What you need to know
City Manager Heather Neeley said the grant might lead to future funding opportunities for the city to address drainage issues around the Spring Oaks Channel and other areas.
“[Applying] will get you much further in a position so that when the next cycle of funding comes around, you can be ready and apply for the bigger funds,” said Jeffrey Bishop, client manager for Quiddity Engineering, who serves as the district engineer for the area.
The details
City Council approved a contract with The Goodman Corporation to draft an application for submission by Jan. 1. The grant will seek funds from the federal Flood Mitigation Assistance program to:
- Finalize project lists
- Conduct environmental studies
- Obtain Federal Emergency Management Agency and Texas Water Development Board approvals
- Create any maps and graphics necessary to facilitate the project review
The grant application would allow the city to begin the process of seeking federal funding for preliminary design of drainage projects. Bishop said if the city secures funding for the preliminary design and environmental work, city officials will still be able to apply for additional funds for construction.
Also of note
Council members also approved the next payment of $397,792.07 to Ballast Point Construction for the Robinson Road realignment project. Public Works Director James Corn said Maplewood Drive is expected to reopen next week, and that work on the westbound lane of Robinson Road may begin by mid-November.
Corn also told council members that no timeframe for the relocation of the Union Pacific Railroad crossing of Robinson Road has been established, which could push completion of the project to March 2025. A new railroad crossing will be built as part of the realignment effort, but the existing crossing will still be passable until the new crossing is complete, he said.
