During a special meeting Wednesday, Van Alexander was sworn in as the at-large member of Riverbend Water Resources District. He replaces Jim Green, who resigned from the board in January after serving in the position since 2016.
Judge James Carlow administered the oath of office to Alexander, who served as Ward 5 member of the Texarkana, Texas City Council for 10 years and currently serves as chairman for the city's Budget Advisory Committee.
Alexander said joining the Riverbend board felt like coming home.
"I appreciate the opportunity and I feel like I'm already home because I'm fighting with the same people I've been fighting for years with," he said. "We've worked together for 20 plus years and we're on the same team. We've been on the same team for different things all these years. It fits like a glove. Everybody's all together. I'm looking forward to it."
Board Chairman Fred Milton said he was looking forward to working with Alexander to progress Riverbend's agenda.
"We look forward to the opportunity to continue to progress down a proactive agenda in supporting our natural resources in our area," he said. "We've definitely got some challenges ahead of us and I look at challenges as opportunities. I think we are fortunate to have a board that is interested in proactively pursuing that agenda."
After administering the oath of office to Alexander, Carlow expressed his appreciation to the board for all they have done.
"I want to thank the rest of you for the work that you have done and the work that you have ahead of you," he said. "I just appreciate the time and commitment you have made. It's a major deal for our future and it's up to you guys. I've got confidence that we'll come out great and i thank you for your work."
The next regular meeting will be held at 12 p.m. Wednesday at the Riverbend Offices, 228A Texas Ave., New Boston, Texas.