construction by connor hyde and shawn arrajj · pdf file · 2017-02-25houston, tx...

SUGAR LAND | MISSOURI CITY EDITION Volume 2, Issue 7 | March 5–April 1, 2015

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84th Texas Legislature explores alternative methods to make up for shortfall in transportation funding

TxDOT approves road projects to receive Prop. 1 funds

By David Pollan and Shawn ArrajjThe Texas Department of Transportation

approved 12 previously unfunded transpor-tation projects in the Greater Houston area—three of which are in Fort Bend County—that will be funded this year as a result of the passing of Proposition 1 last November.

The Houston-Galveston Area Coun-cil—through collaboration with local

governments, metro planning orga-nizations and TxDOT’s Houston and Beaumont districts—presented at a Feb. 3 public meeting the 12 priority projects it had identified to receive Prop. 1 funding in 2015. The projects span across Fort Bend, Harris, Montgomery, Galveston and Bra-zoria counties. H-GAC officials took public comments into consideration before making

8 BUSINESSWorld Music of Sugar Land

11 TRANSPORTATION UPDATESNews, data on local projects

13 DEVELOPMENTImperial redevelopment moves forward

14 CITY & COUNTY

15 AT THE CAPITOLLegislator committee assignments

19 GUIDEHouston Livestock Show & Rodeo

24 REAL ESTATEColony Bend, 77479

INSIDETHIS ISSUE

6 IMPACTSNow Open, Coming Soon & more

9 DININGLove Bird Restaurant

16 CALENDAR

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See Transportation | 22

Costly materials, labor shortage forces cities,

builders to adjust

See Labor, materials | 20

CONSTRUCTION COSTS CREATE CHALLENGES

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of commercial development in the nation is split between Houston and New York City. Houston

New York City

a formal recommendation to TxDOT on Feb. 26, specifying that these projects be funded with Prop. 1 money in 2015, H-GAC Director of Transportation Alan Clark said.

“[The H-GAC] did not have a detailed selection criteria for these projects, but we were guided by legislative direction and direction from [TxDOT] to advance projects

By Connor Hyde and Shawn ArrajjThe rising price of building

materials and a shortage of skilled laborers is expected to drive up con-struction costs in the Greater Houston area in 2015, according to area builders and developers.

The cost increase has had nota-ble effects on the development of major projects in the Greater Hous-ton area, including Sugar Land and Fort Bend ISD. Officials with the city of Sugar Land and FBISD both said construction costs are closely monitored and taken into account when new infrastructure projects and buildings are being planned.

Local projectsChris Steubing, Sugar Land city

engineer, said a recent surge of con-struction in the Greater Houston area has resulted in a less competitive market, causing a declining interest from contractors for local projects.

“Just drive around Houston and you will see tower cranes everywhere and high-rise buildings,” Steubing said. “That is an image that sticks in your mind when you start seeing construction prices creep up.”

The Houston market has experienced a boom of development with 25 percent of all national commercial development split between Houston and New York City, he said. As the medical community, residential sector and road development continues to expand, it has forced local contractors to be more diversified when it comes to their services.

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Source: city of Sugar Land

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A hop, skip and a jump.Texas Children’s is ranked fourth in the nation and best in the southwest. Lucky for you, we’re right here in Fort Bend.

Our Health Centers and Texas Children’s Pediatrics practices offer convenient access to expert pediatricians, subspecialists and therapeutic and diagnostic services. At TexasChildren’s Hospital West Campus, your childcan get emergency services at a hospital 100%dedicated to pediatric care.

Whenever you need us, remember, we’re justdown the way.

For maps and information, visit texaschildrens.org/fortbend.

Texas Children’s Health CenterSugar Land15400 Southwest Fwy., Ste. 200Sugar Land, TX 77478281-494-7010

Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus18200 Katy FreewayHouston, TX 77094832-227-1000

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FROM THE EDITOROn Feb. 25, I traveled

to the state Capitol for Fort Bend County Day with members of the Fort Bend Chamber of Com-merce and local govern-ment officials.

Not only was this an opportunity to meet and further acquaint myself with county leaders and many of the state legisla-tors who represent Fort

Bend County, but the experience also provided insight into the issues that are most important to county resi-dents. Some of the issues we discussed were economic development, transportation, infrastructure, education, health care and water.

Fort Bend County is one of the largest counties in the state and one of the fastest-growing counties in the country. As the county continues to experience

significant growth, issues such as transportation, mobil-ity and water become even more important. The Texas Legislature has numerous priorities it wants to address this session, many of which will affect Fort Bend County.

One issue state legislators have started to tackle this session is transportation funding. In our second cover story, you can read about how the approval of Proposi-tion 1 last November benefits Fort Bend County as well as what the Legislature is looking to do this session to further fund transportation needs in the state.

On another note, March is here, which for native Houstonians or those who have lived here awhile, signi-fies it is time for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. On Page 19, we have a guide to the rodeo that includes information on concerts, parking and more.

Until our next issue in April, be sure to keep an eye on our website to stay informed on breaking news throughout the month.

David PollanEDITOR

[email protected]

PUBLISHERS AND FOUNDERS

John and Jennifer GarrettPUBLISHER - HOUSTON METRO

Jason CulpepperGENERAL MANAGER

Christi Love, [email protected]

EditorialFOUNDING EDITOR Cathy Kincaid

EXECUTIVE EDITOR Shannon CollettiMANAGING EDITOR Emily Roberts

EDITOR David PollanREPORTER Connor HydeCOPY CHIEF Andy Comer

COPY EDITOR Richard GuerreroSTAFF WRITERS Shawn Arrajj, Matt Stephens

AdvertisingACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Robyn VergeldediosACCOUNT COORDINATOR Courtney Samok

DesignCREATIVE DIRECTOR Derek SullivanGRAPHIC DESIGNER Melenie Yuen

CONTRIBUTING DESIGNER Dionna MooreART PRODUCTION MANAGER Jenny Tenbush

BusinessCHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Claire LoveCIRCULATION SPECIALIST Cody Leitholt

About usJohn and Jennifer Garrett began Community

Impact Newspaper in 2005 in Pflugerville, Texas. The company’s mission is to build communities of informed citizens and thriving businesses through

the collaboration of a passionate team. Now, with 18 markets in the Austin, Houston and Dallas/Fort Worth

metro areas, the paper is distributed to more than 1.3 million homes and businesses.

Contact us10701 Corporate Drive, Ste.300

Stafford, TX 77477 • 281-469-6181impactnews.com

PRESS RELEASES [email protected] [email protected]

COMMENTS [email protected] impactnews.com/subscriptions

COMMUNITY FEEDBACKTAKE THE POLL LAST MONTH’S POLL RESULTS

Which Greater Houston area priority projects are you most excited to see funded through Prop. 1 in 2015?

Hwy. 59 widening

Hwy. 90 widening

FM 2234 widening

Beltway 8 improvements between I-45 and Hwy. 59

Hwy. 290 widening

Take the poll online at impactnews.com/slm-poll.

Look for the results right here in next month’s print edition of Community Impact Newspaper.

What type of business industry would you like to see occupy the two new business parks in Missouri City?Business headquarters and distribution

43% Technical design and manufacturing

22% Other

14% Food packaging and distribution

7%Steel and specialty metal distribution

7%Warehousing and manufacturing

7%Results from an unscientific Web survey, collected 2/5/15–2/24/15

With the passage of Proposition 1 in November, $1.7 billion was allocated to the State Highway Fund to be used for transportation projects. Of that amount, about $278 million was distributed to the Houston district to fund road projects in 2015.

The city of Missouri City approved two new business parks, which will be constructed along Beltway 8 and Hwy. 90. Park 8Ninety and Gateway Southwest Industrial Park are expected to bring more jobs and capital investment to the city.

Turn on FOX 26 NEWS, download the MyFoxHouston app, log on to www.myfoxhouston.com for more local news with IMPACT.

©2015 JG MEDIA INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. NO REPRODUCTION OF ANY PORTION OF THIS ISSUE IS ALLOWED WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION FROM THE PUBLISHER.

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shots and checkups, nutritional counseling and physicals. 832-939-9070. www.sugarlandneopedscare.com

6 Locktite Storage opened March 1 at 6400 Hwy. 6 S., Missouri City. The 900-unit storage facility features climate control and humidity protection. Customers are provided with covered parking, breezeways and drive-up access. 832-987-4165. www.locktitestoragemissouricity.com

7 Serenitea Tea Room reopened to the public Feb. 11 at 13889 Hwy. 59, Sugar

Now Open

1 Sessions Music opened Feb. 2 at 2115 Lone Star Drive, Sugar Land. The studio offers private and group lessons for students of all ages and covers modern and classical instruments as well as voice lessons. Sessions Music also houses a studio for band sessions and provides performance opportunities for students to showcase what they have learned. 281-240-1129. www.sessionsmusic.com

2 Eye Level Learning Center for Math and English opened in March at 8720 Hwy. 6 S., Ste. 300, Missouri City. The center offers math, reading and writing

curriculum courses catered to students in preschool through high school. Each student is put through a tailored program for their specific needs. 281-712-1725. www.eyelevelmissouricitysouth.com

3 Salons by JC opened in December at 6238 Hwy. 6 S., Missouri City. The salon offers various services, including hair stylings, nail and skin care, massage therapy, makeup and tanning, and body art. The location is leasing individual and private suites for stylists to house their businesses. 832-422-8384. www.salonsbyjc.com

4 Jewelry Exchange Center of Sugar Land opened Jan. 15 in a temporary location at 14031 Hwy. 59, Ste. 600, Sugar Land. The jewelry store’s permanent location is under construction at 14033 Hwy. 59, Ste. 705, Sugar Land. The center offers custom jewelry design, jewelry repair and sells loose diamonds. 713-772-2600

5 Dr. Sonia Chauhan opened Sugar Land Neopeds Care in January at 7616 Branford Place, Ste. 150, Sugar Land. The pediatric care facility offers routine checkups, newborn screenings, annual

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Austin Pkwy.

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Eldridge Rd.

Burney Rd.

Independence Blvd.

Brazos River

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Winding Waters Dr.

Branford Place

Sweetwater Blvd.

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TM; © 2015 COMMUNITY IMPACT LICENSING, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

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Land. The tea room offers a diverse selection of teas, such as black and oolong teas. Serenitea Tea Room also offers a lunch and dessert menu. 281-491-4588. www.sereniteatearoom.com

8 The Watercrest at Sugar Land, a senior living and retirement community, opened in the winter at 744 Brooks St., Sugar Land. The Watercrest at Sugar Land offers a number of amenities to its residents, including a covered heated pool, theater, beauty salon and barber shop, fitness and aerobic centers, grill area and library. The community is also pet friendly. 832-857-0900. www.watercrestsugarland.com

Coming Soon

9 CarMax will open another Greater Houston area location this summer at 21939 Hwy. 59, Richmond. The company, which specializes in the sale of used automobiles, will begin hiring in early summer for between 50 and 100 positions. Each vehicle purchased comes with a five-day money back guarantee and a limited 30-day warranty. www.carmax.com

10 Fire It Up Pottery & Art Studio is slated to open its doors in April in the Sugar Creek Center at 13817 Hwy. 59, Sugar Land. The art studio offers ready-to-paint pottery and classes in glass fusing, clay building and jewelry making. 713-234-7789. www.fireitup-pottery.com

11 Gallery Furniture is slated to open its third Greater Houston area location this spring at 7227 W. Grand Parkway S., Richmond. The new location will feature a 165,000-square-foot showroom with name-brand furniture and mattresses such as Tempur-Pedic, United Leather, American Leather as well as Gallery Furniture’s own Mack-O-Pedic line. The showroom will also include a full-service restaurant. 281-810-9746. www.galleryfurniture.com

12 Millennium Dance Complex will open March 9 at 14019 Hwy. 59, Ste. 303,

Sugar Land. The dance studio is expanding its franchise to Sugar Land and will offer dance training to dancers of all ages and abilities. 832-532-0625. www.mdcsugarland.com

13 Locally owned franchise Kids ‘R’ Kids of Riverstone Learning Academy is slated to open in April at 18408 Winding Waters Lane, Sugar Land. The educational facility offers development classes for infants through preschoolers. Communication development and application lessons are highlighted throughout the curriculum. 281-881-0889. www.kidsrkidsriverstone.com

14 The Ginger Mule Tonics & Meals is expected to open later this year in Sugar Land Town Square at 2228 Texas Drive, Sugar Land. The Ginger Mule will be owner Robert White’s fourth eatery located in Town Square. His other concepts include Japaneiro’s Sushi Bistro & Latin Grill, Guru Burgers & Crepes and Jupiter Pizza & Waffle Company. The new restaurant will offer Southern-influenced comfort food and an expansive selection of craft cocktails, beers, small-batch ales and casked brews. 832-500-4099. www.gingermule.com

Relocations

15 Bright Eye Care and Vision Development relocated from 4427 Hwy. 6, Ste. L, Sugar Land, to 3605 Hwy. 6 S., Sugar Land, in January. The optometry center offers pediatric eye exams, adult eye exams and various programs to address customer needs. Programs include vision therapy for dizziness, computer vision and therapy for reading and learning disabilities. The location also includes an in-house optical center and laboratory. 281-313-1810. www.brighteyeandvision.com

16 Origins Healthcare Center moved Dec. 15 from 4724 Sweetwater Blvd., Sugar Land, to 7616 Branford Place, Ste. 110, Sugar Land. The nutritional and chiropractic facility offers nutritional testing, vitamin and mineral testing, food

allergy testing and gluten testing. 281-240-2229. www.drpeterosborne.com

Expansions

17 Houston Methodist, at 16655 Hwy. 59, Sugar Land, is constructing two new buildings and expanding its current facility, which are slated for completion in 2015 and 2016. The first building is a six-story patient tower that will have 104 beds. The tower will house intensive care and surgical rooms and is expected to be open in the first quarter of 2016. The second building is a 60,000-square-foot facility to relocate the orthopedic, sports medicine and outpatient services. The facility will offer physical therapy, speech therapy, aquatic therapy, cardiac rehabilitation and an outside training facility for athletes. The second building is expected to open in the summer. A new heart and vascular center is also under construction and is an extension of the current facility. The center will include four cardiac catheterization suites and two electrophysiology labs. The center is expected to open at the end of the year. 281-274-7000. www.houstonmethodist.org

18 Graceland Community Church, at 4440 Lexington Blvd., Missouri City, is constructing a new worship center, which is expected to be complete in the spring. Once completed, all worship activities will be moved from the existing worship center into the new building. Graceland is a nondenominational church open to people of any religious background. 281-208-4722. www.gracelandcc.net

19 St. Laurence Catholic Church is undergoing an expansion to its campus at 3100 Sweetwater Blvd., Sugar Land. Construction began in August with the demolition of existing buildings to clear land for the church’s new Ave Maria Parish Life Center. The parish life center will be used for parish ministries, meetings, religious education and a child care program. The new building is expected to be ready by October. 281-980-9812. www.stlaurence.org

Compiled by David Pollan and Connor Hyde

News or questions about Sugar Land or Missouri City? E-mail [email protected].

Adam Williamson and Gretchen Rau opened Sessions Music Feb. 2.

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Owner Patricia Bice reopened Serenitea Tea Room Feb. 11 at 13889 Hwy. 59, Sugar Land.

7

Houston Methodist is adding three new buildings to its Sugar Land facility.

18

St. Laurence Catholic Church’s new parish life center is expected to be ready by October.

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World Music

World Music owner Lloyd Ernstes (right) teaches students of all ages how to play 16 instruments.

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World Music of Sugar LandOwner focuses on teaching, helping others

A fter working for 15 years as a computer programmer, Lloyd Ernstes wanted to pursue an

endeavor where he could combine his passion for music with his desire to help people.

“I was a computer programmer and I made good money and it afforded me the ability to travel around the world, but it was just too much stress,” Ernstes said. “I decided I just really enjoyed music and helping people, so that is why I got into this business, mainly to help people.”

Ernstes left his job as a computer programmer and used his background in music to land a job as a music teacher with Mars Music and H&H Music. Ernstes said he has played music and played in bands since he was a kid. He was also offered a music scholarship to Blinn Junior Col-lege and completed his degree as a music major at the University of Houston.

For several years, Ernstes worked at Mars and H&H as well as several other places teaching music. When both H&H and Mars went out of business, Ernstes went into business for himself out of necessity and opened World Music of Sugar Land in Missouri City in 2005.

“I was able to buy a few things when they went out of business and got enough stuff of my own, so I thought I would open up my own business,” he said.

When World Music first opened, Ern-stes only taught music lessons but gradu-ally began selling musical instruments and equipment as other music stores also went out of business.

The business now buys, sells and repairs musical instruments and equipment in addition to its core business of offering music lessons to people of all ages. Ernstes also has a recording studio in the store and offers music recording services. Cus-tomers of World Music can find a wide range of musical instruments, including

guitars, horns, saxophones, keyboards and drums.

“I enjoy selling a variety of things,” Ernstes said. “What I really try to do is find the right things for people.”

Ernstes said buying and selling instru-ments was profitable in the early days of his business, but in recent years it has become more difficult due to the rise of large music franchise stores, such as Guitar Center and Music and Arts. However, despite the challenges he faces in terms of selling instruments and equipment, Ernstes said music lessons allow him to keep his doors open. Teach-ing students is the aspect he enjoys most about his business.

“I am just a small mom and pop type of place, I cannot really compete with the likes of Guitar Center,” he said. “But I teach lessons and that is what I basically do right now, and it is what I enjoy doing.”

Ernstes offers one-on-one lessons and can teach 16 different instruments. Ern-stes said his lessons do not come straight from a book, either.

“What I try to do is teach [my students] what is in the book and then give them the theory so that anybody trying to learn will get more than what is just in the book,” he said. “They learn to read music, and a lot of places don’t teach that, but I think it’s very important for people to read as well as write music.”

Lessons at World Music do not require a contract and are paid on a month-to-month basis in advance. Ernstes said he has about 25–30 students per month.

“My goal is to inspire people [to love] music,” Ernstes said. “I try to get them to understand that music is a great avoca-tion but a terrible vocation. The secret to success is all about playing every day. And that does not mean practice, it means have fun because life is short.”

BUSINESS

3750 Cartwright Road Missouri City • 281-403-1615http://worldmusicsugarland.comHours: Mon.–Fri. noon–8 p.m., Sat. noon–5:30 p.m.

Customers can find a large selection of sheet music, books and training manuals.

The music shop sells a variety of instruments.

The business buys, sells and repairs musical instruments and equipment.

By David Pollan

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PRESIDENT GEORG

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Love Bird Restaurant

Owner Veronica Parkin opened Love Bird Restaurant, formerly known as Humming Bird Restaurant, in 2008 after working as a Fort Bend ISD food service manager for 16 years.

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Love Bird RestaurantMenu reflects owner’s Jamaican heritage

V eronica Parkin opened Love Bird Restaurant to continue her passion of cooking and to share

her Jamaican heritage after working 16 years as a food service manager with Fort Bend ISD.

Parkin retired in 2008 and opened Love Bird Restaurant at 9750 S. Hwy. 6, Sugar Land. Since opening, the restaurant, Parkin said she has dedicated herself to creating a personalized diner through which customers can enjoy the flavors of Jamaica.

Now in her seventh year owning Love Bird Restaurant—formerly known as Humming Bird Restaurant—Parkin said she celebrates her Jamaican roots through her food and enjoys catering to customers from different countries.

“It is like remembering home with the kind of food I cook,” she said. “I meet so many different people, and they are happy because of the food we make.”

The menu at Love Bird Restaurant features traditional Jamaican mainstays, such as jerk chicken, and imports season-ings and spices from the Caribbean to replicate the region’s taste. Parkin said her homemade oxtail recipe— which is served with white rice and a choice of steamed cabbage, fried plantains or a salad—quickly became a customer favorite.

The oxtail is prepared and seasoned overnight and then stewed with fresh onions and thyme. Before being served, the oxtail is slathered with homemade gravy. Parkin said she cooks approxi-mately 30 pounds of oxtail each week and 15 to 20 pounds of rice each day.

“When people come in and taste [our oxtail], the way we do it in Jamaica, they just love it,” she said. “I have people

from all nations who come in and enjoy our food.”

Another popular menu item is the restaurant’s patties—pies stuffed with seasoned beef, chicken or vegetables. Parkin said the patties are popular dur-ing lunch and are a common lunch item in Jamaica.

“If you do not want anything too heavy, you will grab a couple of patties,” she said.

Although Love Bird Restaurant features traditional Jamaican dishes, it also serves Indian, Asian and Ameri-can options with a Caribbean twist, she said. Because of the diverse Sugar Land community, Parkin said she has found a strong customer base as a result of her interpretations of dishes, such as baked chicken, chicken curry, and sweet and sour chicken.

“You get tired of the burgers and the chicken,” she said. “We do serve chicken, but we serve it in a different style.”

Love Bird Restaurant also provides a catering service for private and corpo-rate functions as well as takeout options. Parkin said despite the slow growth the restaurant has experienced, the catering

and takeout services have sparked business and attracted addi-tional customers.

In the future Parkin said she hopes to open

a second Love Bird Restaurant location in the Greater Houston area as well as expand the current location.

Until then Parkin said she wants to continue her passion as a cook while fos-tering new relationships with customers.

“Cooking is something that just comes natural to me, and I enjoy it a lot,” she said. “If someone would come in and tell me they are hungry, I would feed them. It is not about the money. It is just serving the people and showing them love.”

9750 S. Hwy. 6Sugar Land • 281-933-1448www.lovebirdrestaurant.com Hours: Mon.–Thu. 11 a.m.–7:30 p.m., Fri.–Sat.–11 a.m.–8 p.m.

A customer favorite

The oxtail dish is a customer favorite at Love Bird Restaurant. Oxtail is served with a side of white rice and an option of steamed cabbage, fried plantains or a salad. ($10–$13)

By Connor Hyde

Traditional lunch

A traditional Jamaican lunch item, patties are pies with a flaky crust stuffed with beef, chicken or vegetables. Love Bird Restaurant serves patties individually ($2)or in bulk. “It is like remembering

home with the kind of food I cook.” –Veronica Parkin, owner

Bissonnet St.

Old Richmond Rd.

Serving with a Jamaican twist

Parkin’s chicken curry is a Caribbean interpretation of a traditional Indian entree. The dish is served with a side of white rice and an option of steamed cabbage, fried plantains or a salad. ($8–$9.50)

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TRANSPORTATION UPDATESMajor projects in the area

News or questions about these or other local transportation projects? Email us at [email protected] by David Pollan

1 Fort Bend Parkway overpassConstruction started in mid-February on the project to build an overpass that will elevate Fort Bend Parkway over Hwy. 6. The construction of the overpass will take approximately 21 months to complete. The Fort Bend County Toll Road Authority awarded the contract to construct the Fort Bend Parkway overpass in Missouri City in December to Williams Brothers Construction. The overpass will provide a continuous thoroughfare on Fort Bend Parkway over Hwy. 6 once completed.Timeline: February 2015–late 2016Cost: $30.3 millionFunding sources: FBCTRA

2 Trammel-Fresno Road wideningConstruction to widen Trammel-Fresno Road from the Fort Bend Parkway to FM 521 in Missouri City is set to begin in March. The contract for the project was awarded to Williams Brothers Construction, which will widen the road from a two-lane asphalt roadway to a five-lane concrete roadway with two lanes in each direction and a continuous center turn lane. Timeline: March 2015–March 2017 Cost: $24 millionFunding sources: Fort Bend County, Texas Department of Transportation

3 Meadowcroft Boulevard extensionNewland Communities is in the process of constructing its portion of the Meadowcroft Boulevard extension project—the construction of a new bridge over Ditch H—to connect the road to Brooks Street. Newland Communities’ portion of the project, which was originally scheduled for completion by early March, has been delayed as a result of issues with the bridge’s railings. The bridge is now slated for completion by the end of March. The city of Sugar Land completed the extension of Meadowcroft from First Colony Boulevard to Ditch H in November. As part of the city’s extension project, all sidewalks were replaced to provide a connection from the Telfair master-planned community to First Colony. New traffic lights at First Colony and Meadowcroft were also installed and are now in service.Timeline: April 2014–March 2015Cost: $1.5 millionFunding sources: City of Sugar Land, Newland Communities

4 Jenny and Highlands drives reconstructionThe city of Sugar Land selected Triple B Services, L.L.P. at its Feb. 17 City Council meeting to complete the street reconstruction project on Jenny and Highlands drives. The project includes the pavement reconstruction of sections of Jenny and Highlands drive as well as sections of the Settlers Way subdivision and from Frontier Drive to Windmill Street in the Highlands subdivision. The project is also a utility improvement project, which consists of the replacement of a water line along the roadways as well as other infrastructure improvements. Timeline: March 2015–early 2016 Cost: $2.56 millionFunding sources: City of Sugar Land

5 Austin Parkway improvementsThe city of Sugar Land selected Conrad Construction Co. at its Feb. 17 City Council meeting to repair Austin Parkway and make improvements to the water lines along the roadway. The improvement project extends along Austin Parkway from Hwy. 6 to the levee near Commonwealth Boulevard. A 10-foot-wide concrete trail on the north side of Austin Parkway will also be constructed as part of the project.Timeline: The city is anticipated to give the contractor a notice to proceed in early March. The project is expected to be complete 480 calendar days from its start date. Cost: $2.6 millionFunding sources: City of Sugar Land

5A As part of the Austin Parkway improvement project, Conrad Construction Co. will also reconstruct approximately 900 feet of Lakefield Boulevard, which lies adjacent to Austin Parkway. The portion of Lakefield Boulevard that will be reconstructed is within the Lakes of Austin Park subdivision between the intersections of Grand Cayman Drive and Bermuda Drive.Timeline: The city is anticipated to give the contractor a notice to proceed in early March. The project is expected to be complete 480 calendar days from its start date. Cost: $370,848Funding sources: City of Sugar Land

5B The final component of the Austin Parkway improvement project includes the reconstruction of Jim Davidson and Lee Duggan drives at Sugar Land Regional Airport. Conrad Construction Co. will also handle the reconstruction of these roads as part of the contract for the Austin Parkway project. Timeline: The city is anticipated to give the contractor a notice to proceed in early March. The project is expected to be complete 480 calendar days from its start date. Cost: $399,679Funding sources: City of Sugar Land

6 West Airport Boulevard turn laneThe project to add a right-turn lane on eastbound West Airport Boulevard for motorists to head south on Hwy. 6 in Sugar Land is in the design phase. Construction on the project is expected to begin in the fall. The project is designed to relieve congestion at the intersection. Timeline: The project is expected to take two months to complete from its start date. Cost: $600,000Funding sources: Fort Bend County

7 Lexington Boulevard extensionConstruction to extend Lexington Boulevard from Scanlin Road to Texas Parkway in Missouri City started in August and is about 65 percent complete. Work is being done to complete the roadway tie-ins and to install traffic signals. The project includes extending Lexington Boulevard as a two-lane roadway with medians and adding bicycle lanes in both directions. Timeline: October 2014–May 2015 Cost: $2.96 million Funding sources: Fort Bend County

8 Vicksburg Boulevard extension Construction to extend Vicksburg Boulevard from Aldridge Drive to Lake Olympia Parkway in Missouri City is now underway. The scope of the project includes the construction of a mast arm turn signal and turn lane improvements at Lake Olympia Parkway, a four-lane boulevard roadway, bicycle lanes in both directions, sidewalks, streetlights and accompanying drainage structures.Timeline: January 2015–January 2016Cost: $3.3 millionFunding sources: Missouri City Development Authority, Fort Bend County, Municipal Utility Districts Nos. 47 and 48

9 Hwy. 90 widening The project to widen Hwy. 90 from just west of Hwy. 6 to just east of the Grand Parkway in Fort Bend County is expected to be available for contractor bidding in July, with construction expected to begin in September. The project will widen Hwy. 90 from four lanes to six lanes and will also include the construction of two sound walls. Construction on the roadway will be completed in five phases. Timeline: September 2015–fourth quarter 2016Cost: $8 million Funding sources: TxDOT

10 Texas Parkway wideningTexas Parkway in Missouri City is being widened from Cartwright Boulevard to the Fort Bend Parkway. The 1.5-mile project will widen the existing two-lane, continuous left-turn roadway to a four-lane divided roadway. The project, which was originally set to be complete in November, is behind schedule as a result of utility issues. The remaining construction on the project includes the building of three sound walls and wheelchair ramps. The project is now slated to be complete by mid-March. Timeline: January 2014–March 2015Cost: $8.5 millionFunding sources: TxDOT

Project underway

Project update

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Johnson Development Corp. moving forward with Imperial redevelopmentBy Connor Hyde

Johnson Development Corp. is repur-posing the former container warehouse at the Imperial Sugar Factory this spring to prepare the building for the Sugar Land Heritage Foundation and the Fort Bend Children’s Discovery Center to move in by December.

In addition, Johnson Development is expected to break ground this summer on a new 700,000-square-foot mixed-use site at the former factory site to usher in new commercial development to the area.

Repurposing and redeveloping the Imperial Sugar Factory is a part of the city of Sugar Land’s strategic plan to preserve the iconic buildings while revitalizing the area for future commercial activity, according to city officials.

Dennis Parmer, executive director of the Sugar Land Heritage Foundation, said both the museum and the discovery cen-ter will be at the forefront of development and will provide a premier destination for families.

“We will be a part of one of the premier destinations in Sugar Land and in Fort Bend County,” he said. “We are going to be in the epicenter of [development] as we are going to have access to Town Square. That is huge for us.”

Children’s museum The Fort Bend Children’s Discovery

Center—a sister location of the Children’s Museum of Houston—is expected to open in May 2016 on the first floor of the former container warehouse.

Tracy Golden, capital campaign man-ager for the discovery center, said the 10,000-square-foot location will provide an educational experience that is not available in Fort Bend County. It will also act as a catalyst to spur commercial devel-opment within the former Imperial Sugar Factory site.

“I think we will drive people to come

DEVELOPMENT

here,” she said. “Fort Bend County is where people with children are coming. We know that we are going to be attracting families to come here. The restaurants that are around here and the other retail outlets that are in this space are going to benefit from the discovery center being here.”

The children’s center raised more than $4 million during a capital campaign from 2012–14 to fund the design and the first three years of operation. Argyle Design, a Brooklyn-based company that specializes in museum layouts, is design-ing the layout of the children’s center.

Golden said the center will feature six exhibits tailored for early childhood development and will also teach civil engagement. Exhibits such as Kidtropo-lis—an indoor city for children to role-play various jobs—are formatted to pro-vide a hands-on experience for children to develop a variety of skills.

Golden said approximately 40 percent of the layout will be dedicated to Kidtrop-olis and is sponsored by different busi-nesses throughout Sugar Land and Fort Bend County.

The children’s center is expected to alleviate overcrowding at the Children’s Museum of Houston and will tap into a larger demographic of families within Fort Bend County. Approximately 18 to 20 percent of families visiting the Houston location come from Fort Bend County, Golden said.

“The whole idea is to encourage paren-tal engagement, so it is not a place you go to drop off your kids,” she said. “We really want parents to become the first teacher of their children so they have confidence that they can learn with their children.”

Sugar Land Heritage Foundation The design of Phase 2 of the new loca-

tion for the Sugar Land Heritage Founda-tion began in September after Sugar Land

City Council finalized its permanent spot.

Jack Rouse and Associates, a design firm based in Cincin-nati, is detailing the floor plan for the 12,600-square-foot location. The SLHF is moving in the space in December and will not open to the public until 2017, Parmer said.

The SLHF, currently located at 198 Kempner Street, will be on the second floor of the for-mer container warehouse and will house administrative offices as well as showcase five exhibits highlighting differ-ent chapters in Sugar Land’s history.

“Since day one, we have been a story of successful transitions going from nothing to [becoming] one of the best company towns in the nation,” Parmer said.

The foundation will also have access to 12,600 square feet of the building’s roof. Parmer said the additional roof space is being designed to host future outdoor events.

New development Construction of the mixed-use site

at the Imperial Sugar Factory is slated to begin in July. The site will include

260,000 square feet of upscale retail and restaurants, 70,000 square feet of Class A office space, 252,000 square feet of luxury residential apartments and a 100,000-square-foot, 120-room boutique hotel in the char house.

“The nature of this development would share the historic preservation of the current site, recognizing the rich his-tory within the community,” Sugar Land Mayor James Thompson said.

Completion of the development is expected to wrap up in October 2016.

Officials with Johnson Development declined to comment on the new devel-opment and said more details will be announced in March.

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FORT BEND CHILDREN’S DISCOVERY CENTER

IMPERIAL DEVELOPMENT UPDATE

The Fort Bend Children’s Discovery Center will occupy the first floor of the former container warehouse at the Imperial Sugar Factory. The discovery center will house different educational exhibits and a center for children to role-play different jobs.

10,000 SF

KIDTROPOLIS EXHIBIT AREA

How does it work? The exhibit focuses on physical science concepts and experiments. Specific experiments include electromagnetism, electromechanical systems and different properties of matter.

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How are we alike? The exhibit highlights the cultural origins of Fort Bend County, specifically cultures from Mexico, Vietnam, Korea and the Gullah Geechee culture. The exhibit will be displayed throughout the year to celebrate holidays within each culture.

Can I solve that? The exhibit focuses on developing problem-solving skills in mathematics. Each activity relates to the national standards of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics.

Tot Spot The area is dedicated to infants and toddlers to foster mobility and growth.

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Source: Fort Bend Children’s Discovery Center

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CITY & COUNTYNews from Sugar Land and Missouri City Compiled by David Pollan and Connor Hyde

Crime rate hits new low MCPD launches pilot body camera programSUGAR LAND The city’s crime rate has hit a 20-year historic low, according to the Sugar Land Police Department’s 2014 annual report.

The number of Part 1 crimes—which include assault, auto theft, burglary, homicide, theft, robbery and auto burglary—decreased 12.75 percent last year. The city’s five-year crime trend also decreased by more than 26 percent, Sugar Land Police Chief Douglas Brinkley said.

“Despite these strong results, we will remain proactive and continue our focus on past priorities,” Brinkley said. “This will include continued resources, such as a special impact team to address burglar-ies and educational efforts intended to ensure our citizens remain safe.”

According to the report, the crime rate in Sugar Land is about 45 percent

TweetingsFor instant coverage of many of these meetings, follow us on Twitter @impactnews_slm

TweetingsMeetings

MISSOURI CITY The city’s police department has launched a 90-day pilot program that will equip some of its officers with body cameras during their shifts in the field.

The program is geared to test the effec-tiveness and efficiency of body cameras on police officers in an effort to offer a third perspective during interactions.

“It has been our experience that when citizens know they are being recorded, they tend to comply with an officer’s law-ful commands more frequently,” Missouri City Police Chief Michael Berezin said. “It is comforting to an officer to have some-one and something available to tell the truth about interactions with a citizen that may be considered controversial.”

MCPD is testing five body camera vendors, such as Taser International,

to fit the needs of each officer. Michael Curry, MCPD compliance supervisor, said the department is considering such factors as durability, battery life, ease of use and video quality to determine the best vendor candidate.

The program is also testing video stor-age and the maintenance of information from each camera.

“A body camera program is much more than just strapping a camera to every offi-cer,” Curry said. “It is imperative that we maintain the integrity of the information and provide timely access to the informa-tion when requested.”

Berezin said a vendor will be chosen later in the year. Although the total cost and funding source of a department-wide pro-gram has not been determined, each cam-era could cost between $300 and $1,000.

and 35 percent below state and national averages, respectively.

Brinkley said the low crime in Sugar Land is due to a strong police presence, community partnerships, public education, a commitment to technology, training and departmental leadership. In 2015, SLPD’s priorities will include aiming to reduce resi-dential, commercial and vehicle burglaries; a focus on safe streets and intersections; and working toward the development of a public safety training facility.

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Sugar Land City CouncilMeets at 5:30 p.m. the first, third and fourth Tuesday of every month. Its next meetings are scheduled for March 17 and March 24.

2700 Town Center Blvd. N., Sugar Land281-275-2730 • www.sugarlandtx.gov

Missouri City City CouncilMeets at 7 p.m. the first and third Monday of every month. Its next meeting is scheduled for March 16.

1522 Texas Parkway, Missouri City281-403-8500 • www.missouricitytx.gov

Fort Bend Commissioners CourtMeets at 1 p.m. the first, second and fourth Tuesday of every month. Its next meetings are scheduled for March 10 and March 24.

301 Jackson St., Richmond281-341-8608 • www.fortbendcountytx.gov

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WANT MORE TEXAS LEGISLATURE COVERAGE?

Follow us on Twitter @impactnews_slm and search for #CITxLege or visit communityimpact.com

AT THE CAPITOLNews from the 84th Texas Legislature

SEN. RODNEY ELLIS • DISTRICT 13 SEN. JOAN HUFFMAN • DISTRICT 17

SEN. LOIS KOLKHORST • DISTRICT 18 REP. RICK MILLER • DISTRICT 26

REP. RON REYNOLDS • DISTRICT 27 REP. JOHN ZERWAS • DISTRICT 28

REP. PHIL STEPHENSON • DISTRICT 85 REP. ALMA A. ALLEN • DISTRICT 131

D-HOUSTONBusiness & Commerce, State Affairs**, Transportation

R-HOUSTONCriminal Justice**, Finance, State Affairs*

R-BRENHAMAgriculture, Water & Rural Affairs; Education; Finance; Transportation; Health & Human Services**

R-SUGAR LANDAppropriations, Public Health

D-MISSOURI CITYElections, Environmental Regulation

R-SIMONTONHigher Education*, Public Health

R-WHARTONInvestments & Financial Services, Pensions

D-HOUSTONCorrections, House Administration, Public Education**

84TH LEGISLATURE COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTSLawmakers for Sugar Land and Missouri City area

*Chair, **Vice/co-chair

Sources: Texas House of Representatives, Texas Legislative Council, Texas Senate

Patrick, Straus name committees in Senate, House for 84th sessionAUSTIN For Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, his first time assigning senators to each of the 14 Senate committees was a bit like the NFL draft and involved charting assignments on a whiteboard.

The 84th Legislature will have the large undertaking of considering which of several thousand bills to approve. To assist with that process each chamber utilizes committees tasked with considering legis-lation on specific issues.

“That’s where everything happens,” Patrick said.

The 31 senators typically sit on four to five committees, which mostly have between seven and 11 members. Patrick has sole discretion for making committee assignments in the Senate and released his assignments Jan. 23. He used his knowledge of being a senator to provide insight into determining assign-ments and also asked each senator his or her preferences.

“You try to put people on commit-tees where they have interest and passion,” Patrick said.

The Senate has 14 committees with one subcommittee on border security, which is a decrease from 18 committees during the 83rd Legislature. Once he assigns bills to committees, Patrick said he lets chair-men and chairwomen lead. This session he appointed the first woman, Sen. Jane Nelson, R-Flower Mound, to chair the finance committee. Patrick also reduced the number of Democrats serving as chair-men and chairwomen from six to two.

Patrick said he considered a senator’s experience and subject knowledge in mak-ing appointments for committee chair.

“The chairman has all the power,” he

said. “They decide which bills to hear. They decide which bills are voted out. They decide who the invited expert witnesses are. A chairman has to be decisive.”

In the House of Representatives, seniority plays a significant role in determining some of the committee placements. Members who have served the longest get first pick, and House Speaker Rep. Joe Straus, R-San Antonio, appoints the remainder of the assignments. This is Straus’ fourth time to make committee assignments as speaker.

The House has 38 committees and two select or special committees Straus created for this session. Each of the 150 House members sit on at least one committee with most serving on two or three committees. Committees typically have between seven to 11 members. House committees are

each assigned differ-ent subject matters to determine which bills it considers. In mak-ing the committee assignments, Straus said he considers the demographic and geographic makeup of

the House to ensure balance.“It’s impossible to make it exactly bal-

anced and to make it exactly perfect, but we do our best to please the members and put them in positions where we think they can be effective,” Straus said.

This session brought the challenge of appointing new chairmen and chair-women to committees because many members either did not run for re-election or ran for other offices, Straus said. This allowed him to effect change in leadership.

“It’s good not to be too stagnant and a good signal to the public that we have versatile members, and they can handle a wide variety of challenges,” Straus said.

“You try to put people on committees where they have interest and passion.”

—Dan Patrick, lieutenant governor

Dan Patrick served in the Texas Senate for eight years before being elected lieutenant governor. He is the first senator to become lieutenant governor in Texas since the 1960s.

Patrick was first elected to the Senate in 2006 to serve District 7, which covers most of Northwest Houston and portions of Tomball, Jersey Village and Katy.

Patrick released his committee assign-

ments four days after the start of the 84th Legislature on Jan. 13, allowing senators to begin considering legislation. In the opening weeks of the session, committees have already approved bills on open-carry laws and the allocation of a portion of the motor vehicle sales tax toward transportation funding.

Patrick and his wife, Jan, have two children, Ryan and Shane, and live in Cypress.

LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR

DAN PATRICK • PARTY: REPUBLICAN • ELECTED: NOV. 4, 2014 • 512-463-0001 • WWW.LTGOV.STATE.TX.US

Joe Straus has served as speaker of the House since January 2009. He was first elected to the House in February 2005 to repre-sent District 121, which includes Bexar County and areas of Northeast San Antonio.

During his time in the House, Straus has helped the House pass balanced budgets, reduce the number of state tests in public schools, improve career readiness and make

the budget more transparent for taxpayers. He also helped build support for a long-term water plan that would not raise taxes. Straus launched a fiscal review process in 2014 to analyze state agencies and the results were incorporated into the House’s proposed budget in January.

Straus is a San Antonio native, where he lives with his wife, Julie, and two daughters, Sara and Robyn.

JOE STRAUS • PARTY: REPUBLICAN • ELECTED: FEB. 5, 2005 • 512-463-1000 • WWW.HOUSE.STATE.TX.US/MEMBERS/SPEAKER

SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE

By Amy Denney


21 Houston Slime Run Slime Nation brings the nationwide

5K and festival to Sugar Land with different obstacles and slime zones for participants to overcome. The festival features live music, beer and various activities for families and friends to experience after the race. 7 a.m.–4 p.m. $27 (children age 10 and younger), $50 (adult early registration), $65 (day of race). Constellation Field, 1 Stadium Drive, Sugar Land. 281-240-4487. www.theslimerun.com

21 Missouri City Trash Off Missouri City Green, in

partnership with the Missouri City Parks and Recreation Department, encourages volunteers to participate in the citywide cleanup event. Participants are assigned to different parts of Missouri City to clean up litter and debris from neighborhoods, public parks and waterways. Participants are encouraged to wear tennis shoes and bring work gloves for the event. 9–11 a.m. Free. Community Center, 1522 Texas Parkway, Missouri City. 281-403-8637. www.missouricitytx.gov

21 Children’s concert The Fort Bend Symphony

Orchestra celebrates Texas heritage with a concert featuring Western favorites such as, “The Ballad of Davy Crockett” and the movie score from “The Magnificent Seven.” FBSO encourages families to participate throughout the concert. 2 p.m. $12 (adults), free (children age 12 and younger). Graeber Auditorium, 5500 Ave. N., Rosenberg. 281-276-9642. www.fbso.org

22 St. Paddy’s Half Marathon Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day by

running 13.1 miles at the Memorial Hermann St. Paddy’s Half Marathon. Runners have more than three hours to complete the half marathon from Town Square through Sweetwater Boulevard. Participants are greeted at the finish line with medals and music from Houston-based band The Rogues. Jupiter Pizza and Waffle Co. is providing free green beer following the event. Participants are also encouraged to wear green as well as compete in the costume contest. 7:15–11 a.m. $80 (adults), $40 (children ages 12–17). Sugar Land Town Square, 15958 City Walk, Sugar Land. 281-242-7700. www.slfinishlinesports.com

March

07 and 10–14, 17–21 Farm to Table spring break

celebration The George Ranch Historical Park invites visitors to look back 100 years on the history of food and food production. Participants can learn about how to plow, salt-cure meats, food preservation, the basics of ranching, cooking with fresh herbs and cattle production. Each lesson represents a different point in history between the 1830s and 1930s. A chuck wagon lunch is provided each day and requires reservations. The monthlong event also features the ranch’s first-ever Dutch oven cooking competition. 9 a.m. $14 (age 13 and older), $11 (children ages 5–12), $4 (children age 4 and younger). George Ranch Historical Park, 10215 FM 762, Richmond. 281-343-0218. www.georgeranch.org

09 through 13 Sugar Land spring break camp

Children ages 5–13 are invited to join the city during its annual spring break camp. The weeklong event features a trip to Imperial Park as well as various crafts, games and activities with different themes, including a Wild West day. Snacks are provided; however, children are encouraged to bring a sack lunch and wear weather-appropriate clothes. 8 a.m.–5 p.m. $150 (per child), $200 (per child living outside city limits). Imperial Park Recreation Center, 234 Matlage Way, Sugar Land. 281-275-2885. www.imperialparkrecreationcenter.org

09 through 13 Missouri City spring break camp

Children are invited to participate in games, nature walks, sports activities, crafts and a trip to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo throughout the weeklong event. Snacks are provided in the morning and afternoon; however, parents are asked to pack a lunch for their child each day. 7:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. $100 (per child). Recreation and Tennis Center, 2701 Cypress Point Drive, Missouri City. 281-403-8637. www.missouricitytx.gov

14 Friends of the Library media sale

The Friends of the University Branch Library is selling books, CDs, DVDs, VHS tapes and records during its spring sale. Proceeds raised during the event support reading and other educational programs. Customers can donate books, CDs and DVDs that are in good condition to the sale. 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Free. Fort Bend County University Branch Library, 14010 University Blvd., Sugar Land. 281-342-4455. www.fortbend.lib.tx.us

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Find more or submit Sugar Land/Missouri City events at impactnews.com/slm-calendar

To have Sugar Land/Missouri City events considered for the print edition, they must be submitted online by the second Friday of the month.

Online Calendar

28 EGGStravaganza The city of Sugar Land invites

families to take part in the 31st annual Easter egg hunt and festival. The event features a foam pit, carnival games, a petting zoo and hay bale maze. The first 200 families at the event can take pictures with the Easter Bunny. Food and drinks are available for purchase. Noon–3 p.m. Free. Eldridge Park, 2511 Eldridge Road, Sugar Land. 281-275-2885. www.sugarlandtx.gov

28 Grant-A-Starr Foundation family fun run/walk

Fort Bend ISD schools and the community gather to benefit the foundation and its goal to raise $50,000 during its seventh annual event. The event features a timed 5K race and a 1-mile event as well as activities for children sponsored by St. Luke’s Sugar Land Hospital. Money raised during the event goes toward Houston-based medical research dedicated to developing rapid diagnostic testing for life-threatening childhood infections. 9 a.m.–noon. $80 (team 5K), $30 (individual 5K), $20 (individual 1-mile). Sugar Land Memorial Park, 15300 University Blvd., Sugar Land. 281-750-2357. www.grantastarr.org

29 Superhero Heart Run Mended Little Hearts, a national

foundation that raises awareness for congenital heart disease, or CHD, in children is hosting its first-ever 2K and 5K in Sugar Land. The event is geared to raise awareness of CHD, and funds will provide different resources to help support families. Participants of the event receive a commemorative superhero cape to wear during the race. Family-friendly activities are available before the race. Water stations are set up along the course every 2 miles for runners to rehydrate. 8:30 a.m.–noon. $25 (adults), $10 (children age 12 and younger), free (participant with CHD). Sugar Land Memorial Park, 15300 University Blvd., Sugar Land. www.superheroheartrun.com

30 Education concert series The Houston Wind Symphony is

collaborating with the Kempner High School Band to showcase local musical talent as well as to perform major works. Featured classical pieces include “The Circus Bee” by Henry Fillmore, “Chorale and Shaker Dance” by John Zdechlik and “Second Suite in F” by Gustav Holst. HWS members also have a chance to show off their talents as different members of the KHS band and the audience pick a score to be learned and played by sight. 6:30–8 p.m. $15 (general admission), $5 (students). Kempner High School Auditorium, 14777 Voss Road, Sugar Land. 832-786-0439. www.houstonwindsymphony.org

Featured EVENTSSugar Land Town Square2700 Town Center Blvd. N.Sugar Land • 281-276-6000www.sugarlandtownsquare.com

March 14 Movie Under the Moon, 7:30 p.m.21 Sartartia Middle School art sale, 11 a.m.22 St. Paddy’s half marathon, 7:15 a.m.27 Light of Hope ceremony, 6:30 p.m.

and 13 Spring break at George Observatory

The Houston Museum of Natural Science invites families to observe the night sky through one of the largest telescopes in the United States available for public use. All three dome telescopes are in use as staff members and astronomers are on-site and help participants locate different celestial bodies such as Jupiter, Venus and the Andromeda Galaxy throughout the night. Families are encouraged to explore the Brazos Bend State Park during the day before going to the observatory. Snacks are provided on-site. 7:30–11 p.m. $7 (adults), $6 (children). George Observatory, 21901 FM 762, Needville. 281-242-3055. www.hmns.org

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Local water organizationsLeaders discuss subsidence, future resourcesBy Matt Stephens

Population growth in the Greater Houston area continues to put a strain on groundwa-ter resources throughout the region. Several groundwater conservation and subsidence organizations are implementing a number of programs with the purpose of reducing the dependency their communities have on groundwater.

Three of the major water entities in the area include the Harris/Galveston and Fort Bend subsidence districts, North Harris County Regional Water Authority, or NHCRWA, and the Lone Star Groundwater Conservation District, or LSGCD.

The Harris/Galveston and Fort Bend subsidence districts were created by the Texas Legis-lature to help reduce subsidence in 1975 and 1989, respectively. Created in January 2000, the NHCRWA works to secure long-term, reliable water sources. In 2001, the 77th Legislature created the LSGCD with the purpose of protecting Montgomery County’s groundwater.

Where does most of the water come from within your region?

Rendl: We have water basically coming from two places. In the ground, where we have been [using water], there have been three aquifers. There was a Chicot Aquifer, which is very shallow, and that’s about dry. And there was an Evangeline Aquifer that most of the subdivisions in the north part of the county had been drilling into and that is depleting very rapidly. And, there is the third aquifer, the Jasper Aquifer, that goes down much deeper, but the problem [with the Jasper aquifer is that], when you get that deep you get water that starts to be too salty to drink. Surface water today comes from the San Jacinto River or Lake Houston as well as Lake Conroe. The other water that we do use is reclaimed water, which is water that is taken from the sewer plants, and instead of putting [that water]into a creek or bayou, it is put back into the rivers and lakes.

Turco: There’s the [NHCRWA] area and if you zoom out a bit and look at Harris and Galveston and Fort Bend counties, a lot of the same sources of water are there. [These sources are] the Gulf Coast Aquifer System, which includes the Chicot, the Evangeline and the Jasper aquifers, [and] the San Jacinto River Basin, which includes Lake Houston and Lake Conroe. Trinity River does supply water to the south parts of Harris County through the Coastal Water Authority canal, which moves water from the Trinity River to the east plant in the city of Houston. The Brazos River provides most of the alternative sources of water to Fort Bend County and Galveston County. And that is an important thing because in the 2011 drought, the Brazos River really was exposed as maybe not being as reliable as we had hoped.

Nelson: Montgomery County—I would estimate—[uses] 100 percent groundwa-ter. It has since the beginning exclusively used the Chicot, Evangeline and Jasper [aquifers], with probably the bulk coming from the Jasper now. I think there’s one energy plant in Lake Conroe that [uses] surface water for cooling purposes, and that’s the only thing that is on any kind of surface water.

Although there has been a lot of growth in the region in recent years, there is still undeveloped land in the Greater Houston area. How important is water as a resource to the development of that land?

Turco: [If there is] no water, [there is] no development. They have got to go hand in hand. Those areas where you move further out into Harris County—in particular in our district and in western parts of Fort Bend County—they are likely going to be developed on some form of groundwater use because there is no infrastructure in those areas to get the alternative supply that is there. As we have seen happen in the past with development, infrastructure will reach those areas, and we will be working with them to get them converted to surface water and alternative sources of water as that development occurs. But we fully expect in those developing areas [to see] additional groundwater use until infra-structure is in place to provide them with alternative sources of water. It is important to recognize that in our regulatory plan in moving folks from groundwater to surface water over the last 40 years, there has been a great commitment by the regional water providers—the city of Houston, the [NHCRWA] and the West Authority—all the municipalities in the area have commit-ted effort and dollars to infrastructure to support this regulatory plan.

Was the Fort Bend Subsidence District successful in converting areas of the county to 30 percent surface water usage by 2014?

Turco: Our regulatory plan was updated in 2013, and we have all of our major water providers in the area under a groundwa-ter reduction plan. They have all given us plans on how they plan to deal with the 2014 conversion, which they all have. We also have in those plans [each provider’s] plan for conversion in 2025, which is the 60 percent [groundwater reduction mandate]. So everybody has got a plan out there, and they are all making great progress. I can tell you that the leadership in Fort Bend County has been great to work with. They have really followed the model that was

seen in Harris and Galveston counties as we moved on the conversion from ground-water to alternative forms of water. The limitation that Fort Bend County has is the Brazos River. The plan is to move water from other basins into Fort Bend County. This is really a regional issue, and every-body is working together along those lines.

What is the Luce Bayou Project? Rendl: In the future we will be getting

surface water from the Trinity River, and it will be coming to us from a conveyance called the Luce Bayou Project. [It] will be a series of pumps to start with at the river pumping into large-diameter pipes for a couple of miles, then it will go into a chan-nel conveyer to get it into the far northeast branch of the San Jacinto River. This is in the back part of Kingwood to give you some idea of where it might be. And then it will flow through [Lake Houston] to the city of Houston’s water treatment plant on the southwest side of the lake.

Why is the project so important, and what effect will it have on the Houston area?

Rendl: The Luce Bayou Project is an absolute must in terms of our being able to meet the needs of the growing popula-tion. There’s simply not enough water in the San Jacinto River Basin so we are bringing it from the Trinity River through the Luce Bayou. That project will be bringing about 450 million gallons a day at its peak. The [NHCRWA] will be get-ting 36 percent of the capacity ultimately, which will be about 150 million gallons that we will have at our disposal after this is completed.

What conservation programs have your districts implemented?

Turco: We have a program where we incentivize folks who sponsor children in a water conservation program in the schools. In return, they get some ground-water credits that offsets their conversion. So that’s part of the equation. We had 70,000 students in our program last year throughout Fort Bend, Harris and Galves-ton counties.

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Paul Nelson (left)Nelson has served as the assistant general manager of the LSGCD since 2011, and has prior experience in water conservation and long-range water planning. Nelson worked for the Public Works and Engineering De-partment for the city of Houston and spent five years with the NHCRWA.

Mike Turco (center)Turco has served as the general manager of the Harris/Galveston and Fort Bend subsid-ence districts since 2013 and is responsible for the management of district operations. Prior to joining the districts, Turco worked on water and groundwater research projects for the U.S. Geological Survey in Texas for 17 years.

Al Rendl (right)Rendl is president of the NHCRWA board and helped pass legislation that allowed voters to have control of their own future water supplies in 1997 and 1999. Rendl previously served as Harris County Water Control District No. 91 director for 16 years and was the chairman for the North Har-ris County Water Issues and Annexation Reform Group.

Panel of water officials

What is the city of Houston doing to help provide water resources to the Greater Houston area?

Rendl: I have got my fingers crossed that Houston City Council is going to pass the resolution that will allow for the building of the [expansion] of the water treatment plant. This is something that is monumen-tal. I think you have to look at it in terms of people who have sat in the mayor’s chair going back to 1940 and 1950 when they were thinking about, ‘Where are we going to get our water?’ And they said, ‘We’ve got to build some reservoirs,’ because there are no natural lakes in Houston. So they built Lake Livingston, and they’re using probably 450 million–500 million gallons or more out of Lake Livingston today in the two water treatment plants that they have outside of Lake Houston. What we are seeing today is a project of almost that magnitude. We’re looking at probably in the range of $1.2 billion–$1.5 billion that is being invested by the people in Harris County [and] the city of Houston.


Ladies Night OutMarch 5, 6:30 p.m.

Black Heritage DayMarch 6, 6:45 p.m.

Lil’ Rustlers RodeoMarch 9, 5 p.m.

March 10, 5 p.m.March 11, 5 p.m.

Rodeo RockstarMarch 10, 5:30–7:30 p.m. (semifinals)March 17, 5:30–7:30 p.m. (finals)

Go Tejano DayMarch 15, 3:45 p.m.

Loop 610 parking lot

Public cash-only parkingLocationThe entrance to the Loop 610 parking lot is off West Bellfort Street and Kirby Drive.Hours of operation(During the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo)

March 4–7, noon–10 p.m.March 8–9, 11 a.m.–10 p.m.March 10–22, 9 a.m.–10 p.m.

Pricing$15 (During the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo)

OST1 parking lot

Public rodeo express lotLocation2103 S. Braeswood Blvd. (Old Spanish Trail at North Stadium Drive)Hours of operation(During the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo)

Mon.–Thu. 5 p.m.–1 a.m.Fri. 5 p.m.–2 a.m.Sat. 11–2 a.m.

Sun. 11–1 a.m.March 10–22, 5 p.m.–1 a.m.

Pricing$15 per car to parkRide optionsVisitors can ride the shuttle bus to and from NRG Stadium. The last bus from the lot to the stadium departs at 9 p.m. each night.Guests can ride the METRO Rail to Reliant Park for $2.50 (round-trip ride).

Yellow parking lot

Public cash parking, disabled parking andvolunteer parking optionLocationThe primary route to the Yellow parking lot is following Loop 610 to Main Street and entering Gate 16.Hours of operation6 a.m.–closePricing$15 (During the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo)

Public parking

Rodeo Events

More informationFIRST-AID LOCATIONS

• NRG Center Room 109 and Hall C lobby• In front of NRG Arena and inside the main doors, facing the carnival• Southeast entrance of NRG Stadium

LOST ITEMSPatrons can report missing items and return found items at the show’s lost and found area located in the NRG Center, Room 102B. All items will be kept in the office for the duration of the rodeo. For items lost or found in NRG Stadium, check with any of the six guest services booths on the day the item is lost or check with the show’s lost and found area in NRG Center after 10 a.m. the following day.

CATCH A RIDE AROUND NRG PARKBlue Line

• NRG Arena and the Blue lotMarch 3–22, 9 a.m.–11 p.m.

Orange Line• NRG Center and NRG Arena

March 3–22, 9 a.m.–11 p.m.Pink Line

• NRG Arena and Loop 610 lotMarch 3–10, 11 a.m.–11 p.m.March 11–22, 9 a.m.–11 p.m.

Red Line• NRG Center, Holiday Inn and

Red lotMarch 3–22, 8 a.m.–8 p.m.

Yellow Line• North side of NRG Stadium and

the Yellow lotMarch 3–22, 9 a.m.–11 p.m.

Houston

GUIDE2015

Livestock show

Rodeo

ENTERTAINMENT LINEUP

Rodeo

the hideoutLocation: Large white tent on the east side of the AstrodomeAge requirement: 21 and olderHours: Sun.–Thu. 6 p.m.–midnight, Fri.–Sat. 6 p.m.–1 a.m.Show start times: 10:15 p.m. weekdays, 8:30 p.m. weekendsExtra fee: No

March 5—Abbi WalkerMarch 6—Black Heritage DayMarch 7—Josh WardMarch 8—DJ MusicMarch 9—Kris GordonMarch 10—Josh SlaughterMarch 11—Cameran NelsonMarch 12—Folk Family RevivalMarch 13—Mike and the Moonpies

March 14—Randy BrownMarch 15—Go Tejano DayMarch 16—Gary P. NunnMarch 17—Chad WareMarch 18—CrooksMarch 19—Max StallingMarch 20—Jon WolfeMarch 21—Sam RiggsMarch 22—Junior Gordon

March 5—Miranda LambertMarch 6—John LegendMarch 7—Alan JacksonMarch 8—Fall Out BoyMarch 9—Justin MooreMarch 10—Tim McGrawMarch 11—Brantley GilbertMarch 12—Zac Brown BandMarch 13—PitbullMarch 14—Billy Currington

March 15—La Arrolladora Banda El Limón and La Maquinaria NorteñaMarch 16—Dierks BentleyMarch 17—Ariana GrandeMarch 18—Florida Georgia LineMarch 19—Blake SheltonMarch 20—The Band PerryMarch 21—Brad PaisleyMarch 22—Luke Bryan

Designed by Dionna Moore | Compiled by CI staff

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Round 3 championshipMarch 5, 6:45 p.m.

Super Series IIRound 1March 6, 6:45 p.m.

Round 2 March 7, 3:45 p.m.


Super Series IIIRound 1March 9, 6:45 p.m.

Round 2 March 10, 6:45 p.m.

Round 3 championship March 11, 6:45 p.m.

Super Series IVRound 1March 12, 6:45 p.m.

Round 2March 13, 6:45 p.m.


Super Series VRound 1March 15, 3:45 p.m.

Round 2March 16, 6:45 p.m.


SemifinalsSemifinal 1March 18, 6:45 p.m.

Semifinal 2March 19, 6:45 p.m.

Wild CardMarch 20, 6:45 p.m.

ChampionshipRodeo Houston BP Super Series ChampionshipMarch 21, 3:45 p.m.

Super ShootoutRodeo Houston Super Shootout: North America’s ChampionsMarch 22, 3:45 p.m.

Tie-down roping: In this sport, roper and horse compete as a team against the clock. As soon as he or she is ready, the rider ropes a calf before he or she quickly dismounts, lifts the calf and lays the animal on its side before roping any three of the calf’s legs.

Bareback riding: One of the most physically demanding rodeo events, bareback riding requires skill, balance and coordination, as the rider has no saddle to compensate for errors. Riders are judged on their control and spurring technique.

Team roping: In team roping, two riders must work together to rope a runaway steer. After the steer gains a head start, the first roper must rope the steer in one of three ways: around both horns, around one horn and the head or around the neck. After a rider ropes the steer and ties the lasso around the saddle horn, the rider must quickly turn the steer to the left on its back to set up his or her partner to lasso both of the steer’s hind legs while being careful not to catch the front legs.

Saddle bronc riding: In this sport a rider can be disqualified if he or she touches any part of the horse or his or her body with his or her free hand at any time during the ride. For eight seconds the rider must use strength and agility to spur in rhythm with the horse’s bucking motion.

Steer wrestling: Competitors in this sport must use only strength and skills to tackle a runaway steer at least twice his or her size and weight. Steer wrestling is the fastest rodeo event, with a world record of 2.4 seconds. Once the competitor brings the steer to a halt, he or she uses his or her whole body and strength to flip the steer on its side with all four legs pointing in the same direction.

Barrel racing: This women’s-only event requires rider and horse to maneuver through a course racing against the clock. Attempting to “hug the barrels,” horse and rider race to complete a cloverleaf pattern around three barrels in a triangle formation before exiting through the entrance.

Bull riding: A bull rider’s dream is an eight second ride—however, time is not the only factor in the score. As in all rough stock events, the bull’s bucking efforts account for half of the rider’s points.

Chuckwagon racing: The races are recreated at RodeoHouston with lightweight wagons pulled by specially bred teams of horses traveling up to 30 mph.

Calf scramble: With the drop of a cowboy hat, 14 calfs are released into the arena for 30 4-H or FFA members to chase and try to catch, holding only a rope halter. Each student who catches a calf is awarded a $1,500 certificate to purchase a registered beef heifer or market steer to show at the Houston Livestock Show the next year.

Mutton Bustin’: Before the nightly concert, a group of 5- and 6-year-olds spring out a chute clinging onto a sheep, or mutton. The rider who holds on the longest receives a champion belt buckle.

Special Events

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo takes place daily from March 3–22 at NRG Park, 1 Reliant Parkway, Houston. The event, which started in Houston in 1931, is the world’s largest live entertainment and livestock exhibition. Every night of the HLSR includes rodeo events and a live concert. For more information, visit www.rodeohouston.com.

Source: Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo


“We are much more diversified now in the types of projects that are ongoing,” Steubing said. “They are not all related to the energy market or gas and oil. Contrac-tors are much more diverse in what they are doing.”

This boom has paired Sugar Land up against major projects, such as the con-struction of the Grand Parkway and Phase 2 of the Fort Bend Parkway, which has created an increased demand for con-tractors and subcontractors. As a result of this demand, local projects are receiving fewer bids at an increased cost.

Although the city maintains lines of communication with local contractors and developers, Steubing said determining inter-est and projecting the amount of bidders on each project has become a guessing game.

“There is no rhyme or reason to it,” he said. “You throw a dart at the wall and you hit a number, and you have just as much luck guessing as you do hitting the right number with the dart.”

Most recently, Sugar Land City Council moved forward with Phase 2 of the $12.37 million Brazos River Park recreational development and an adjacent festival site as a part of the $31.5 million parks bond, which was approved by voters in 2013. Only two contractors—Harper Broth-ers Construction and Millis Construction—made bids on the project, both of which came

in above the city’s $10.15 million budget. Harper Brothers filed the lowest bid

at $12.37 million while Millis Construc-tion filed its bid at $13.55 million. To move forward with construction, City Council awarded the projects to Harper Brothers and voted to reallocate $3.4 mil-lion of Proposition 2 funds, intended for use in 2016, to account for the $2.22 million increase.

Voters approved Proposition 2, worth $21.3 million, as part of the city’s parks bond package in November 2013, and it outlines Phase 2 of the Brazos River Park project and the festival site. Doug Adolph, assistant director of communications for Sugar Land, said the city accounted for inflated construction costs when determining the total cost of Proposition 2.

City Council’s decision to reallocate funds slated for 2016 to 2015 helps maintain proj-ect timelines and keeps them in line with what voters approved, Adolph said.

FBISD officials said additional construc-tion costs have resulted in district proj-ects coming in higher when compared to projects from five years ago. Between 2007 and 2014, construction costs for schools rose from approximately $118 per square foot to $200 per square foot, according to the Texas Comptroller’s office.

With four new additional schools planned alongside elementary schools No. 46 and No. 47 and Middle School No. 15, FBISD Chief Financial Officer Steve Bassett said the district accounted for the

rise in construction costs in the $484 million bond initiative that was passed in 2014.

Despite the increase in construction costs, FBISD Chief Operations Officer Max Cleaver said FBISD projects have not been delayed as the district looks to decrease spending by reducing the need for additional facilities.

Cost of materials Turner Construction Company, which

has offices around Houston, developed its own cost index to track nonresiden-tial building construction. The company’s methodology—which considers labor rates and productivity, material prices and the competitive condition of the marketplace—shows steady increases every quarter since 2011. Overall, costs have risen about 11.7 percent since that time.

“Growth in nonresidential construction was steady in the fourth quarter in virtually all domestic markets,” Turner Vice President Attilio Rivetti said. “Higher construction cost escalations in urban centers with increased construction activity are driving the average domestic construction cost increases.”

The rising cost of materials has wide-rang-ing effects. Steubing said the city’s biggest con-cern is having the ability to deliver projects addressing infrastructure and reconstruction needs without increasing the tax rate.

“That is the biggest issue,” he said. “You have a city that is growing, aging infrastructure and everything else while being able to deliver the services that are expected by residents.”

Fewer skilled hands One persistent contributing factor

to the rising construction costs is the shortage of skilled workers across various fields.

Houston added more construction jobs than any U.S. metro market, accord-ing to a report from the American Gen-eral Contractors of America. The jobs boom means the labor shortage will continue through 2015. The declining unemployment rate has made it more difficult to find qualified workers, officials said.

A 2014 survey conducted by the National Association of Home Builders found that about 46 percent of Houston building companies are struggling with the skilled labor shortage. The shortage is also expected to intensify as millions of baby boomers prepare for retirement.

Skilled laborers in the construction field include industrial electricians, com-mercial plumbers, heavy equipment operators and concrete finishers.

The shortage has been so widespread in the Houston market that the demand for projects is starting to outweigh the supply of labor, Steubing said.

“I do not think it is there yet because we are still able to get bids on certain things, but I think labor is starting to be one of the biggest issues,” he said.

MATERIAL COST

Steel: Like lumber, steel is another material that can be used to frame a building. Steel can be purchased in stock lengths: pre-engineered, panel systems or custom cut.

+4%

2014

2013

High-rise office building Mid-rise office building Two-to-three-story building One-story flex office building Single-family residence

$98–$135/sf

$105–$142/sf

$87–$97/sf

$92–$102/sf

$77–$84/sf

$84–$94/sf

$60–$70/sf

$73–$78/sf

$95–$103/sf

$117–$125/sf

Sources: Kirksey Architecture, National Association of Home Builders

The producer price index, measured by the Associated General Contractors of America, tracks the average change in price for various products that are central to most construction projects. Although it is difficult to gauge prices on a local level, trends show costs rose across the U.S. and in the Greater Houston area during the past three years, with significant increases since January 2014.

For more information visit impactnews.com

Concrete: Concrete is one of the oldest building materials. It can be used in brick form to build walls as well as in panel systems or as an insulator.

+4%

+8%

Gypsum: Gypsum board is primarily used as a finish for walls and ceilings, and is known in construction as drywall, Sheetrock or plasterboard. Gypsum blocks may also be used like concrete blocks.

+11%

Lumber/plywood: Lumber and plywood are some of the most common materials used to build the framing structure for a house or building. Both are also commonly used in roofing projects.

Asphalt mixtures: Asphalt is one of the most common materials used in roofing shingles in U.S. homes. It can also be used as a material in building siding.

+4%

Labor, materialsContinued from | 1

RISE IN THE COST OF CONSTRUCTION


A survey from the National Association of Home Builders shows an increase in Houston builders reporting labor shortages between 2012 and 2014.

2012

2013

2014

21%

34%

46%Source: National Home Builders Association

$14.50/HR$16.50/HR

L A B O R COSTEXPECTED TO RISE

ANOTHER 15% BY 2016

AV E R A G EWAGES

2013

2014

A GROWING MARKET

LABOR SHORTAGE

SHARE OF BUILDERS REPORTING

BIDS

$484MFBISD bond

program

$100MTxDOT Hwy. 288

toll lanes

$748MKaty ISD bond

program

$100MFort Bend

Parkway Phase 2

59

59

290

610

288

10 10

45

45

6

249

8TOLL

99TOLL

6

$500MTxDOT Hwy. 249

extension

$1.1BThe Grand Parkway

extension

NA

TIO

NA

L

The Greater Houston area remains at the forefront of commercial development in the U.S. With an increased demand for contractors in the region, the number of contractor bids on various projects in Sugar Land has decreased over the last five years.

The city of Sugar Land and Fort Bend ISD are competing with major construction projects in the Greater Houston area, such as construction of the Grand Parkway and the expansion of the Fort Bend Parkway. These projects have resulted in a shortage of labor for local projects.

University Boulevard extension

Meadowcroft Boulevard extension

Brazos River Park + Festival Site

Sugar Mill Phase II

Ragus Lake drainage

Groundwater plant improvements

Dulles Avenue improvements

2010201120112013201320132015

9

2

3

5

2

3

2

% INCREASE IN THE COST OF

CONSTRUCTION

12%

38

%H

OU

STO

N

$19M$8.8M$15M$1.05M$4.5M$1.9M$10.15M

$16M$6.8M$9.5M$1.12M$4.4M$1.5M$12.37M

(mid-2011 through mid-2014)

Map not to scale

Source: City of Sugar Land

Source: City of Sugar Land

# of BidsYear Project City Budget Bid

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that could be ready for construction to begin in 2015,” Clark said. “We looked to develop a list that fit within the funding available, but also provided the best benefit to the Houston region.”

Texas voters passed Prop. 1 with 80 per-cent approval, which amended the state constitution to authorize the redirection of half of the revenue generated from sev-erance taxes levied on oil and gas extrac-tion—ordinarily deposited into the Eco-nomic Stabilization Fund, or Rainy Day Fund—to the State Highway Fund. A total of $1.7 billion was deposited into the SHF for use in 2015. A little more than $278 million of that $1.7 billion has been allo-cated to TxDOT’s Houston district.

“Some of the priority projects identi-fied were advanced by two or three years, and one of the projects was sped up by 20 years,” Clark said. “In every case, the Prop. 1 funds are enabling us to do these projects sooner and in some cases, at all.”

However, even with the passage of Prop. 1 adding $1.7 billion to the SHF in 2015, transportation experts said state trans-portation funding still falls short of the projected $5 billion needed annually to keep up with a rapidly escalating popula-tion and aging infrastructure. As a result, alternative funding sources continue to be explored by the state Legislature to make up for the shortfall.

“The focus for most of us in the Legisla-ture this session is on transportation and making sure we get that funded,” state Rep. Rick Miller, R–Sugar Land, said. “We are so far behind in taking care of our transporta-tion infrastructure, and it is very important to places like Fort Bend County, so we are very focused on that issue. We have the resources to help fund transportation, and I fully expect that to happen in this session.”

Prop. 1 projectsThe priority projects that will receive

Prop. 1 funds in 2015 were broken down into three categories.

Major highway reconstruction projects are the most expensive. The projects in this category include the $93 million widening of Hwy. 59 in Fort Bend County from west of Spur 10 to Darst Road and the $98 mil-lion widening of Hwy. 290 in Harris County from west of Bauer Road to FM 2920.

Seven projects—two each in Harris, Montgomery and Fort Bend counties as well as one in Galveston County—fall into the second category of interchanges and other highway reconstruction. Included in this cat-egory are two projects in Fort Bend County. The first is the $8.3 million widening of Hwy. 90 from Hwy. 6 to the Grand Parkway. The other project is funding the additional $7.5 million needed to widen FM 2234 from the Fort Bend Parkway to FM 521.

The final three projects fall under the last category of highway rehabilitation. This includes the base repair and overlay on FM 523 in Brazoria County and surface

treatment on I-45 in Galveston County.The 12 projects that were selected have all

been on H-GAC’s radar for a considerable amount of time and are viewed as some of the most critical when it comes to address-ing connectivity or congestion issues, H-GAC Program Manager David Wurdlow said. Each project is already on H-GAC’s long-range transportation plan but few have had any funding sources identified.

“These are projects that are ready to go,” Wurdlow said. “The designs are ready, the environmental reviews are mostly com-pleted or nearing completion and they meet all the requirements for any project receiving Prop. 1 funding.”

A related bill—House Bill 1—outlined how Prop. 1 funds can be used. It specifies that funds can only be used for the con-struction, maintenance, rehabilitation and

acquisition of right of way for public roads. Funds cannot be used for toll roads.

Of the 12 projects, only two have fund-ing support from other sources, such as from state or federal funds that were previously awarded. About $20.7 mil-lion has been secured for the $28.2 mil-lion project to widen FM 2234 in Fort Bend County. In Montgomery County, $1 million has been raised for a $3.9 mil-lion project to do base repair and overlay on FM 3083.

“Some of these projects are designed to eliminate bottlenecks on major thorough-fares and others needed additional funding to let a larger project move forward,” Clark said. “The latter is true for the FM 2234 project in particular. It is a $20 million project, but it needed another $7.5 million to be able to get it started this year.”

The remaining projects, including widening Hwy. 290 from Bauer Road to FM 2920, are unfunded at this point. The effort to widen Hwy. 290 has already been launched, but funding has only been secured for the portion from Loop 610 to the Grand Parkway, officials said.

TxDOT will soon begin to finalize the work to get these projects ready to be bid on by contractors so work can begin on them this year, Clark said. Construction on some of these projects will start within the next few months and some will be started on later in the year, such as the Hwy. 59 project.

“There is no mandate that these projects have to be started this year,” Clark said. “The money for them is there and does not disappear even if they do not get started this year, but it will be disappointing if they do not.”

TransportationContinued from | 1

HWY. 59$93.01M

1 HWY. 90$8.30M

2 FM 2234$7.50M

3

288

36Darst Rd.

Spur 10

Hwy. 59 southbound Hwy. 59 northbound

FM 2234eastbound

FM 2234westbound

Widen to 6 lanes Widen to 6 lanes Widen to 4 lanes

Raised median

2-lane frontage roads

Hwy. 90eastbound

Hwy. 90westboundDitch

1

23

PROPOSITION 1-FUNDED LOCAL PROJECTS

SENATE BILL 5 + JOINT RESOLUTION 5 MOTOR VEHICLE SALES AND RENTAL TAX revenue is expected to increase annually as more

people move to Texas and additional vehicles are sold in the state. State legislators and transportation officials predict that if SB5 and SJR5 pass, it would generate about $2 billion annually or more into the SHF.

MANDATORY $2.5 BILLIONTO GENERAL REVENUE FUND

REMAINING $2.5 BILLIONTO STATE HIGHWAY FUND

FIRST $5 BILLION IN MOTOR VEHICLE SALES AND RENTAL TAXES

+ ADDITIONAL REVENUE SPLIT EVENLY BETWEEN GRF AND SHF

To make up for the annual shortfall in transportation funding, the Texas Senate has proposed a bill and joint resolution to amend the constitution to commit vehicle sales and rental tax revenue above $2.5 billion a year to the State Highway Fund.

Additional money to the SHF can be used only• For the acquisition of rights of way• For the construction and maintenance of non-tolled

roads and bridges• To pay off Prop. 12 transportation debt ($300M per year)

ESTIMATED FUTURE REVENUE (In billions)

2014

2015

2016

2017

FY

$4.21ACTUAL

$4.62

$4.90

$5.22

$6$0 $3$1 $4$2 $5

Proposition 1, approved by voters last November, amended the Texas Constitution to authorize the redirection of half of the revenue collected from the Rainy Day Fund into the State Highway Fund. As a result, $1.7 billion was put into the SHF in 2015 to be used for transportation projects. Of that $1.7 billion, about $278 million was allocated to the Houston district. The Houston-Galveston Area Council has identified priority road projects in the region to receive Prop. 1 funding—three of which are in Fort Bend County.

$4.21 BILLION

FISCAL YEAR 2014

8.3%of the state’s FY 2014 revenue came from motor vehicle sales and rental

tax, making it the third-largest source of revenue for the state

is the amount of revenue collected from motor vehicle

sales and rental tax in FY 2014

Sources: Houston-Galveston Area Council, Texas Comptroller’s Office, Texas Senate

FM 2234

Map not to scale

59

6

99

521

90

60

Westpark Tollway

36


Which Greater Houston area priority projects are you most excited to see funded through Prop. 1 in 2015?

Take the poll online at impactnews.com/slm-poll

Funding a shortfallTxDOT estimates its unmet annual

transportation needs are about $5 bil-lion, which includes $1 billion for recur-ring maintenance, $3 billion for mobility projects and $1 billion for repairs related to increased energy sector activity.

The Texas comptroller has estimated that about $1.2 billion statewide will be avail-able through Prop. 1 funds in fiscal year 2016 and slightly more than that in fiscal year 2017, which represents about $500 million less than what was allocated in 2015, Clark said. Even if funds from Prop. 1 stayed at $1.7 billion a year, it would only amount to about one-third of the money TxDOT needs each year to keep up with routine road maintenance.

In an effort to make up for the approxi-mately $3.5 billion needed—in addition to Prop. 1 funds—to fund transportation annually in the state, newly elected Gov. Greg Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick have called on the state Legislature to find ways to increase transportation funding by $4 billion annually.

One solution being explored by the Texas House and Senate is to end the diversion of funds from the SHF, which will provide about $1.6 billion over the next biennium to transportation, Miller said.

“In the past when the state was not as wealthy, money that was dedicated to come into the SHF was being syphoned off to pay for things like public safety or other areas where money was needed,” Miller said.

“Those diversions are still in place, so what we want to do is end those diversions so that we can dedicate those intended collec-tions of money and fees to the right place.”

Another funding option being explored is Senate Bill 5 and Senate Joint Resolution 5, which were authored by state Sen. Rob-ert Nichols, R–Jacksonville, who heads the Senate Transportation Committee.

The proposed legislation—which was approved by the Senate Transportation Committee on Feb. 25 in an 8–1 vote—would allocate the first $2.5 billion collected by the motor vehicle sales and rental tax to the general revenue fund as it does under current law and the next $2.5 billion each year would be dedicated to the SHF. Addi-tional revenue in excess of $5 billion would be split evenly between the two accounts. Funds allocated to the SHF from motor vehicle sales and rental tax revenue could only be used for the acquisition of right of way, construction and maintenance of non-tolled roads and bridges, and to pay off gen-eral revenue transportation-related debt.

“With the things we are planning for this session to help fund transportation, we will be able to add about $4.1 billion to the [SHF] annually,” said state Sen. Lois Kolk-horst, R–Brenham, who also sits on the Senate Transportation Committee.

Kolkhorst said the proposed legislation is expected to generate about $2 billion a year for the SHF, and as the state’s population continues to grow and more people pur-chase vehicles, that amount will increase.

State Sen. Rodney Ellis, D–Houston, a member of the Senate Transportation Committee, was the sole vote against SB5 and SJR5. Ellis said that even though trans-portation is an important issue that needs to be addressed, the proposed legislation would take funding away from other issues that also need addressing.

“I could not in good conscience support legislation that will restrict the ability of future legislatures to meet our state’s needs,” he said. “By constitutionally dedicating this funding, we are creating a new multibillion dollar hole that is going to be difficult to fill during years the budget is tight. I want to be certain we are moving forward with a sustainable plan to address all our state’s needs, including transportation.”

Should SB5 and SJR5 make it through the Senate and the House, it would be placed on the November ballot for voter approval. If approved by voters, the dedication of funds as stipulated by the proposed legisla-tion would begin in the 2018–19 biennium.

“I think the Legislature will get the $4 billion annually to fund transportation,” Miller said. “It is going to be an interesting debate from the House side to the Senate side on trying to come together on the bud-get, but from a transportation perspective I think most of us are on board.”

BIGGER IN TEXAS

Texas has experienced significant population growth in recent years, which is a trend that is expected to continue. However, Texas transportation officials and legislators said the state’s transportation funding system is inadequate and fails to meet the state’s infrastructure demands as a result of the growth.

Source: Move Texas Forward

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REAL ESTATE

Located in Sugar Land’s First Colony community, the subdivision of Colony Bend is an established neighborhood near many amenities the city has to offer.

Colony Bend is located near retail and restaurants as well as major highways that connect Sugar Land to the Greater Houston area and the Texas Medical Center.

The neighborhood also features amenities, such as swimming pools, an aquatic center, beach volleyball courts, lakes, hiking and biking trails, and tennis courts.

Colony Bend, 77479

3011 Pasture Lane $180,000 3 Bedroom / 2 Bath 2,084 sq. ft.Agent: Julie Lehrer 832-326-8756 Virtual-RealEstate.com

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Recent listings

FEATURED NEIGHBORHOOD

*As of 02/17/15

Build-out year: 2014

Square footage: 2,000–3,500

Home values: $178,000–$350,000

HOA dues (estimated): $900 annually

Amenities: Swimming pools, aquatic center, beach volleyball, lakes, hike and bike trails, and tennis courts

Schools: Colony Bend Elementary School, First Colony Middle School, Clements High School

Property taxes (in dollars):

City of Sugar Land 0.5737 Fort Bend Drainage 0.0150 Fort Bend ISD 1.3400 Fort Bend County General Fund 0.4847 LID No. 2 0.1290

Total (per $100 value) $2.5424

5

Homes on the market*

$4,410

Median annual property taxes

$193,460

Median home value

44

Average days on the market*

2

Homes under contract*

$89

Median price per square foot

99

6

69

59

Sugar Land

Missouri City

Although every effort has been made to ensure the timeliness and accuracy of this listing, Community Impact Newspaper assumes no liability for errors or omissions. Contact the property’s agent or seller for the most current information.

Neighborhood data provided by Cathy Stubbs

The Cathy Stubbs Team281-340-4120

www.cathystubbs.com

Market DataOn the market (February 2015)

Number of homes for sale/Average days on the market

Price Range 77459 77478 77479 77489 77498

Less than $149,999 5/46 – – 26/66 7/33

$150,000–$199,999 22/54 – 2/55 6/12 6/68

$200,000–$299,999 63/59 6/98 33/40 – 16/40

$300,000–$399,999 38/76 11/33 31/51 – 9/66

$400,000–$499,999 23/68 4/105 55/94 – 4/75

$500,000–$599,999 25/125 12/94 35/68 1/188 1/50

$600,000–$799,999 39/153 7/98 27/67 – 2/53

$800,000–$999,999 11/161 3/149 6/90 – –

$1 million + 5/96 3/159 22/92 – –

Price 77459 77478 77479 77489 77498

$500,000

$450,000

$400,000

$350,000

$300,000

$250,000

$200,000

$150,000

$100,000

$50,000

–

Median price of homes sold Feb. 2014 vs. Feb. 2015

90

YOUR FORT BEND REAL ESTATE SOURCE

CONTACT US TODAY281-340-4120

www.cathystubbs.com

Helping clients reach their real estate goalsEstablished in the community for 20 years | Proven track record

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