more towards water and wastewater needs, though they were
involved in all aspects of the infrastructure needs. Within the records
of this series, the most dominant topics were water, wastewater, and
transportation needs. Other topics discussed to a lesser degree include
electric transmission lines and substations, telecommunication needs,
new utility lines and adjustments to existing ones, and installation
of roadside signs.
Correspondents include staff of the TNRLC, the SSCL, the DOE, contractors,
consultants, local government officials, state agencies, and utility
companies.
Most of the records concerning utility adjustments for this project
can be found in other site development series, especially Site development
-Utility adjustments and in series for specific site components,
such as Site development - West Campus project files. Documentation
of the overall site development process can be found in the series Commission
meetings and in the series Commission committee meetings,
specifically in the files of the Site Acquisition and Development Committee;
and in the correspondence series, Site development - Correspondence.
Size of the files totals about 9 cubic ft.
Purpose:
This series documents the TNRLC's involvement in facilitating needed
changes in the infrastructure of Ellis County for the Superconducting
Super Collider (SSC) project.
Agency program:
The Texas National Research Laboratory Commission (TNRLC) was created
in 1985 by the 69th Legislature, Senate Bill 1169. The Commission was
initially created to prepare one or more proposals for siting the Superconducting
Super Collider (SSC) in Texas. The SSC was a super collider high-energy
research facility sponsored and authorized by the United States government
as part of the U. S. Department of Energy (DOE).
The Department of Energy selected the Dallas/Fort Worth area site,
in Ellis County, for the location of the SSC in January 1989. The role
of the Commission changed from securing the site to overseeing the state's
responsibilities in the SSC project. In 1990, the Commission initiated
a land acquisition program to acquire clear title to about 16,550 acres
in Ellis County. Other programs begun were a Regulatory Management Program,
to facilitate acquisition of required permits for constructing and operating
the super collider; a Research and Development program designed to support
research programs at the site and at universities and laboratories throughout
the world, and to heighten the importance of science education; and
a Site Development program, to coordinate planning and review during
construction of the super collider, facilitate the infrastructure needs
of the SSC project, including utilities and transportation, and to develop
measures to mitigate impacts on the site region.
Congress appropriated $268 million for the SSC in FY90, including initial
funds for construction. In January 1989 the DOE contracted with a non-profit
group, Universities Research Association, to manage and operate the
construction and scientific programs of the Superconducting Super Collider
Laboratory (SSCL). The SSCL carried out DOE contract activities at the
SSC site with DOE maintaining oversight. The TNRLC maintained a close
working relationship with the Department of Energy and the SSCL while
carrying out the state's responsibilities.
The final environmental impact statement was approved by the DOE in
1991. It was determined by the DOE that the SSC would have no significant
environmental impact on Ellis County. The Magnet Development Laboratory
was then completed and employees began working at the site. Congress
appropriated $483.7 million for the project for federal fiscal year
1992. The baseline cost for completion of the SSC was established by
the DOE at $8.249 billion, which included the $1 billion Texas contribution,
$5.9 billion from the federal government, and the balance from other
sources, primarily foreign investments.
The Superconducting Super Collider was never finished. In October 1993,
the U. S. Congress discontinued federal funding for the construction
of the SSC and appropriated $640 million in FY94 for the termination
of the project. Terms of the state-federal settlement included cash
payments of $210 million, transfers of federally-owned personal and
real property, and restoration of the site. The Texas National Research
Laboratory Commission ceased operations during the 1996-1997 biennium.
(Vernon's Ann. Civ. St., Chapter 465)
Arrangement: Topical
Access constraints: None
Use constraints: None
Indexes or finding aids required for/or an aid to access? No
Gaps: None
Problems: None
Known related records in other agencies: None
Previous destructions:
Destruction requests on file in the Archives and Information Services
Division of the Library and Archives Commission were checked for the
Texas National Research Laboratory Commission and none were found for
this series or for equivalent or related series.
Publications based on records: None
Series data from agency schedule:
Title: Site development - Infrastructure
Series item number: 5.2.002
Agency item number: 130
Archival code: A
Retention: AC+10
Appraisal decision:
A major function of the agency to be undertaken during the construction
of the super collider concerned site development, and a component of
that was for the agency to facilitate the infrastructure needs of the
SSC project. This series documents infrastructure changes for Ellis
County, some implemented, some not. Although this was an important function
of the TNRLC, we do not need to document what specific changes were
proposed and/or undertaken. Major construction projects of this stature
have some infrastructure changes that are an accepted part of the process.
Summary documentation of the site development process can be found in
the series Commission meetings, and in the series Commission
committee meetings, specifically in the files of the Site Acquisition
and Development Committee. This is adequate coverage of this topic.
These records have been appraised to be non-archival. They have not
yet fulfilled their retention period and will be maintained by the Texas
General Services Commission until 2006.
return to top
Records Series Review
Series Title: Site development - Land acquisition project files
Agency: Texas National Research Laboratory Commission
Archival holdings:
This series consists of correspondence, memoranda, contracts and
agreements, legal records, court documents, manuals, monthly progress
reports, lists of land parcels purchased, appraisal proposals and reports,
invoices, minutes and agenda from land acquisition task force and committee
meetings, and other materials concerning the land acquisition project
for the Superconducting Super Collider (SSC). Dates covered are 1987-1994.
The SSC required about 16,550 acres of land for the site. The Texas
National Research Laboratory Commission (TNRLC) was responsible for
the land acquisition, working in conjunction with the Superconducting
Super Collider Laboratory (SSCL) and the U. S. Department of Energy
(DOE) during the process. TNRLC hired several contractors to perform
different functions, with Universal Field Services, Inc., being the
primary contractor. These records reflect many, if not all, of the activities
involved in the land acquisition project. Topics covered include surveying,
mapping, real estate market research, real estate appraisals, eminent
domain and condemnation proceedings, negotiations with land owners,
suits brought against the agency re: land purchases, relocation entitlements,
utility location costs, and right of access agreements.
Several files are present which contain memos between the general counsel
of the TNRLC and the director or commissioners concerning legal cases
pending against the agency, stamped as confidential due to attorney-client
privilege. These cases, according to records of the agency, have been
settled and the Texas State Library and Archives Commission considers
these records to be open. However, one type of record which can be confidential
and is scattered throughout these files are real estate appraisals (V.T.C.A.,
Government Code, Texas Open Records Act, Section 552.105, and an Attorney
General Letter Opinion 90-549 (November 20, 1990)). The Texas Open Records
Act states that appraisals of property to be purchased for public use
are confidential prior to the formal award of contracts for that property.
Once a contract for purchase is awarded the information becomes public.
We do not know if all the property for which appraisals were obtained
was purchased, meaning that appraisals present for property not purchased
(due to cancellation of the SSC project or other reasons) could still
be considered as confidential according to the above statutes. At the
close of the SSC Project, the General Land Office (GLO) was given the
responsibility for selling the land purchased for the SSC project back
to the general public. The land acquisition parcel files created by
the TNRLC (surveys, notes, maps, photographs, etc. gathered for each
parcel purchased) were transferred to the GLO for use their use when
selling the land.
Correspondents include staff of the TNRLC, the DOE, the SSCL, contractors,
state agencies--primarily the Attorney General's Office, title companies,
and attorneys.
Documentation of the overall site development process can be found
in the series Commission meetings and in the series Commission
committee meetings, specifically in the files of the Site Acquisition
and Development Committee; and in two correspondence series, Site
development - Correspondence and Administrative correspondence.
Size of the files totals about 15 cubic ft.
Purpose:
This series documents the TNRLC's involvement in land acquisition
process for the Superconducting Super Collider project.
Agency program:
The Texas National Research Laboratory Commission (TNRLC) was created
in 1985 by the 69th Legislature, Senate Bill 1169. The Commission was
initially created to prepare one or more proposals for siting the Superconducting
Super Collider (SSC) in Texas. The SSC was a super collider high-energy
research facility sponsored and authorized by the United States government
as part of the U. S. Department of Energy (DOE).
The Department of Energy selected the Dallas/Fort Worth area site,
in Ellis County, for the location of the SSC in January 1989. The role
of the Commission changed from securing the site to overseeing the state's
responsibilities in the SSC project. In 1990, the Commission initiated
a land acquisition program to acquire clear title to about 16,550 acres
in Ellis County. Other programs begun were a Regulatory Management Program,
to facilitate acquisition of required permits for constructing and operating
the super collider; a Research and Development program designed to support
research programs at the site and at universities and laboratories throughout
the world, and to heighten the importance of science education; and
a Site Development program, to coordinate planning and review during
construction of the super collider, facilitate the infrastructure needs
of the SSC project, including utilities and transportation, and to develop
measures to mitigate impacts on the site region.
Congress appropriated $268 million for the SSC in FY90, including initial
funds for construction. In January 1989 the DOE contracted with a non-profit
group, Universities Research Association, to manage and operate the
construction and scientific programs of the Superconducting Super Collider
Laboratory (SSCL). The SSCL carried out DOE contract activities at the
SSC site with DOE maintaining oversight. The TNRLC maintained a close
working relationship with the Department of Energy and the SSCL while
carrying out the state's responsibilities.
The final environmental impact statement was approved by the DOE in
1991. It was determined by the DOE that the SSC would have no significant
environmental impact on Ellis County. The Magnet Development Laboratory
was then completed and employees began working at the site. Congress
appropriated $483.7 million for the project for federal fiscal year
1992. The baseline cost for completion of the SSC was established by
the DOE at $8.249 billion, which included the $1 billion Texas contribution,
$5.9 billion from the federal government, and the balance from other
sources, primarily foreign investments.
The Superconducting Super Collider was never finished. In October 1993,
the U. S. Congress discontinued federal funding for the construction
of the SSC and appropriated $640 million in FY94 for the termination
of the project. Terms of the state-federal settlement included cash
payments of $210 million, transfers of federally-owned personal and
real property, and restoration of the site. The Texas National Research
Laboratory Commission ceased operations during the 1996-1997 biennium.
(Vernon's Ann. Civ. St., Chapter 465)
Arrangement: Topical
Access constraints:
Real estate appraisals of property to be purchased for public use
are confidential prior to the formal award of contracts for that property.
Some appraisals in these records likely are present for property that
was not purchased, thus they may still be confidential. (V.T.C.A., Government
Code, Texas Open Records Act, Section 552.105)
Use constraints: None
Indexes or finding aids required for/or an aid to access? No
Gaps: None
Problems: None
Known related records in other agencies:
The Texas Attorney General's Office should have records relating
to the suits brought against the TNRLC and the condemnation proceedings,
as the Attorney General served as legal counsel for the agency in court.
The land acquisition parcel files (surveys, notes, maps, photographs,
etc.) can be found at the Texas General Land Office.
Previous destructions:
Destruction requests on file in the Archives and Information Services
Division of the Library and Archives Commission were checked for the
Texas National Research Laboratory Commission and none were found for
this series or for equivalent or related series.
Publications based on records: None
Series data from agency schedule:
Title: Site development - Land acquisition project files
Series item number: 5.2.003
Agency item number: 122
Archival code: A
Retention: LA
Appraisal decision:
A major function of the agency to be undertaken during the construction
of the super collider concerned site development, and a component of
that was for the agency to acquire the needed land for the SSC project.
This series documents the land acquisition activities in great detail.
Although land acquisition was a necessity for the SSC project, specific
details of the land acquisition process and what land was purchased
are not necessary to document the process, especially since the project
was never completed. Summary documentation of the site development process,
including land acquisition activities can be found in the series Commission
meetings, and in the series Commission committee meetings,
specifically in the files of the Site Acquisition and Development Committee.
Two correspondence series, Administrative correspondence and
Site development - Correspondence, also contain materials concerning
land acquisition. These series provide adequate coverage of the land
acquisition process. This series has been appraised to be non-archival.
These files have a retention period of LA--life of asset.
Since the state is not building the SSC and most the land purchased
has been or will be put back onto the auction block, these files have
fulfilled their retention period. Also, any of the land transactions
should also be recorded in the county court house in the deed records,
which is sufficient documentation of the property transactions for this
project.
return to top
Records Series Review
Series Title: Site development - East Campus project files
Agency: Texas National Research Laboratory Commission
Archival holdings:
This series contains correspondence, memoranda, reports, drawings,
design change notices, agreements, and other records concerning the
site development of the East Campus complex at the Superconducting Super
Collider (SSC) site and design specifications for facilities on the
complex. Dates covered are 1987, 1991-1994.
The SSC site contained two large campus areas, known as the East Campus
and the West Campus. Development on the East Campus began later than
that of the West Campus and most facilities designed for the campus
were not finished. The records in this series discuss the overall site
development of the complex, including design specifications of the facilities
and tunnels to be constructed, infrastructure needs, and regulatory
compliance issues. The specifications are present in several reports
prepared by the contractor, PB/MK (Parsons Brinckerhoff and Morrison
Knudsen), which are accompanied by drawings of the facilities. The infrastructure
needs discussed center primarily on water transmission, potable water,
and wastewater. Also covered to a lesser degree are access roads needed
to the site, electrical substations for the complex, hydrologic and
geotechnical studies of the complex, and a plan for mitigation of some
lands in the complex to wetlands.
Correspondents include the Texas National Research Laboratory Commission
(TNRLC), the Superconducting Super Collider Laboratory (SSCL), the contractor
for the design and construction of conventional facilities for the SSC
project--PB/MK, and local officials.
More details of infrastructure activities in the overall site development
process can be found in the series Site development - Infrastructure
and the series Site development - Utility adjustments. More details
of the construction of facilities, tunnels, etc. can be found in the
various construction management series and in other site development
series which concern specific components of the site, such as Site
development - Tunnel project files. Documentation of the overall
site development process can be found in the series Commission meetings
and in the series Commission committee meetings, specifically
in the files of the Site Acquisition and Development Committee; and
in the correspondence series, Site development - Correspondence.
Size of the files totals 4 cubic ft.
Purpose:
This series documents some of the site development activities at
the East Campus complex and design details for facilities on the complex.
Agency program:
The Texas National Research Laboratory Commission (TNRLC) was created
in 1985 by the 69th Legislature, Senate Bill 1169. The Commission was
initially created to prepare one or more proposals for siting the Superconducting
Super Collider (SSC) in Texas. The SSC was a super collider high-energy
research facility sponsored and authorized by the United States government
as part of the U. S. Department of Energy (DOE).
The Department of Energy selected the Dallas/Fort Worth area site,
in Ellis County, for the location of the SSC in January 1989. The role
of the Commission changed from securing the site to overseeing the state's
responsibilities in the SSC project. In 1990, the Commission initiated
a land acquisition program to acquire clear title to about 16,550 acres
in Ellis County. Other programs begun were a Regulatory Management Program,
to facilitate acquisition of required permits for constructing and operating
the super collider; a Research and Development program designed to support
research programs at the site and at universities and laboratories throughout
the world, and to heighten the importance of science education; and
a Site Development program, to coordinate planning and review during
construction of the super collider, facilitate the infrastructure needs
of the SSC project, including utilities and transportation, and to develop
measures to mitigate impacts on the site region.
Congress appropriated $268 million for the SSC in FY90, including initial
funds for construction. In January 1989 the DOE contracted with a non-profit
group, Universities Research Association, to manage and operate the
construction and scientific programs of the Superconducting Super Collider
Laboratory (SSCL). The SSCL carried out DOE contract activities at the
SSC site with DOE maintaining oversight. The TNRLC maintained a close
working relationship with the Department of Energy and the SSCL while
carrying out the state's responsibilities.
The final environmental impact statement was approved by the DOE in
1991. It was determined by the DOE that the SSC would have no significant
environmental impact on Ellis County. The Magnet Development Laboratory
was then completed and employees began working at the site. Congress
appropriated $483.7 million for the project for federal fiscal year
1992. The baseline cost for completion of the SSC was established by
the DOE at $8.249 billion, which included the $1 billion Texas contribution,
$5.9 billion from the federal government, and the balance from other
sources, primarily foreign investments.
The Superconducting Super Collider was never finished. In October 1993,
the U. S. Congress discontinued federal funding for the construction
of the SSC and appropriated $640 million in FY94 for the termination
of the project. Terms of the state-federal settlement included cash
payments of $210 million, transfers of federally-owned personal and
real property, and restoration of the site. The Texas National Research
Laboratory Commission ceased operations during the 1996-1997 biennium.
(Vernon's Ann. Civ. St., Chapter 465)
Arrangement: Topical
Access constraints: None
Use constraints: None
Indexes or finding aids required for/or an aid to access? No
Gaps: None
Problems: None
Known related records in other agencies:
Additional records concerning design specifications, plans for facilities,
etc., can be found in the records of the U. S. Department of Energy,
Superconducting Super Collider Project Office, Record Group 434, National
Archives and Records Administration, Southwest Region, Fort Worth, Texas.
Previous destructions:
Destruction requests on file in the Archives and Information Services
Division of the Library and Archives Commission were checked for the
Texas National Research Laboratory Commission and none were found for
this series or for equivalent or related series.
Publications based on records: None
Series data from agency schedule:
Title: Site development - East Campus project files
Series item number: 5.2.002
Agency item number: 125
Archival code: A
Retention: AC+10
Appraisal decision:
A major function of the agency to be undertaken during the construction
of the super collider concerned site development, including facilitating
the infrastructure needs of the SSC project. This series documents the
site development and design details for facilities and tunnels to be
constructed on the East Campus complex. Most of the infrastructure needs
discussed here concern water and wastewater. The majority of the records
discuss design specifications for the complex in the form of reports
and drawings. The DOE was in charge of constructing the facilities and
other components at the site. The TNRLC worked with the DOE and the
SSCL to facilitate the infrastructure needs and regulatory compliance
issues, but was not directly involved in the construction of facilities
and components except for the renovation of a large warehouse into the
Central Facility. A more complete construction record of this complex
is available with the records of the SSC Project Office at the National
Archives. While we do not need specific details of infrastructure needs,
we need to maintain the design specifications and drawings for the complex
to get a good picture of what the site would have encompassed if it
were built. This series has been appraised to be archival.
return to top
Records Series Review
Series Title: Site development - West Campus project files
Agency: Texas National Research Laboratory Commission
Archival holdings:
This series contains correspondence, memoranda, summaries of telephone
conversations, reports and studies, drawings, specifications, design
change notices, invitations for bid (for subcontractors to build specific
facilities or site components), maps, and other records concerning the
site development of the West Campus complex at the Superconducting Super
Collider (SSC) site and design details for facilities and components
on the complex. Dates covered are 1989-1994.
The SSC site contained two large campus areas, known as the East Campus
and the West Campus. Development of the West Campus was more comprehensive
than that of the East Campus--it contained several major facilities
that were completed or nearly completed, including the Central Facility,
the Magnet Development Lab, and the Linear Accelerator. Still, many
of the facilities and other components of the site, such as shafts and
tunnels designed for the campus were not finished. The records in this
series concern the overall site development of the complex, including
design specifications of the facilities and other components to be constructed,
infrastructure needs, and regulatory compliance issues. The specifications
are present in several reports prepared by the contractor, PB/MK (Parsons
Brinckerhoff and Morrison Knudsen), and are accompanied by plans and
drawings of the facilities. The infrastructure needs discussed center
primarily around water transmission, potable water, cooling systems,
and wastewater treatment plants. Plans and specifications are present
for several of the water facilities. Other components of the site for
which specifications and drawings are available include the low energy
booster, the medium energy booster, and the test beam area. Also covered
to a lesser degree are access roads needed to the site, electrical needs
for the complex, and a plan for relocation of a stream on the complex.
Correspondents include the Texas National Research Laboratory Commission
(TNRLC), the Superconducting Super Collider Laboratory (SSCL), the contractor
for the design and construction of conventional facilities for the SSC
project--PB/MK and other consultants and contractors, water district
and utility companies, and local officials.
More details of infrastructure activities in the overall site development
process can be found in the series Site development - Infrastructure
and the series Site development - Utility adjustments. More details
of the construction of facilities, tunnels, etc. can be found in the
various construction management series and in other site development
series which concern specific components of the site, such as Site
development - Tunnel project files. Documentation of the overall
site development process can be found in the series Commission meetings
and in the series Commission committee meetings, specifically
in the files of the Site Acquisition and Development Committee; and
in the correspondence series, Site development - Correspondence.
Size of the files totals 10 cubic ft.
Purpose:
This series documents the site development of the West Campus complex
and design details for facilities on the complex.
Agency program:
The Texas National Research Laboratory Commission (TNRLC) was created
in 1985 by the 69th Legislature, Senate Bill 1169. The Commission was
initially created to prepare one or more proposals for siting the Superconducting
Super Collider (SSC) in Texas. The SSC was a super collider high-energy
research facility sponsored and authorized by the United States government
as part of the U. S. Department of Energy (DOE).
The Department of Energy selected the Dallas/Fort Worth area site,
in Ellis County, for the location of the SSC in January 1989. The role
of the Commission changed from securing the site to overseeing the state's
responsibilities in the SSC project. In 1990, the Commission initiated
a land acquisition program to acquire clear title to about 16,550 acres
in Ellis County. Other programs begun were a Regulatory Management Program,
to facilitate acquisition of required permits for constructing and operating
the super collider; a Research and Development program designed to support
research programs at the site and at universities and laboratories throughout
the world, and to heighten the importance of science education; and
a Site Development program, to coordinate planning and review during
construction of the super collider, facilitate the infrastructure needs
of the SSC project, including utilities and transportation, and to develop
measures to mitigate impacts on the site region.
Congress appropriated $268 million for the SSC in FY90, including initial
funds for construction. In January 1989 the DOE contracted with a non-profit
group, Universities Research Association, to manage and operate the
construction and scientific programs of the Superconducting Super Collider
Laboratory (SSCL). The SSCL carried out DOE contract activities at the
SSC site with DOE maintaining oversight. The TNRLC maintained a close
working relationship with the Department of Energy and the SSCL while
carrying out the state's responsibilities.
The final environmental impact statement was approved by the DOE in
1991. It was determined by the DOE that the SSC would have no significant
environmental impact on Ellis County. The Magnet Development Laboratory
was then completed and employees began working at the site. Congress
appropriated $483.7 million for the project for federal fiscal year
1992. The baseline cost for completion of the SSC was established by
the DOE at $8.249 billion, which included the $1 billion Texas contribution,
$5.9 billion from the federal government, and the balance from other
sources, primarily foreign investments.
The Superconducting Super Collider was never finished. In October 1993,
the U. S. Congress discontinued federal funding for the construction
of the SSC and appropriated $640 million in FY94 for the termination
of the project. Terms of the state-federal settlement included cash
payments of $210 million, transfers of federally-owned personal and
real property, and restoration of the site. The Texas National Research
Laboratory Commission ceased operations during the 1996-1997 biennium.
(Vernon's Ann. Civ. St., Chapter 465)
Arrangement: Topical
Access constraints: None
Use constraints: None
Indexes or finding aids required for/or an aid to access? No
Gaps: None
Problems: None
Known related records in other agencies:
Additional records concerning design specifications, plans for facilities,
tunnels, etc., can be found in the records of the U. S. Department of
Energy, Superconducting Super Collider Project Office, Record Group
434, National Archives and Records Administration, Southwest Region,
Fort Worth, Texas.
Previous destructions:
Destruction requests on file in the Archives and Information Services
Division of the Library and Archives Commission were checked for the
Texas National Research Laboratory Commission and none were found for
this series or for equivalent or related series.
Publications based on records: None
Series data from agency schedule:
Title: Site development - West campus project files
Series item number: 5.2.002
Agency item number: 124
Archival code: A
Retention: AC+10
Appraisal decision:
A major function of the agency to be undertaken during the construction
of the super collider concerned site development, including facilitating
the infrastructure needs of the SSC project. This series documents the
site development and design details for facilities, shafts, and other
components of the project to be constructed on the West Campus complex.
Most of the infrastructure needs discussed here concern water and wastewater.
The majority of the records concern design specifications for the complex
in the form of reports and drawings. The DOE was in charge of constructing
the facilities and other components at the site. The TNRLC worked with
the DOE and the SSCL to facilitate the infrastructure needs and regulatory
compliance issues, but was not directly involved in the construction
of facilities and components except for the renovation of a large warehouse
into the Central Facility. A more complete construction record of this
complex is available with the records of the SSC Project Office at the
National Archives. While we do not need specific details of infrastructure
needs, we need to maintain the design specifications and drawings for
the complex to get a good picture of what the site would have encompassed
if it were built. This series has been appraised to be archival.
return to top
Records Series Review
Series Title: Site development - N Site and N15 project files
Agency: Texas National Research Laboratory Commission
Archival holdings:
This series contains correspondence, memoranda, reports, drawings,
specifications, design change notices, invitations for bid, maps, permits,
and other records concerning the site development and design specifications
for the N shaft sites for the Superconducting Super Collider (SSC),
primarily the N15 site located on the West Campus complex. Dates covered
are 1991-1993.
The records in this series concern the design specifications, infrastructure
needs, and regulatory compliance issues of the N shaft sites. The collider
facility was to consist of 54 miles of tunnel with associated shafts
and surface buildings. The tunnel comprised north and south arcs, each
22 miles in length, and west and east clusters, each about 5 miles in
length, connecting the arcs. Shafts to the tunnel were located every
2.7 miles. Some shafts were used for utility access, some for personnel
access, and smaller shafts were used for ventilation. The N15 site was
a major service area and the most completely documented site in this
series. Specifications are present in several reports prepared by the
contractor, PB/MK (Parsons Brinckerhoff and Morrison Knudsen), and are
accompanied by plans and drawings of the shafts and service areas. The
infrastructure needs discussed center primarily around water transmission,
a water plant, cooling systems, and a sewage treatment plant. Plans
and specifications are present for most of the water facilities and
an overall plan for all the infrastructure needs of the N15 site is
present. Also covered to a lesser degree are access roads needed to
the site.
Correspondents include the Texas National Research Laboratory Commission
(TNRLC), the Superconducting Super Collider Laboratory (SSCL), and the
contractor for the design and construction of conventional facilities
for the SSC project, PB/MK.
Some additional materials for the N shaft sites, especially the N15
site, including additional drawings, reports, and specifications, can
be found in the series Site development - West Campus project files
and the series Site development - Tunnel project files. More
details of infrastructure activities in the overall site development
process can be found in the series Site development - Infrastructure
and the series Site development - Utility adjustments. Documentation
of the overall site development process can be found in the series Commission
meetings and in the series Commission committee meetings,
specifically in the files of the Site Acquisition and Development Committee;
and in the correspondence series, Site development - Correspondence.
Size of the files totals 2 cubic ft.
Purpose:
This series documents the site development of the N15 and other
N site shafts, most located in the West Campus complex.
Agency program:
The Texas National Research Laboratory Commission (TNRLC) was created
in 1985 by the 69th Legislature, Senate Bill 1169. The Commission was
initially created to prepare one or more proposals for siting the Superconducting
Super Collider (SSC) in Texas. The SSC was a super collider high-energy
research facility sponsored and authorized by the United States government
as part of the U. S. Department of Energy (DOE).
The Department of Energy selected the Dallas/Fort Worth area site,
in Ellis County, for the location of the SSC in January 1989. The role
of the Commission changed from securing the site to overseeing the state's
responsibilities in the SSC project. In 1990, the Commission initiated
a land acquisition program to acquire clear title to about 16,550 acres
in Ellis County. Other programs begun were a Regulatory Management Program,
to facilitate acquisition of required permits for constructing and operating
the super collider; a Research and Development program designed to support
research programs at the site and at universities and laboratories throughout
the world, and to heighten the importance of science education; and
a Site Development program, to coordinate planning and review during
construction of the super collider, facilitate the infrastructure needs
of the SSC project, including utilities and transportation, and to develop
measures to mitigate impacts on the site region.
Congress appropriated $268 million for the SSC in FY90, including initial
funds for construction. In January 1989 the DOE contracted with a non-profit
group, Universities Research Association, to manage and operate the
construction and scientific programs of the Superconducting Super Collider
Laboratory (SSCL). The SSCL carried out DOE contract activities at the
SSC site with DOE maintaining oversight. The TNRLC maintained a close
working relationship with the Department of Energy and the SSCL while
carrying out the state's responsibilities.
The final environmental impact statement was approved by the DOE in
1991. It was determined by the DOE that the SSC would have no significant
environmental impact on Ellis County. The Magnet Development Laboratory
was then completed and employees began working at the site. Congress
appropriated $483.7 million for the project for federal fiscal year
1992. The baseline cost for completion of the SSC was established by
the DOE at $8.249 billion, which included the $1 billion Texas contribution,
$5.9 billion from the federal government, and the balance from other
sources, primarily foreign investments.
The Superconducting Super Collider was never finished. In October 1993,
the U. S. Congress discontinued federal funding for the construction
of the SSC and appropriated $640 million in FY94 for the termination
of the project. Terms of the state-federal settlement included cash
payments of $210 million, transfers of federally-owned personal and
real property, and restoration of the site. The Texas National Research
Laboratory Commission ceased operations during the 1996-1997 biennium.
(Vernon's Ann. Civ. St., Chapter 465)
Arrangement: Topical
Access constraints: None
Use constraints: None
Indexes or finding aids required for/or an aid to access? No
Gaps: None
Problems: None
Known related records in other agencies:
Additional records concerning design specifications, plans for shafts,
etc., can be found in the records of the U. S. Department of Energy,
Superconducting Super Collider Project Office, Record Group 434, National
Archives and Records Administration, Southwest Region, Fort Worth, Texas.
Previous destructions:
Destruction requests on file in the Archives and Information Services
Division of the Library and Archives Commission were checked for the
Texas National Research Laboratory Commission and none were found for
this series or for equivalent or related series.
Publications based on records: None
Series data from agency schedule:
Title: Site development - N site and N15 project files
Series item number: 5.2.002
Agency item number: 127
Archival code: A
Retention: AC+10
Appraisal decision:
A major function of the agency to be undertaken during the construction
of the super collider concerned site development, including facilitating
the infrastructure needs of the SSC project. This series documents the
site development and design details of the N15 and other N site shafts,
most located in the West Campus complex. Most of the infrastructure
needs discussed here concern water and wastewater. The DOE was in charge
of constructing the facilities and other components at the site. The
TNRLC worked with the DOE and the SSCL to facilitate the infrastructure
needs and regulatory compliance issues, but was not directly involved
in the construction of facilities and components except for the renovation
of a large warehouse into the Central Facility. A more complete construction
record of the shafts is available with the records of the SSC Project
Office at the National Archives. While we do not need specific details
of infrastructure needs, we need to maintain the design specifications
and drawings for the shafts to get a good picture of what the site would
have encompassed if it were built. This series has been appraised to
be archival.
return to top
Records Series Review
Series Title: Site development - Shaft sites S15-S55 project
files
Agency: Texas National Research Laboratory Commission
Archival holdings:
This series contains correspondence, memoranda, maps, drawings,
and design requirements concerning the site development and construction
of the S15-S55 shaft sites for the Superconducting Super Collider (SSC).
Dates covered are 1992-1993.
The records in this series concern the design requirements and some
infrastructure needs, mostly concerning water needs and drainage for
access roads to the S shaft sites. The collider facility was to consist
of 54 miles of tunnel with associated shafts and surface buildings.
The tunnel comprised north and south arcs, each 22 miles in length,
and west and east clusters, each about 5 miles in length, connecting
the arcs. Shafts to the tunnel were located every 2.7 miles. Some shafts
were used for utility access, some for personnel access, and smaller
shafts were used for ventilation. Very little progress was made in the
construction of the S site shafts, which likely explains the lack of
materials present in this series.
Correspondents include the Texas National Research Laboratory Commission
(TNRLC), the Superconducting Super Collider Laboratory (SSCL), and the
contractor for the design and construction of conventional facilities
for the SSC project--PB/MK (Parsons Brinckerhoff and Morrison Knudsen).
Some additional materials can be found in the series Site development
- Tunnel project files. More details of infrastructure activities
in the overall site development process can be found in the series Site
development - Infrastructure and the series Site development
- Utility adjustments. Documentation of the overall site development
process can be found in the series Commission meetings and in
the series Commission committee meetings, specifically in the
files of the Site Acquisition and Development Committee; and in the
correspondence series, Site development - Correspondence.
Size of the files total less than 0.1 cubic ft.
Purpose:
This series documents a small portion of the site development of
the S site shafts.
Agency program:
The Texas National Research Laboratory Commission (TNRLC) was created
in 1985 by the 69th Legislature, Senate Bill 1169. The Commission was
initially created to prepare one or more proposals for siting the Superconducting
Super Collider (SSC) in Texas. The SSC was a super collider high-energy
research facility sponsored and authorized by the United States government
as part of the U. S. Department of Energy (DOE).
The Department of Energy selected the Dallas/Fort Worth area site,
in Ellis County, for the location of the SSC in January 1989. The role
of the Commission changed from securing the site to overseeing the state's
responsibilities in the SSC project. In 1990, the Commission initiated
a land acquisition program to acquire clear title to about 16,550 acres
in Ellis County. Other programs begun were a Regulatory Management Program,
to facilitate acquisition of required permits for constructing and operating
the super collider; a Research and Development program designed to support
research programs at the site and at universities and laboratories throughout
the world, and to heighten the importance of science education; and
a Site Development program, to coordinate planning and review during
construction of the super collider, facilitate the infrastructure needs
of the SSC project, including utilities and transportation, and to develop
measures to mitigate impacts on the site region.
Congress appropriated $268 million for the SSC in FY90, including initial
funds for construction. In January 1989 the DOE contracted with a non-profit
group, Universities Research Association, to manage and operate the
construction and scientific programs of the Superconducting Super Collider
Laboratory (SSCL). The SSCL carried out DOE contract activities at the
SSC site with DOE maintaining oversight. The TNRLC maintained a close
working relationship with the Department of Energy and the SSCL while
carrying out the state's responsibilities.
The final environmental impact statement was approved by the DOE in
1991. It was determined by the DOE that the SSC would have no significant
environmental impact on Ellis County. The Magnet Development Laboratory
was then completed and employees began working at the site. Congress
appropriated $483.7 million for the project for federal fiscal year
1992. The baseline cost for completion of the SSC was established by
the DOE at $8.249 billion, which included the $1 billion Texas contribution,
$5.9 billion from the federal government, and the balance from other
sources, primarily foreign investments.
The Superconducting Super Collider was never finished. In October 1993,
the U. S. Congress discontinued federal funding for the construction
of the SSC and appropriated $640 million in FY94 for the termination
of the project. Terms of the state-federal settlement included cash
payments of $210 million, transfers of federally-owned personal and
real property, and restoration of the site. The Texas National Research
Laboratory Commission ceased operations during the 1996-1997 biennium.
(Vernon's Ann. Civ. St., Chapter 465)
Arrangement: Topical
Access constraints: None
Use constraints: None
Indexes or finding aids required for/or an aid to access? No
Gaps: None
Problems: None
Known related records in other agencies:
Additional records concerning design specifications, plans for shafts,
etc. can be found in the records of the U. S. Department of Energy,
Superconducting Super Collider Project Office, Record Group 434, National
Archives and Records Administration, Southwest Region, Fort Worth, Texas.
Previous destructions:
Destruction requests on file in the Archives and Information Services
Division of the Library and Archives Commission were checked for the
Texas National Research Laboratory Commission and none were found for
this series or for equivalent or related series.
Publications based on records: None
Series data from agency schedule:
Title: Site development - Shaft sites S15-S55
Series item number: 5.2
Agency item number: 147
Archival code: A
Retention: AC+10
Appraisal decision:
A major function of the agency to be undertaken during the construction
of the super collider concerned site development, including facilitating
the infrastructure needs of the SSC project. This series documents the
site development and design requirements of the S site shafts. The infrastructure
needs discussed here concern water and drainage needs for access roads,
which comprise most of the materials in this series. The TNRLC worked
with the DOE and the SSCL to facilitate the infrastructure needs and
regulatory compliance issues, but was not directly involved in the construction
of facilities and components except for the renovation of a large warehouse
into the Central Facility. The design requirements and drawings for
the shaft sites are very significant, as the shafts were an integral
part of the collider ring. A more complete construction record of this
complex is available with the records of the SSC Project Office at the
National Archives. Although these records do not seem to reflect direct
involvement of the TNRLC regarding infrastructure needs, these records
are important to retain nonetheless. While we do not need specific details
of infrastructure needs, we do need to maintain the design requirements
and drawings for the shaft sites and vicinity to get a good picture
of what the site would have encompassed if it were built. This series
has been appraised to be archival.
return to top
Records Series Review
Series Title: Site development - South Arc project files
Agency: Texas National Research Laboratory Commission
Archival holdings:
This series contains correspondence, phone conversation summaries,
memoranda, and maps concerning site development for the south arc section
of the tunnel for the Superconducting Super Collider (SSC). Dates covered
are 1991-1993.
The records in this series concern some infrastructure needs for the
south arc section of the collider tunnel. The collider facility was
to consist of 54 miles of tunnel with associated shafts and surface
buildings. The tunnel comprised north and south arcs, each 22 miles
in length, and west and east clusters, each about 5 miles in length,
connecting the arcs. The records in this series primarily concern water
needs for the south arc, both cooling water and construction water.
Also present are a few materials concerning revising part of the tunnel
location. Unlike previous site development series, neither design details
or plans/drawings of the south arc are present. A related series contains
files of that nature--Site development - Tunnel project files.
Correspondents include the Texas National Research Laboratory Commission
(TNRLC), the Superconducting Super Collider Laboratory (SSCL), the U.
S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the contractor for the design and
construction of conventional facilities for the SSC project--PB/MK (Parsons
Brinckerhoff and Morrison Knudsen).
More details of infrastructure activities in the overall site development
process can be found in the series Site development - Infrastructure
and the series Site development - Utility adjustments. Documentation
of the overall site development process can be found in the series Commission
meetings and in the series Commission committee meetings,
specifically in the files of the Site Acquisition and Development Committee;
and in the correspondence series, Site development - Correspondence.
Size of the files total less than 0.1 cubic ft.
Purpose:
This series documents the site development of the south arc section
of the collider tunnel.
Agency program:
The Texas National Research Laboratory Commission (TNRLC) was created
in 1985 by the 69th Legislature, Senate Bill 1169. The Commission was
initially created to prepare one or more proposals for siting the Superconducting
Super Collider (SSC) in Texas. The SSC was a super collider high-energy
research facility sponsored and authorized by the United States government
as part of the U. S. Department of Energy (DOE).
The Department of Energy selected the Dallas/Fort Worth area site,
in Ellis County, for the location of the SSC in January 1989. The role
of the Commission changed from securing the site to overseeing the state's
responsibilities in the SSC project. In 1990, the Commission initiated
a land acquisition program to acquire clear title to about 16,550 acres
in Ellis County. Other programs begun were a Regulatory Management Program,
to facilitate acquisition of required permits for constructing and operating
the super collider; a Research and Development program designed to support
research programs at the site and at universities and laboratories throughout
the world, and to heighten the importance of science education; and
a Site Development program, to coordinate planning and review during
construction of the super collider, facilitate the infrastructure needs
of the SSC project, including utilities and transportation, and to develop
measures to mitigate impacts on the site region.
Congress appropriated $268 million for the SSC in FY90, including initial
funds for construction. In January 1989 the DOE contracted with a non-profit
group, Universities Research Association, to manage and operate the
construction and scientific programs of the Superconducting Super Collider
Laboratory (SSCL). The SSCL carried out DOE contract activities at the
SSC site with DOE maintaining oversight. The TNRLC maintained a close
working relationship with the Department of Energy and the SSCL while
carrying out the state's responsibilities.
The final environmental impact statement was approved by the DOE in
1991. It was determined by the DOE that the SSC would have no significant
environmental impact on Ellis County. The Magnet Development Laboratory
was then completed and employees began working at the site. Congress
appropriated $483.7 million for the project for federal fiscal year
1992. The baseline cost for completion of the SSC was established by
the DOE at $8.249 billion, which included the $1 billion Texas contribution,
$5.9 billion from the federal government, and the balance from other
sources, primarily foreign investments.
The Superconducting Super Collider was never finished. In October 1993,
the U. S. Congress discontinued federal funding for the construction
of the SSC and appropriated $640 million in FY94 for the termination
of the project. Terms of the state-federal settlement included cash
payments of $210 million, transfers of federally-owned personal and
real property, and restoration of the site. The Texas National Research
Laboratory Commission ceased operations during the 1996-1997 biennium.
(Vernon's Ann. Civ. St., Chapter 465)
Arrangement: Topical
Access constraints: None
Use constraints: None
Indexes or finding aids required for/or an aid to access? No
Gaps: None
Problems: None
Known related records in other agencies:
Additional records concerning design specification and construction
of the south arc section of the collider tunnel can be found in the
records of the U. S. Department of Energy, Superconducting Super Collider
Project Office, Record Group 434, National Archives and Records Administration,
Southwest Region, Fort Worth, Texas.
Previous destructions:
Destruction requests on file in the Archives and Information Services
Division of the Library and Archives Commission were checked for the
Texas National Research Laboratory Commission and none were found for
this series or for equivalent or related series.
Publications based on records: None
Series data from agency schedule:
Title: Site development - South Arc
Series item number: 5.2
Agency item number: 144
Archival code: A
Retention: AC+10
Appraisal decision:
A major function of the agency to be undertaken during the construction
of the super collider concerned site development, including facilitating
the infrastructure needs of the SSC project. This series documents some
of the site development for the south arc of the collider tunnel. The
infrastructure needs discussed here concern water; also discussed is
a revised location for part of the tunnel. The TNRLC worked with the
DOE and the SSCL to facilitate the infrastructure needs and regulatory
compliance issues, but was not directly involved in the construction
of facilities and components except for the renovation of a large warehouse
into the Central Facility. We do not necessarily need to document the
infrastructure needs presented in this series, but we will retain these
files along with the other project files, to present the best overall
record of how the facility would have looked and operated had it been
built. Also, additional files concerning the site development and design
specifications of the south arc are present in the series, Site development
- Tunnel project files. A more complete construction record of this
complex is available with the records of the SSC Project Office at the
National Archives. Another item of interest is a 1991 memorandum regarding
the revised location of the tunnel. Changes in the tunnel location are
reflected in design requirements and specifications, but this adds to
the overall site development project files and concerns detailed in
the memorandum may be not be present elsewhere. This series has been
appraised to be archival.
return to top
Records Series Review
Series Title: Site development - Tunnel project files
Agency: Texas National Research Laboratory Commission
Archival holdings:
This series contains correspondence, memoranda, summaries of telephone
conversations, drawings, specifications, design change notices, invitations
for bid (for subcontractors to build specific facilities or site components),
a tunnel elevation study, geotechnical design summary reports, maps,
and other records concerning the construction of the collider tunnel
of the Superconducting Super Collider (SSC). Dates covered are 1991-1993.
The collider facility was to consist of 54 miles of tunnel with associated
shafts and surface buildings. The tunnel comprised north and south arcs,
each 22 miles in length, and west and east clusters, each about 5 miles
in length, connecting the arcs. Shafts to the tunnel were located every
2.7 miles. Some shafts were used for utility access, some for personnel
access, and smaller shafts were used for ventilation. The records in
this series primarily concern the design requirements, specifications,
and drawings of portions of the north and south arcs of the collider
tunnel and associated shafts; and revisions to the original tunnel location.
Very little specific site development needs are discussed except as
part of the overall design of the tunnel.
Correspondents include the Texas National Research Laboratory Commission
(TNRLC), the Superconducting Super Collider Laboratory (SSCL), the contractor
for the design and construction of conventional facilities for the SSC
project--PB/MK (Parsons Brinckerhoff and Morrison Knudsen), and the
U. S. Department of Energy (DOE).
Additional details of the site development for the north and south
shaft sites can be found in the series, Site development - N site
and N15 project files, and Site development - Sha
