The Palestine Economic Development Corporation is a non-profit 501(c)3 corporation organized under the Texas Development Corporation Act of 1979. PEDC was authorized by the Citizens of Palestine in May 1998.
The purpose of the Corporation is to assist in the growth and development of the City of Palestine through job creation, capital investment, and retention and attraction of industry. The corporation is governed by a seven member Board of Directors appointed by the Palestine City Council.
Vision/Mission
The Board of Directors of the Palestine Economic Development Corporation has adopted the following Vision and Mission Statements.
Vision
To be a growing, healthy community with a diversified economic base, that enhances people’s lives.
Mission
To provide the leadership and resources to successfully compete for jobs and enhance community wealth.
Board of Directors
Board of Directors - 2013
Position #1: Larry Weber
Position #2: Vacant
Position #3: Brenda Beazley (Chair)
Position #4: Mark Price
Position #5: Tim Kozik
Position #6: Odell Magee (Vice Chair)
Position #7: John McDonald
Staff
Palestine Economic Development Corporation 100 Willow Creek Parkway, Suite A Palestine, Texas 75801
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Population 2000 Census 2011 Estimate Palestine 17,598 18,657 AndersonCounty 55,109 58,308
Municipal Services Form of Local Government – Council/Manager Fire Insurance Rating – Class 5 Full-time Policeman – 34 Full-time Firemen – 41 Fire Stations - 4
Transportation Major Highways – US 79, 84, 287, TX 19, 155 Interstates– I-45, 35 miles, I-20, 55 miles Rail – Union Pacific, BNSF Motor Freight – 6 carriers located in Palestine Air– Commercial Air Service – Pounds Field, Tyler, Texas 45 miles, DFWInternationalAirport—120 miles, Houston Intercontinental 150 miles PublicAirport – City of Palestine, 5,000 foot paved runway
Utilities Electric – Oncor Electric Distribution Capacity 22,808,000 KW Gas – Atmos Energy BTU Content 1,500/cu. Ft.
City of Palestine
Water – Source Neches River/Lake Palestine Capacity of Plant - 10,000,000 GPD Average daily usage – 3,500,000 GPD Peak Demand – 7,500,000 GPD Storage Capacity – 6,000,000 gallons Pressure on Mains— 30—120 PSI Sewer – Extended Aerated Activated Sludge Design Capacity – 4,700,000 GPD Average Daily Use – 3,056,000 GPD Telecommunications—Sprint PRI ISDN, BRI ISDN, DSL, Dedicated IP, Frame Relay, T1s, Channelized T1s, DS3, OC3, and OC12.
Climate Average Annual Temperature – 71° January Average Minimum – 32.2° July Average Maximum – 92.6° Average Rainfall – 43.3 inches Average Snowfall – 0 inches Prevailing Wind Direction and Speed South – 8.6 mph Normal Heating Days – 2,269 (base 65°) Normal Cooling Days – 2,444 (base 65°) Growing Season – 200 Days
Labor Market—June 2008 Radius of Labor Market – 50 miles—6 Counties Total Labor Force – 102,880 Total Employed – 97,303 Total Unemployed – 5,577– 5.4% Anderson County Unemployment Rate - 5.7% Average Weekly Wage – $582
Retail Trade— 30 Mile Radius Trade Area Population – 104,214 Median Age in Trade Area – 38.1 Median Household Income – $37,410 Taxes Property *City of Palestine –$.639/$100 *AndersonCounty – $.511/$100 *Palestine ISD – $1.566/$100 Westwood ISD – 1.005/$100 *TrinityValley CC – .044/$100 *Total Combined Rate—$3.765/$100
Retail Sales Tax Texas – 6.25% Local – 2.00% Sales Tax for Economic Development Triple Freeport Exemption Enterprise Zone State Income Tax—None
Labor Force Study
Labor Force Study Coming Soon.
Six County Data
June 2008
Palestine/ Anderson County
Cherokee County
Freestone County
Henderson County
Houston County
Leon County
6-County Total/Average
Civilian Labor Force
22,448
21,258
10,398
36,041
8,452
7,805
106,402
Employed
20,886
19,732
9,854
33,648
7,736
7,335
99,191
Unemployed
1,562
1,526
544
2,393
716
470
7,211
Unemployment %
7.0%
7.2%
5.2%
6.6%
8.5%
6.0%
6.75%
Wage Information
Production Classification
Minimum $ Hourly
Maximum $ Hourly
Accountant/Auditor
24.00
37.00
Computer Operator
11.00
19.00
Computer Programmer
18.00
29.00
Construction Worker
12.00
21.00
Customer Service Representative
10.00
16.00
Electrician
13.00
23.00
Electronic Technician
13.00
21.00
Food Processing
6.00
9.00
Forklift Operator
10.00
16.00
General Assembler
9.00
16.00
General Laborer
9.00
16.00
General Maintenance
10.00
17.00
General Office Clerk
9.00
14.00
Key Data Entry Operator
9.00
14.00
Machinist
12.00
20.00
Meat Processing
6.00
9.00
Mechanic
17.00
26.00
Molding Machine Operator
13.00
22.00
Office, Clerical, and Technical
13.00
19.00
Secretarial
11.00
17.00
Sheet Metal Worker
9.00
21.00
Shipping and Receiving Clerk
10.00
17.00
Telemarketing
8.00
19.00
Truck Driver
10.00
17.00
Warehouse Worker
8.00
15.00
Welder—Production
11.00
18.00
WAGE RATE INFORMATION Source: Salary.com
Major Employers
INDUSTRY
PRODUCT/SERVICE
EMPLOYEES
PALESTINE, TEXAS
Anderson County
County
220
Brookshire's Food Store
Grocer
80
Capgemini
Service Support
245
Cartmell Home for the Aged
Skilled Nursing Facility
226
City of Palestine
Muncipality
187
Columbia National Scientific Balloon Facility
Atmospheric Research
69
El Toro Mexican Restaurant
Restaurant
65
Greenbrier Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
Nursing Home
103
Key Energy Services - Truck Yard
Energy Services
70
Kroger Food Store
Grocer
95
Little Mexico
Restaurant
83
Lowe's
Retail
125
McDonald's
Restaurant
67
MKS Services
Petroleum Services
101
Palestine Healthcare Center
Medical Facility
70
Palestine ISD
Education
450
Palestine Regional Medical Center
Medical Facility
560
PalestineRegional Rehabilitation
MedicalFacility
540
Texas Department of Criminal Justice
Correctional Facilites
3104
Union Pacific Car Shop
Railroad Services
106
Union Pacific Railroad
Operations, freight claims, property damage, casualty managment and maintenance
150
United States Post Office
Post Office
84
Wal-mart Distribution Center 6036
Distribtion of products by truck
530
Wal-mart Supercenter #0345
Retail
405
Westwood ISD
Education
248
ELKHART, TEXAS
Eagle Railcar Services
Railroad Services
110
Elkhart Oaks Care Center
Nursing Home
100
FRANKSTON, TEXAS
Frankston Packaging Co. LP
Folding paper boxes, rigid boxes & plastic lids
80
Climate
Palestine, Texas benefits from mild winter weather. In the summer, there are only 4 months when the daily high tempertaure is above 85 degrees.
Average Temperature: Annual- 66.3º
January-36.2º Average Minimum
August-95.3º Average Maximum
Average Rainfall:
43.33 inches
n/a
Average Snowfall:
0 inches
n/a
Length of Growing Season:
264 days
n/a
Altitude above sea level:
300 – 800 feet
n/a
Normal Degree Days (base 65º):
Heating 2,005 days
Cooling 2,490 days
Prevailing Wind Direction and Speed:
SSE
7 mph
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Palestine is great! The ACCRA composite cost of living index for Palestine in the second quarter of 2007 was 86.2 with the average being 100. A lower Cost of Living (15% below the national average) makes it more affordable for your workers and allows you to pay competitive wages.
Demographics
To get a complete demograhic report on Palestine and Anderson County click the linkage below.
Palestine has two school districts:Palestine Independent School District and Westwood Independent School District. PISD has a student enrollment of 3,500 and is the largest school district in Anderson County. With five elementary campuses, one intermediate campus, one middle school and one high school, gifted and talented programs are available, as well as UIL athletic and academic activities. On the high school level, honors classes and advanced placement classes are offered. Westwood Independent School District meets the educational needs of more than 1,800 students. WISD offers programs and services including special education, gifted and talented, and honors courses. With a strong athletic program, as well as Academic Decathlon, Westwood Independent School District employs almost 200 teachers and other personnel.
At the request of Palestine leaders, The University of Texas at Tyler extended a nursing program to Palestine in 1995. Today The University of Texas at Tyler makes its outstanding academic programs conveniently accessible to AndersonCounty residents through the Palestine Campus. Students experience cost-saving convenience, greater flexibility in scheduling their classes, and reduced travel expenses and commuting time to Tyler, all while receiving a degree from UT Tyler.
The UT Tyler Palestine Campus currently offers courses in nursing, business, education, technology health and kinesiology and liberal arts. Students receive instruction from on-site professors and through interactive video technology, which allows students to see and communicate with faculty at UT Tyler, ask questions and participate in classroom discussions.
Degree completion programs available are:
Bachelor of Science in Nursing Master of Science in Nursing Bachelor of Business Administration in Management Master of Business Administration Bachelor of Science in Health Professions Master of Education in Health & Kinesiology Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies (EC-4 General Education Certification) Master's Degree in Educational Leadership
Trinity Valley Community College.
Since 1972, Trinity Valley Community College-Palestine has continued to meet the ever-changing needs of its students and the surrounding communities. The campus houses a wide range of academic and vocational programs in three modern buildings. The facility includes science labs, state-of-the-art computer laboratories, a nursing lab, a photography lab, and a cosmetology salon. Students who attend TVCC-Palestine may choose from a variety of academic transfer courses including English, math, art, economics, biology, business and office administration, computer science, physical education, geography, religious studies, real estate, chemistry, accounting, photography, child development and music. TVCC is also helping to meet the economic needs of the community with the Small Business Development Center. Counselors from the SBDC, are available and provide various free services for entrepreneurs, from advice and counseling to helping them to get started in business.
Mopac Employees Credit Union 200 S Queen St Palestine TX 75801 903-729-3226 http://mopaccu.com
Trinity ValleyTeachers Credit Union 3301 S Loop 256 Palestine TX 75801 903-729-0207
Housing
Palestine has a multitude of housing options for new residents. Victorian, bungalow, ranch to modern homes are all available in Palestine. There are several apartment complexes available for those needing smaller living areas.
Tax Abatement Tax abatement on real and personal property improvements may be granted by all taxing entities except the local Independent School Districts. The company must meet requirements associated with the value of capital improvements and either job creation or payroll increases maintained throughout the term of the agreement. The City of Palestine will create a reinvestment zone and adopt a tax abatement agreement with companies meeting the following:
Tax Abatement Schedule I - Qualifications and Sliding Scale Rate
Abatement percentages will be awarded depending upon points collected in the following categories for new and expanding-industries:
Points
Year
75 to 200
201 to 400
401 to 600
1
100%
100%
100%
2
70%
100%
100%
3
50%
70%
70%
4
50%
50%
60%
5
25%
25%
50%
6
0%
0%
25%
7
0%
0%
25%
More than 600 Points Negotiable.
Freeport
Freeport Tax Exemption Freeport property includes goods, wares, merchandise, and other tangible personal property acquired in Texas or brought into Texas and held here 175 days or less before being shipped out of the state. The property must be here for assembling, storing, manufacturing, repair, maintenance, processing, or fabricating purposes.
Freeport Tax Exemption is granted by the City of Palestine, Anderson County, Palestine ISD, and Westwood ISD.
Sales Tax for Economic Development
Economic Development Sales Tax Incentives The Palestine Economic Development Corporation (PEDC) was created by the voters in 1998 to use the revenue generated by a 1/4 cent sales tax for economic development to encourage the creation and retention of jobs and capital investment in Palestine. The PEDC Board of Directors work with interested parties for the use of these funds as an incentive to locate or expand in Palestine. The amount and type of the incentive depends upon the economic impact of the project and the specific needs of the company. Incentive funds can be applied to costs associated with land or facility acquisition, facility construction, remodeling, infrastructure, training programs, moving expenses, etc. according to the terms of an economic development agreement between PEDC and the company. The Board of Directors of PEDC have set a minimum capital investment of $500,000 and 5 jobs created as the minimum eligibility requirement for consideration of incentives.
Incentives - State
Enterprise Zone: If the company locates within the State-designated City of Palestine Enterprise Zone, it is eligible for either Enterprise Project or Qualified Business incentives associated with the zone. The site(s) submitted to you is/are located within the Enterprise Zone. The following incentives should be available for this project.
State Zone Incentives for Enterprise Projects (limited to 85 State designations per biennium) A company will be eligible for Enterprise Project designation if it creates 10 new permanent jobs over and above those jobs it currently has in place in the zone and at least 25% of its new employees are economically disadvantaged. The company must maintain those levels during the five-year period of the designation and must be nominated by the City. The incentives available for enterprise projects are:
A refund of state sales or use tax paid on all tangible personal property and taxable services for use in the enterprise zone for up to $5,000 for each permanent job created or retained during the 5 year designation period ($250,000 per year up to $1.25 million maximum); and,
A franchise tax benefiton the annual report filing for each year of the five-year designation of the zone. The franchise tax is based on the project’s taxable capital or earned surplus income, and the reduction is based on the amount of capital investment made by the project in the enterprise zone. The project’s apportioned taxable capital may be reduced by 50% of the capital investment or the apportioned earned surplus income may be reduced by 5% of the capital investment; and,
Certain franchise tax economic development credits on franchise tax reports due on or after September 1, 2003 and before January 1, 2005. The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts will determine potential franchise tax benefit under this section of the program: 512.463.4496.
State Zone Incentives for Qualified Businesses If a project is not designated an Enterprise Project, it may receive benefits as a Qualified Business. Qualified businesses must create or retain at least 10 jobs in the zone and may receive:
A one-time state sales tax refund of up to $5,000 paid on machinery and equipment for retaining at least 10 jobs in the enterprise zone;
A one-time franchise tax refund of up to $5,000 for creating at least 10 jobs in the enterprise zone; and,
Priority or preference for all programs administered by the state.
Local Zone Incentives for Enterprise Projects and Qualified Businesses: The company can receive a negotiated one-time sales tax refund of City of Palestine sales and use taxes paid for building materials used in building a new industrial structure, including all structural steel, lumber, bricks, flooring, electrical system, cooling and heating systems, plumbing and including concrete, asphalt and masonry. The City may waive development fees, accelerated zoning and permitting are also available
Property Tax Rule 9.105 The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts offers a refund of franchise and sales/use taxes paid by companies owning certain abated property. A company who meets the following three conditions may apply for a refund:
Paid property taxes to a school district on property located in a reinvestment zone.
Is exempt in whole or in part from property tax imposed by a city or county under a tax abatement agreement.
Is not in a tax abatement agreement with a school district.
Texas Economic Development Act (Brimer HB 1200) This act provides relief from school district property taxes for companies making large capital investments of $20 million to $100 million or greater. The appraised value of qualifying capital investments is capped based on a sliding scaled tied to the total property wealth of the school district where the investment is located. The investment amount is determined over a 2-year period. In general, a school district may abate 100% of the appraised value over the applicable cap of improvements and tangible personal property used in manufacturing for up to 8 years, beginning in the third year of investment. The company will pay taxes based on the full-appraised value during the first two years but is entitled to a refund of any amounts paid during that period on the value in excess of the applicable cap. In addition the company must create at least 25 new permanent jobs, pay at least 80% of a group health benefit plan for its employees, and pay at least 100% of the county average weekly wage.
Research and Development Tax Credits A research credit is available to corporations making research and development expenditures for qualifying costs associated with research conducted anywhere in the state.
Natural Gas and Electricity Sales and Use Tax Exemption Companies are exempt from paying state sales and use tax on electricity and natural gas used in manufacturing, processing, or fabricating tangible personal property. The company must complete a predominate use study showing that at least 50% of the electricity or natural gas consumed by the business directly causes a physical change to a product.
Manufacturing Machinery and Equipment Sales and Use Tax Exemption Leased or purchased machinery, equipment, replacement parts, and accessories that have a useful life of more than six months, and that are used or consumed in the manufacturing, processing, fabricating, or repairing of tangible personal property for ultimate sale, are exempt from state and local sales and use tax. Texas businesses are exempt from paying state sales and use tax on labor for constructing new facilities. Machinery exclusively used in processing agricultural products by the original producer is also exempt.
Clean Rooms Exemption Clean rooms used in the production of semiconductor components are exempt as manufacturing equipment.
FINANCING INCENTIVES
State Incentives
TexasEnterprise Fund
The 78th Legislature created the Texas Enterprise Fund, giving the governor the ability to respond quickly to opportunities to bring companies and jobs to Texas. The fund is intended to attract high-impact facilities that have the opportunity to provide high returns for taxpayer investment. The recent announcements of the new Toyota assembly plant in San Antonio and a state-of-the-art Texas Instruments semiconductor wafer fab in Richardson are both examples of projects that are eligible to benefit from the Texas Enterprise Fund.
More information on the Texas Enterprise Fund is available by visiting the website of the Office of the Governor.
The Texas Capital Fund Designed to promote growth in non-entitlement areas, the Texas Capital Fund can be used for businesses creating new full-time jobs, a majority of which benefit low to moderate-income persons. This program requires an application and competitive rating process which sometimes delays the funding process. If the timing of the project makes it possible, the TCF programs available to Palestine are:
TCF Infrastructure Grant Program Funds may be used for construction and/or improvements of water or wastewater facilities, public road construction, natural gas line services, rail spurs, and electric power services. Minimum and maximum awards are $50,000 and $750,000 and may not exceed 50% of the total project cost.
TCF Real Estate Development Program Funds may be used to acquire, construct, or rehabilitate real estate to support a for-profit or a non-profit entity willing to commit to creating or retaining jobs primarily for low or moderate income persons. Minimum and maximum awards are $50,000 and $750,000 and may not exceed 50% of the total project cost.
Tax Increment Financing The city can designate a reinvestment zone to provide tax increment financing of project costs for public works or public improvements in the zone. Tax increment bonds or notes may be used to pay project costs. The proceeds from taxes on improvements within the zone are used to pay the debt service on the bonds or notes or for the cost of the project for a designated time as determined by a TIF plan adopted by the taxing entities participating. School districts are prohibited from participating in TIFs. The TIF can be used to finance improvements required by a project in order to locate in the City of Palestine.
Industrial Revenue Bonds PEDC may issue tax-exempt bonds to finance land and depreciable property for manufacturing facilities. The maximum bond amount is $10,000,000 for tax-exempt issues, and the maturity of the bonds may extend to the lesser of 40 years or 120 percent of the depreciable life of the assets being financed. Eligible project costs include the acquisition by a business of an existing facility, acquisition of land, construction of new facilities, machinery, tools, equipment, and a limited amount of the bond issuance costs. The bonds are subject to the state’s private activity bond volume cap administered by the Texas Bond Review Board.
Small Business Administration 504 Loan Program The SBA 504 is a direct-lending program providing long-term financing for fixed assets at a fixed rate of interest at or below New York prime rate. Designed to create and retain full-time jobs and to help businesses start-up or expand, the loan usually includes a senior lien from a private-sector lender covering 50% of the project cost and at least 10% equity injection. Generally the business must create or retain one job for every $35,000 provided by the SBA. The maximum loan is $1,000,000 for job creation. Companies located in Palestine have access to the program through the East Texas Regional Certified Development Company.
Small Business Administration 7(a) Loan Guaranty Program The SBA 7(a) program provides guarantees for small businesses unable to secure financing on reasonable terms through normal lending channels. The SBA will guarantee up to 75% of a private-sector loan up to a maximum of $750,000. The rate and term of the loan are set by the private-sector lender.
Economic Development Administration This program provides grants funded on a competitive basis for public water and wastewater facilities, access roads, rail spurs, or projects consistent with an overall economic development plan that serves industry and commerce. The application and approval process requires additional time.
Texas Capital Access Program The program is designed to increase the availability of financing for businesses and non-profit organizations that face barriers in accessing capital. Eligible borrowers can be any small business with less than 500 employees or a non-profit corporation. The proceeds may be used for working capital or the purchase, construction, or lease of capital assets including land, buildings, and equipment.
Linked Deposit Program This program encourages lending to qualified businesses which are historically underutilized, child care providers, non-profit corporations and small businesses located in an enterprise zone. It offers lenders and borrowers a lower cost of capital. Loan amounts range from $10,000 to $250,000. Proceeds may be used for working capital, purchase, construction or lease of capital assets, including land, buildings and equipment.
Agricultural Business Programs The Texas Department of Agriculture offers a variety of financing and guarantee programs to assist eligible businesses or individuals involved in agricultural-related economic development projects. These include: Texas Agricultural Finance Authority Loan Guaranty Program, Direct Loan Program, Loan Participation Program, Young Farmer Program, Farm & Ranch Finance Program, and Linked Deposit Program
JOB TRAINING INCENTIVES
Skills Development Fund This fund assists community and technical colleges in financing customized job training for local businesses. Average training costs are $1,000 per trainee. The fund will provide training for specific skills for workers who will be hired by the business. A business that forms partnerships with local community colleges and technical schools or the higher education extension agency may apply to the Texas Workforce Commission for funding.
TrinityValleyCommunity College The Community Services Department at Trinity Valley Community College works with business and industry to design customized training to match the needs of a specific company. The college will work with business to access any training funds available for the project and can provide pre-employment testing and screening. TVCC also offers certificate and degree programs in a variety of fields and technical areas. Every program created by TVCC is a unique customized response to each company’s specific needs. For more information, contact Gayla Roberts at 903-675-6212
Local Workforce Development Board Local boards overseeing training funds for specific regions have some programs available for training certain populations.
For more information on local attractions please call the Palestine Conventions and Visitors Bureau at (800) 659-3484 or write P.O. Box 2828 Palestine, TX 75801. Go on-line at www.visitpalestine.com.
Anderson County Courthouse: The Courthouse features Neo-classical architecture with double spiral staircase and a beautiful stained glass montage within the dome. Admission is free. Open Mon – Fri 8am-5pm.
Davey Dogwood Park: More than 200 acres of picturesque roads meander throughout the park. The park is featured during the annual Texas Dogwood Trails Festival from late March to early April. Admission is free. For information call the Palestine C.V.B. 800-659-3484, or write P.O. Box 2828, Palestine, TX 75802.
Carnegie Library: Built in 1914, this is one of a series of libraries built across the country by the Carnegie family. It is located in historic downtown at 502 N. Queen. Admission is free. Open Mon – Fri 8am-5pm. For more information call the Palestine Chamber of Commerce at (903) 729-6066 or write P.O. Box 1177 Palestine, TX 75801 or go to their website at: www.palestinechamber.org
Elmwood Gardens: The Gardens are located on the old homestead of Doc Morrow, a self-taught veterinarian who traveled by horse and buggy to the local farms. The five-acre display gardens are beautifully landscaped, featuring old-fashioned cottage gardens, herbs, and wildflower meadows. Experience the beauty and tranquility of these gardens. Stop in at the garden emporium and see the unusual garden art and antiques, as well as Texas native plants and antique roses. For more information, call (903) 549-2715, or (903) 723-1630 or visit the website at www.elmwoodgardens.com Gus Engling Wildlife Management Area: (GEWMA) is located in northwest Anderson County. This 10,958 acre area was purchased during the period from 1950 to 1960 under the Pittman-Robertson Act, using Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Program funds. Area open year round, except when closed for Special Permit hunts. Location: 20 miles west of Palestine on Hwy 287. This 10,958 acre area was purchased from 1950 to 1960 under the Pittman-Robertson Act using Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Program funds. The GEWMA's primary purpose is to function as a wildlife management, research and demonstration area for the Post Oak Savannah Ecoregion. The area is comprised of 2,000 acres of hardwood bottomland floodplain and almost 500 acres of natural watercourse, 350 acres of wetlands: marshes and swamps and nearly 300 acres of sphagnum moss bogs. The GEWMA is an island of Post Oak Savannah surrounded by coastal bermuda grass pastures, harvested timberlands, and fragmented wildlife habitat. It's rolling sandy hills dominated by post oak uplands, bottomland hardwood forests, natural springs, pitcher plant bogs, sloughs, marshes, and relict pine communities contain a rich variety of wildlife. Sound wildlife management tools like prescribed burning grazing, brush control and hunting are used to demonstrate the results of proven practices to resource managers, landowners, and other interested groups or individuals.
This 10,958 acre Wildlife refuge is owned by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Rolling hills and small streams lead to over 8 miles of Catfish Creek, a section of which has been designated a National Natural Landmark. Resident wildlife species include white-tailed deer, bob-white quail, wild turkey, fox and gray squirrel, feral hogs, raccoon, armadillo, beaver, coyotes, rabbits, mink, bobcats, red and gray fox, alligators, and ringtail cat, as well as numerous species of birds and fish. Many unique varieties of plant life, including three known carnivorous plant species, exist in a 225-acre sphagnum peat bog at the north end of the area near Catfish Creek. Public fishing, regulated hunting, day-camping, hiking and driving tours are permitted. For more information call (903)928-2251 or visit the website at www.tpwd.state.tx.us/wma
Howard House Museum: Area open for tours and social functions by appointment or during special occasions. The house/museum is one of the finest examples of Greek Revival architecture remaining in Texas and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Location: 1011 North Perry. For more information or tours contact (903) 729-5094 or (800) 659-3484
Lake Palestine: Covering more than 25,500 acres, Lake Palestine offers activities for hard-core water enthusiasts, as well as the recreational user. Excellent fishing and clean water make Lake Palestine a wonderful day retreat for any event you plan. Website: www.LakePalestine.net
Museum for East Texas Culture: Rooms in the old (1915) schoolhouse display artifacts and special interest exhibits. Among the exhibits are an authentic vintage classroom, a railroad memorabilia room and a refurbished caboose. The museum is a recorded Texas Historic Landmark and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Open Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Sun. 1-4 p.m. Admission is $1.00. Location: Reagan Park, 400 Micheaux Ave. For more information call (903) 723-1914 or visit the website at www.museumpalestine.org.
Columbia Scientific Balloon Facility: Operated by New Mexico State University for NASA, balloons as large as 300 feet in diameter are periodically launched to conduct studies of upper atmosphere and outer space. For more information or to arrange a tour call (903) 729-0271 or visit their website at www.nsbf.nasa.gov. Old Town Palestine: Old Town Palestine is alive and being revitalized. Located on Crawford St. two blocks West of the Courthouse in the "Hollow" along the Creek, the Turn of the Century buildings are being restored and inhabited with shops, restaurants and a candle factory. For more information go to www.oldtownpalestine.com.
Palestine Community Forest: The area boasts seven hundred acres of pines and hardwoods with scenic drives leading to four lakes featuring fishing, boating, and picnicking. Sumac, yaupon and sweet gum trees add accents of brilliant color during autumn. Take Texas 19/U.S. 287 Location: a few miles northwest of Palestine.
Palestine Convention and Visitors Bureau: Restored Historic Depot is home to the Visitor Information Center. Brochures and handouts include maps of the city and surrounding area, a self-guided walking tour of downtown Palestine with informational plaques along the route, and information on events, activities, accommodations, and restaurants. Tourism brochures and personal assistance are available at the Palestine Convention and Visitor Bureau. The CVB offer convention existence as well. It is located at the junction of Hwy 84 & 287/19. Call (800) 659-3484 or (903) 723-3014; palestinecvb@flash.net; PO Box 2828, Palestine,TX 75802. www.visitpalestine.com.
Pilgrim Church: This building is an authentic reconstruction of the original 1833 house of worship, said to be the first Protestant church in Texas. Drive four miles south of Elkhart on F.M. 861 (not shown on most maps).
Pine Dunes Golf Resort: This challenging par 72 layout with it’s majestic century old pine trees, contoured fairways and rolling terrain provides the most peaceful setting that you’ll ever experience for a world-class round of golf. Tucked away in the piney forests of East Texas, Pine Dunes has earned a solid reputation as one of the best courses you can play in America. For more information go to www.pinedunes.com.
Schulman Theaters -Dogwood 6 Movie Theater: For more information contact (903) 729-7291 or go to www.schulmantheaters.com
Dogwood Junction: Located directly next to Schulman Theaters, Dogwood Junction is fun for the whole family! Enjoy Go-Carts, Mini-Golf, an Arcade, Redemption Prizes, Batting Cages, Party Rooms and a Snack Bar. For more information go to www.mydogwoodjunction.com.
Texas State Railroad: Operated by Texas Parks and Wildlife Dept, the antique steam engines and cars traverse the 25.5 mile route from Palestine to Rusk through dense East Texas woodlands. For more information or to make reservations contact (800)442-8951 in Texas only or (903)683-2561 out-of-state. Visit the website at www.texasstaterailroad.com
Texas Theater: The crown jewel of downtown Palestine and home of the Palestine Community Theater, the historic Texas Theater located at 213 W Crawford in Palestine, Texas provides an excellent venue for quality productions by local and regional theatrical talent as well as traveling productions. For More Information go to www.thetexastheater.com.
Shopping
Palestine has a myriad of shopping adventures to choose from. Down Town Palestine encompasses several blocks and has shops to meet all types of taste. Old Town Palestine is a redevelopment project with quaint shops, restaurants, and a creek. Palestine's South Loop has many large retailers that are available to choose from.
The City of Palestine is covered by a comprehensive Zoning Ordinance.
The Director of Development Services will be pleased to visit with you about zoning issues in Palestine. Contact Warren Oakley at 903-731-8419 for more information. The City of Palestine Web site also has information on zoning and development standards.
To view the current copy of the City of Palestine's Zoning Codes go to Municode.com and select from their online library.
