Study over feasibility of statue honoring Texans owner Bob McNair moving forward

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- The Harris County Sports and Convention Corporation, during their board meeting Wednesday afternoon, unanimously passed an item to begin a feasibility study on putting a statue of Bob McNair on NRG Park grounds.

An amendment was added to do an overall study about putting statues of people on Harris County's public land.

On Tuesday, Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis voiced concern about the project.

"I think we should take a deep breath," said Commissioner Ellis, whose district includes NRG Park. "Whenever you are going to put a statue on public land, the public should have some input."

The Houston Super Bowl Host Committee says it commissioned the statue earlier this year to honor the Texans owner. Christopher Newport with the committee says he was not sure if the statue had already been completed by the artist.

A spokesperson for the Texans says the organization wasn't ready to talk about the statue yet because there has not been a formal announcement. The Texans did confirm that its preferred location for a McNair statue is the location of the Super Bowl Countdown Clock, which is public land.

Edgar Colon, Chair of the HCSCC Board, told Eyewitness News the organization needs to find out the cost of erecting and maintaining the statue and who will pay for these costs.

The Super Bowl Host Committee says it is footing the bill for the statue itself using private funds.

Commissioner Ellis is urging a wider study. He says there should be policy and procedures in place whenever statues of individuals are erected on public land.

Report a typo to the ABC13 staff