HTX-KTY: Impact 8/29/2025

Texas Department of Transportation officials are seeking public input on eight proposed routes for the southern portion of the Hwy. 36A project.

The proposed route aims to provide congestion relief and an alternative route for large trucks to travel from Port Freeport to reach major highways and distribute freight in North Texas, Fort Bend County Commissioner Andy Meyers previously said.

Breaking it down: The southern portion of the project is expected to run from FM 1994 south of Needville to I-10 West in Katy, an approximately 35-mile study area, per project documents.

The proposed $2.5 billion project—with a funding source to be determined—includes a new highway with four lanes, with two lanes going in each direction separated by a grassy median, documents show. Additionally, a 10-foot-wide shared-use path is proposed for pedestrians and cyclists.

Get involved: The public is invited to submit comments through Sept. 12 with several submission opportunities.

Going forward: A final route for the south portion is expected by summer 2028, followed by the north section in late 2029.

The Houston-Galveston Area Council held its first of eight public meetings Aug. 28 to receive community feedback on the Climate Pollution Reduction Grant initiative, aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Zooming in: Established through the Inflation Reduction Act, the CPRG aims to reduce climate pollution, create jobs, improve air quality and lower energy costs, H-GAC Air Quality Program Manager Andrew DeCandis said.

The program submitted a priority climate action plan last March, with the goals of cutting emissions, improving health and collaborating across the region.

By the numbers: In 2021, the 13 counties making up the Greater Houston area combined for 230.56 million metric tons of net carbon emissions, said Deborah Nabaloga, senior research assistant for clean energy policy at the Houston Advanced Research Center.

Going forward: Residents have the chance to participate in eight public meetings to share their feedback on key sectors, including industry, agriculture, transportation, waste and energy. A comprehensive climate action plan is due by the end of 2025, with a status report due in 2027.

Katy Fort Bend Road is expected to get more lanes aimed at improving mobility and aesthetics.

Zooming in: At an Aug. 25 meeting, Katy City Council approved an interlocal agreement with Harris County for the reconstruction of Katy Fort Bend Road between I-10 and Kingsland Boulevard. The project will be designed by Harris County Engineering and an engineering consultant who will be selected in the future, Katy City Engineer David Kasper said in an email.

The reconstruction will expand the road from four to six lanes with 6-foot sidewalks and install underground utilities and storm sewers, according to agenda documents.

The funding: The $1.9 million design will be jointly funded by the city and county, with the city’s $950,000 portion funded by the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County. Construction is expected to cost $28 million to be refined during the design phase, Kasper said.

What’s next: Design is anticipated to begin Jan. 1, 2026, and will take approximately 14 months, Kasper said.