Montgomery County MUD 67 receives first-time state funding for drainage improvement projects in The Woodlands

A total of six municipal utility districts of The Woodlands cooperated to receive first-time state funding totaling around $11.3 million in assistance for improvements along Research Forest Drive.

According to a news release from The Woodlands Water Agency, Montgomery County Municipal Utility District No. 67 secured a $1.13 million grant and a $6.55 million zero-interest, 30-year loan for the Bear Branch/Panther Branch and Research Forest Drive drainage improvement project. Planned drainage and flooding improvements will occur near The Woodlands High School and in the Twinberry, Capstone, Morning Cloud, Shadow Point, Quiet Oak, Lake Mist and Morning Cloud neighborhood areas.

“The project will provide much-needed drainage and flooding relief for nearby homes, church and school properties, and it will allow Research Forest Drive to remain open for public safety vehicles and other essential traffic during major rain events," said James Stinson, general manager of The Woodlands Water Agency, in the release.

The drainage improvements will include channel modifications to areas in Bear Branch and Panther Branch. The work proposed will better define the natural channel cross sections in areas upstream of Gosling Road along Panther Branch and around The Woodlands High School for Bear Branch.

The release states the four-year effort to secure Texas Water Development Board funding included cooperation and financial participation with MUD 67 from MUDs 60, 47, 46, 7 and Metro Center MUD, according to MUD 67 President Roland Johnson.

“This project is the first of its kind in The Woodlands. Our MUD leaders pursued this innovative, cost-effective drainage solution for four years, and we are grateful for a good partner in the TWDB," Stinson said in the release. "Reducing the threat of flooding along Research Forest Drive is a win for the community.”