Stay in the know with these important news items happening in and around the Richmond area this week, Dec. 4-8.

Richmond city facilities close early Friday
City facilities will close early Friday, Dec. 8, at 11 a.m. for a holiday luncheon for city employees.

Fort Bend County Commissioners Court
Fort Bend County Commissioners will meet at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 5 at the historic courthouse off Jackson Street in downtown Richmond. Items on the agenda include taking action on a reimbursement agreement regarding the Brazoria Fort Bend Rail District, which would build a rail line from Port Freeport through Fort Bend County, and extending the county’s involvement with the Texana Center and the Texas Health and Humans Services Commissions' Mental Health Grant Program for Justice Involved Individuals.

Temporary housing programs through FEMA
The deadline to apply for assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency ended Nov. 30, but applicants can still apply for five new housing programs created by the Texas Land Office.

Texas Land Office Commissioner George P. Bush said his office was tasked with creating a temporary housing program from Gov. Greg Abbott three weeks after Harvey made landfall; the request marked the first time in Texas history that a state agency was asked to lead a temporary housing program. The programs include manufactured housing units, a direct lease program and a direct repair program. Read more about the programs and what Bush’s office and other county officials are doing to address temporary housing in Fort Bend County here.

Fort Bend ISD Board Trustee KP George to run for Fort Bend County Judge
Fort Bend ISD Board Trustee KP George announced his candidacy for Fort Bend County Judge in the upcoming 2018 election last week. George said he would advocate for fiscal responsibility and increased government transparency if elected in an official statement.

Incumbent County Judge Robert Hebert filed for reelection as the Republican candidate, and George filed as the Democratic candidate, according to the Texas Secretary of State’s Office. Read more on George’s announcement here.

Southbound lane closures on Grand Parkway to remain through Dec. 22
Southbound lane closures along the Grand Parkway at the Jodie Stavinoha Bridge  will continue through 5 p.m. Dec. 22, according to the Fort Bend Grand Parkway Toll Road Authority. Southbound traffic on the Grand Parkway can detour by exiting at FM 1464/Hwy. 90A, turning left on Hwy. 90A and then proceeding south on Hwy. 6 to access Hwy. 59. Repairs have been underway at the bridge since October.

“The total closure is required to complete the emergency repair that will stabilize the northern bank of the Brazos River and prevent any damage to the Grand Parkway/SH 99 bridge while ensuring the safety of the traveling public,” the Fort Bend Grand Parkway Toll Road Authority said in a statement.

Southbound traffic closure dates are tentative and subject to change.