As residents have voiced concerns both at meetings and on social media about the reconstruction project between Willow Street and Business 249, Mayor Gretchen Fagan said in an interview she worked with city staff to plan a workshop so residents could understand the project.
“The point of it is to provide education and information and for the public to give council feedback,” Fagan said.
Fagan said city staff will start the workshop, and the Texas Department of Transportation will present the proposed FM 2920 reconstruction project. TxDOT will present the process, what has gone into the project since the Houston-Galveston Area Council completed a Livable Centers study on the downtown area in 2009 and the need for the project. In addition, TxDOT will show aerial shots of the proposed options—full reconstruction and rehabilitation options for the roadway, which both include raised medians.
She said although the FM 2920 reconstruction project has been in the works since 2009, it is often talked about in bits and pieces. Fagan said she felt it was time for residents to hear the full plan, ask questions and give input.
Fagan said funding for the project is a concern for many residents. The project is estimated to cost $28.61 million, according to a Feb. 21 presentation by Community Development Director Nathan Dietrich. The project will be jointly funded by TxDOT and the city of Tomball, which has already set aside $3 million for the project.
City staff along with representatives from TxDOT, Gunda Corp., the Greater Tomball Area Chamber of Commerce and the TEDC will be at the meeting to answer questions.
