NEDERLAND — Two amendments to the bylaws of the Nederland Economic Development Corporation’s board of directors are aimed at making the organization more successful.

One amendment will allow a board member, whose 2-year term is expiring, a chance to stay on an additional 12 months if the NEDC is in active pursuit of a “major project.”

A “major project,” NEDC Director Kay DeCuir said, is a project worth $5 million or more.

“This is for any major project that would have expired in the next 12 months and will allow the person to stay on board and see the project through,” DeCuir said.

Board officer Sylvia Root explained why the change is advantageous.

“If you are going along and all of a sudden there are two new board members, it will take a lot to catch everybody back up with what is going on with the project,” said Root, who is also on the Nederland City Council.

The two board members whose terms are expiring are Regan Meaux and Stuart Kieschnick.

DeCuir said board members whose terms are about to expire do not have to stay on the additional 12 months and if they choose not to resign, a replacement will be found.

A second amendment will allow the NEDC to sell and/or sub-lease property, basically giving them the authority of a landlord.

DeCuir said this gives the NEDC more opportunities and expands the things they can do.

There are two types of economic development corporations, type A where its sales tax is intended primarily for manufacturing and industrial development and can fund land, buildings, equipment, facilities expenditures and targeted infrastructure, according the Texas Comptroller’s website.

Type B EDCs can do the same as Type A, as well as quality-of-life improvements, including professional and amateur sports and athletic facilities, tourism and entertainment facilities, convention facilities, public parks; related store, restaurant, concession, parking and transportation facilities; related street, water and sewer facilities and affordable housing.