Among the projects include the widening of Ford and Sorters roads from two to four lanes. While these projects were originally included in the county’s last bond approved by voters in 2015, county officials said work on the two roadways never officially started before 2015 bond funds were exhausted on other projects.
“It was paramount to make sure that [Ford and Sorters roads] were part of this package because of the social contract made with the public when the first bond was passed. The fact that they weren’t completed within that window was unfortunate,” Precinct 4 Commissioner Matt Gray said.
Ford Road and Sorters Road are both shovel-ready projects, Gray said, meaning they will be the first Precinct 4 projects completed with 2025 bond funds.
Why it matters
For residents and business owners in the area, the bond signals a chance to address traffic issues that have only worsened over the last decade, community leaders said. According to election results, 63% of East Montgomery County residents were in favor of the bond’s passage compared to 52.8% countywide.
“This passage will help the county catch up and work to prepare for the incredible growth here,” said Mark Linabury, CEO and president of the Greater East Montgomery County Chamber. “I believe voters realized the need to be proactive regarding roads and mobility, and the [election] results reflected that.”
The bond will also help address issues on Gene Campbell Road, where the East Montgomery County Industrial Park is located. East Montgomery County Improvement District officials said growth of surrounding businesses in recent years has turned the two-lane road into a commercial thoroughfare for the community.
“More businesses have come, and now residential [lots] and a school have made their homes along [Gene Campbell Road] in the last few years,” said Kelley Mattlage, vice president and chief communications officer for EMCID. “Although funds are going to design at this point, the future construction to widen Gene Campbell will help alleviate some of the traffic congestion.”
On May 13, BOK Financials Managing Partner John Robuck—the county’s bond counsel—said the first $120 million in bond funds will be available by the end of July with no tax rate impact expected on property owners.
Commissioners are also considering a special resolution that would allow the county to begin work on certain projects before the funds are officially available.
“It is of the utmost importance to close out the old precinct business and to make those road improvements that were promised to East Montgomery County a decade ago,” Gray said. “Our goal is to get as many projects shovel-ready as possible to help deal with and manage the growth that we’re experiencing.”
