This project is a partnership between the city and the Texas Department of Transportation.
The gist
As part of the work, Cobb, Fendley & Associates will relocate existing water and wastewater infrastructure on the portion of FM 518 that TxDOT is widening.
The utility relocation is part of a larger collaboration between TxDOT, the Houston-Galveston Area Council and the city to widen FM 518 from Hwy. 288 to Hwy. 35—a project that has been in progress since 2015, according to agenda documents.
As part of the partnership, TxDOT will fund the widening construction, while the city is responsible for the engineering design and construction to relocate the city’s existing water and wastewater infrastructure outside of the new roadway pavement, according to agenda documents.
Community Impact previously reported the work and total cost for the widening project, which is expected to be $65 million for the western segment and $62 million for the eastern segment, will be covered by an 80% and 20% split of federal and state funding.
In June, the Pearland Economic Development Corporation approved a reimbursement agreement with the city to provide the city with the necessary funding for the utility relocation, which is now included as an amendment to the fiscal year 2025-26 budget, according to agenda documents.
Those opposed
Council members Layni Cade and Chad Thumann voted against approving the contract.
Before the vote, Thumann asked city staff if other firms besides Cobb, Fendley & Associates had made a bid for the project and if the firm’s quote was comparable to similar design work the city has done in the past.
City Manager Trent Epperson said because the project is considered “engineering services,” the city did not make the project available to bid for other firms but instead selected the one they felt was most qualified.
What’s next?
Upon council authorizing the contract, city staff will issue Cobb, Fendley & Associates a notice to proceed. They are expected to complete the project by February 2026, according to agenda documents.
