Rockwall, TX (November 17, 2025) – Today, we mark the grand opening of the new Rockwall County Annex, a permanent and iconic addition to our county’s infrastructure. This was made possible thanks in large part to funds provided through the federal government’s stimulus legislation under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA), signed into law by President Joe Biden on March 11, 2021.
These funds, including the State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) program, allocated approximately $350 billion for state, local, territorial, and tribal governments to respond to the COVID-19 public health emergency, replace lost revenue, and invest in infrastructure. At the same time, today’s event exemplifies the power of cooperation: federal resources, state and county leadership, and community stakeholders coming together to deliver for Rockwall County.
Acknowledgements and Leadership
We extend sincere thanks to President Biden and the Biden-Harris Administration for making ARPA funding available and for providing the guidance and flexibility necessary for local governments to invest in long-term public benefit. As one summary notes, ARPA “provides a historic opportunity to recover … and to make progress in advancing economic mobility in all communities.”
In Rockwall County, we specifically acknowledge the leadership of County Chair Susie Stansel, who made sure to observe and engage with county members throughout the process. As Ericka Ledferd, Executive Director of the Rockwall County Democratic Party, states: “Madam Chair Stansel kept us informed at every stage, from initial discussions about the commissioners’ reception of the funds through to construction and completion of the Annex, and made sure our membership had meaningful input.”
Chair Stansel comments: “We made it a priority that Rockwall County not only access the federal funds available, but put them to use in a clear, visible way for our citizens. The Annex is a testament to that commitment.”
We also wish to thank County Judge Frank New and the current Commissioners Court, as well as the past leadership, whose decisions laid the groundwork for today’s achievement. This includes former County Judge David Sweet, Commissioner Cliff Sevier, Commissioner Lee Gilbert, Commissioner Dennis Bailey, and Commissioner Janet Nichol. Their collective willingness, across different terms and political perspectives, to utilize bipartisan federal funds reflects a commitment to serving the people of Rockwall County above all else. Although the majority of county administrators and commissioners have been Republicans, today they stand together with Democrats to celebrate a major community accomplishment, one made possible by a Democratic-led federal policy and by local leaders who chose to invest in the future of our county.
Why This Matters
The Rockwall County Annex is more than a building. It represents permanent infrastructure funded by federal relief resources and administered in partnership with the county. This project demonstrates how federal policy can translate into local impact, investing in government services, community capacity, and civic infrastructure. It underscores the principle that governance matters, and that the Democratic Party knows how to govern effectively: identifying community needs, securing federal support, collaborating across party lines, and delivering results for everyday people. By celebrating today, Rockwall County Democrats affirm that our policy vision works and that public investment, when responsibly directed, yields long-lasting dividends for families, businesses, and local government.
Ericka Ledferd adds: “As Democrats, we should be proud of our role in making this possible. The dollars came via the Budget Act of the federal government, but the vision, the local leadership, and the execution speak directly to our values of service and community.”
Looking Ahead
With the Annex now open, Rockwall County is ready for enhanced service delivery, improved access for constituents, and a better-equipped government infrastructure. We encourage all residents to visit the Annex, engage with county staff, and take pride in this community achievement.
We also reaffirm our commitment to ongoing collaboration between the federal government, state agencies, county leadership, and community members. In times of challenge, when national crises intersect local needs, a strong partnership delivers. Today’s grand opening is proof.
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