Tomball hosts first meeting of Hwy. 249 Partnership

Photo by Fred Wilson

At its Jan. 17 meeting, the group dedicated to the Hwy. 249 project in Tomball, Magnolia and Navasota met to discuss what its purpose is and how it will operate. The group will officially be known as the 249 Partnership, according to John Fishero, chair of the Tomball Transportation Committee.

"This partnership is about much more than just a road," Fishero said. "It's about regional development, and what can be achieved by connecting this region."

An interim board consisting of three members each from Tomball, Magnolia, and Navasota was put in place until the partnership gets off the ground. Fishero was appointed chair of the interim board. Paul Mendes, Magnolia's city manager, was appointed vice chair and Brad Stafford, the city manager of Navasota, was appointed secretary.

The main goal of Partnership 249 is to see that the project expanding Hwy. 249 from Spring Cypress to FM 1774 is completed, and that the area is developed effectively.

"We want to make sure that we're not just expanding, [but] that we're planning and taking advantage of all that we can do here," Fishero said.

A long-term vision involves connecting Magnolia to both Navasota and College Station by linking FM 1774 to Hwy. 6.

The partnership spent most of the first meeting reviewing the history of the Hwy. 249 project, according to Tomball City Manager George Shackelford. The 24 attendees also spent some time discussing how the partnership will be governed.

The next meeting is set for Feb. 22 at Magnolia City Hall. The plan is to start drafting a mission statement, and coming up with lists of businesses, school boards, community groups and others to invite to join the partnership.

"The more people involved, the better," Shackelford said.