Houston Airport System officials have nearly completed George Bush Intercontinental Airport’s $1.46 billion Terminal Redevelopment Program as the airport continues to strengthen its international travel options.

The overview: HAS Director of Aviation Jim Szczesniak said the Terminal Redevelopment Program represents the single largest investment the city of Houston has contributed to IAH.

Szczesniak noted most of the major phases associated with the project—including the Terminal D-West Pier, Terminal D updates and the airport’s new International Central Processor ticketing hall and security checkpoints—are either finished or nearly completed.

Looking ahead: While the baggage system isn’t expected to be certified and tested by the Transportation Security Administration until early February, Szczesniak said the overall project will provide an economic boon to the Houston area and should help airport officials prepare for the influx of passengers expected as the city hosts several FIFA World Cup matches in 2026.

Here's the latest information on four transportation projects—two funded by the city of Humble and two by Harris County—in the Lake Houston area. 

Humble traffic light upgrades
Project: This project will upgrade “outdated and deteriorating” Humble-area traffic lights. Lights included in the project are located at three intersections: South Houston Avenue and Isaacks Road; North Houston Avenue and Townsen Boulevard; and West Townsen Boulevard and Walmart Entrance Drive. 
Update: Submittals for the project have been approved, and project officials are waiting on information from major suppliers before construction begins, according to Dec. 11 Humble City Council meeting documents.

Timber Forest Drive, Greens Road traffic light
Project: A new traffic signal will be added at the intersection of Timber Forest Drive and Greens Road in Atascocita.
Update: The project is still being designed, but construction is estimated to finish in the third quarter of this year, said Jeannie Peng, communications manager for Harris County Precinct 3, via a Jan. 8 email.

Officials with Zammitti's Italian Ristorante will celebrate the restaurant’s 15th anniversary with a celebratory dinner Feb. 5 at 6 p.m., according to the business’ Facebook page.

The details: Reservations are required to attend the celebratory dinner, according to the post. The four-course meal will have a different wine pairing for each course and cost $140 per person. Starting with hors d'oeuvres and prosecco, the menu includes:

• First course: Fruit salad with marinated pineapple chicken paired with Scrimaglio Chardonnay
• Second course: Sauteed shrimp in a creamy saffron sauce paired with Scrimaglio Barbera D'Asti
• Main course: Medaline filet and veal served with potato casserole and sauteed spinach and garlic paired with Scrimaglio Barolo
• Final course: Mint chocolate calzone paired with Zorzettig Verduzzo

• 1660 W. Lake Houston Parkway, Kingwood

Chuck Wemple, Houston-Galveston Area Council executive director, announced Jan. 23 that he will retire in August following nearly 24 years with the agency.

The impact: During Wemple's time as executive director, H-GAC's operating budget nearly doubled, reaching $600 million, and the organization's team grew to almost 500 members, according to a news release. H-GAC consists of local governments representing 13 different counties in the region, which collaborate to prevent and solve shared issues, per its website. 

What's next? The board of directors will conduct a national search for Wemple's replacement, per the release. His retirement is effective Aug. 20.

Quote of note: "After working alongside Chuck for over a decade, I can say there's been a lot to be proud of and even more to be thankful for," Jay Knight, Liberty County judge and chair of the H-GAC board of directors, said in a statement. "Chuck's steady vision, can-do spirit and willingness to try new things have truly set this organization apart. Thanks to his leadership, we've become the benchmark for councils across the country."

Campaign finance reports filed in January covering July 1-Dec. 31 show both Republican and Democratic candidates running for Harris County judge raised just over $1 million in total for their March primary election campaigns.

The bottom line: Seven of the nine candidates filed their reports with the Harris County Clerk’s Election Office, with Republican candidate and local firefighters union president Patrick “Marty” Lancton receiving the largest sum, over $500,000 in campaign contributions. Former Houston Mayor and Democratic candidate Annise Parker was second with over $416,000.

Also of note: No campaign finance reports were filed in January for Republican candidates Oscar Gonzalez and George Harry Zoes, according to the county election office.

On the ballot: To learn more about the Harris County judge candidates, head to their questionnaires on Community Impact’s election website.

Democratic primary candidates: here. Republican primary candidates: here.