HTX-KTY: Impact 10/27/2025

Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital will see its third major expansion since 2016 amid the region’s growing population.

What you need to know: The $282.5 million expansion is centered on the addition of a new eight-story patient tower bringing additional inpatient beds, advanced imaging services and a rooftop helipad, officials announced in an Oct. 23 news release.

Other areas of expansion include:

• The pediatric emergency center
• Surgical services
• Women's and children’s services
• The laboratory and pharmacy
• Multiple support services such as the kitchen and cafeteria

Fulshear officials have enacted new regulations to address the city’s growing number of scooter and sidewalk-related accidents.

Zooming in: The ordinance, unanimously passed by City Council at an Oct. 7 meeting, aims to improve sidewalk safety for community members, the city’s police department said in an Oct. 15 Facebook post announcing the change.

Why it matters: The change—modeled after a similar ordinance in Pearland—comes after 10 bike-pedestrian accidents occurred since school started, already doubling last year’s total of five, Chief of Police Kenny Seymour said.

What’s next: If accidents continue to happen, the city may have to ban such vehicles, Seymour said.

H-E-B has set an Oct. 29 opening date for its newest store opening in the Jordan Ranch community, providing a new shopping destination for Katy and Fulshear residents.

What residents need to know: The 116,000-square-foot store—led by top store leader Juan Siso—will offer produce, seafood, Sushiya sushi items, its scratch bakery and other traditional offerings, according to an opening announcement on H-E-B’s website.

Curbside pickup and delivery will also be available.

Zooming out: The San Antonio-based grocery store has seven other stores in the Katy-Fulshear area, according to its website.

• 29711 Jordan Crossing Blvd., Katy

New laws restricting or banning panhandling and vendors along roadways may be coming to unincorporated Harris County in light of a state bill that went into effect Sept. 1.

The overview: In May, Texas lawmakers passed House Bill 2012, which allows counties to curb roadside and parking lot soliciting. The bill permits restrictions on people asking for money or selling food or merchandise, including animals, along roadways.

The details: During Harris County Commissioner Court's Oct. 16 meeting, Precinct 3 Commissioner Tom Ramsey asked the county attorney to work with court offices to draft an ordinance, which could include the following:

• Clear prohibitions on panhandling that affects traffic lanes, medians and other areas that pose safety risks
• Improves traffic flow and quality of life by creating designated safety zones away from busy traffic
• Minimizes disruption to daily commutes
• Enhances the overall community environment in unincorporated areas
• Fosters a more orderly public space without impeding individual rights

NRG Energy Inc. will invest $360 million to expand power generation in Harris County through a new 456-megawatt natural gas facility at the existing TH Wharton Generating Station, Gov. Greg Abbott announced Oct. 21.

Explained: The project, which has been designated as a qualified initiative under the Texas Jobs, Energy, Technology and Innovation (JETI) program, is expected to begin operations by summer 2026. Once complete, the facility will serve the Electric Reliability Council of Texas’ Houston Load Zone—including Houston, Pasadena and The Woodlands—helping meet growing energy demands across the fifth-largest metro area in the U.S., according to the release.

Offering input: NRG leaders said the project will bring both temporary construction jobs and permanent positions once operational.

“Texas energy powers our state’s booming economy,” Abbott said in the news release. “This $360 million investment by NRG in Harris County is a significant advancement in Texas' energy infrastructure. The new natural gas facility will expand power generation and provide reliable, affordable energy for homes and businesses.”