As development continues on land west of Hwy. 249, Harris County is working with the city of Tomball to voluntarily annex nearly 375 acres of land into Tomball city limits.

The land, located south ofHumble Road and west of Hwy. 249, is being developed by Harris County for Precinct 4 county facilities. County officials petitioned the city of Tomball in February to fully annex 374.9 acres of land, asking the city to provide water and natural gas services.

“It is a full annexation of all of the property that Harris County currently owns,” said Melissa Hamous with the Harris County Engineering Department. “We are asking for provision of water and natural gas. Wastewater is being taken care of on-site.”

Harris County facilities in Tomball could include office, storage and warehouse space as well as a community center, courthouse annex, library, and parks and trails, according to the county’s application for annexation. Site plans are subject to authorization by Harris County Commissioners Court.

“It will generate some additional traffic out there, which will help with potential sales tax,” former City Manager George Shackelford said during a March 5 meeting.

If council members approve the annexation, the land would be released from the city of Houston’s extraterritorial jurisdiction into Tomball city limits.

According to city officials, annexation of the land requires two public hearings—to be held April 2 and 16—before the council can vote on annexation. It is expected to vote May 7 and May 21 on whether to approve annexation.

“I think it’ll be a great addition to Tomball,” Mayor Gretchen Fagan said during the meeting. “We’re excited.”