Work will begin July 20 on the Taylor Gully Channel Conveyance Improvements and Woodridge Stormwater Detention Basin project, Harris County Flood Control District officials announced via a July 17 news release. Officials noted the two-part, nearly $30 million project marks the district's first major capital flood risk reduction project in the Kingwood area.

About the project: The project will include improvements to approximately 2 miles of Taylor Gully from the Harris County line to Maple Bend, as well as the construction of the southern portion of the Woodridge Stormwater Detention Basin. Per the release, the two projects combined are expected to lower water surface elevations along Taylor Gully by as much as 5 feet in some areas during major storms.

Officials noted the Woodridge Stormwater Detention Basin will encompass roughly 267 acres, with HCFCD using about 195 acres for stormwater detention and the city of Houston using the remaining acreage for a regional wastewater treatment facility. The basin will be located near Woodlands Hills and Northpark drives in Montgomery County.

Humble ISD trustees approved seven appointees to serve on the 2026-27 School Library Advisory Committee during the July 9 special-called meeting. 

The details: Trustees were charged with appointing one member each to the committee. Among those appointed are:

• Beth Spear, who was appointed by board President Mike Grabowski
• David Branham, who was appointed by trustee Chris Parker
• Megan Waldrop, who was appointed by trustee Oscar Silva
• Cynthia Calvert, who was appointed by trustee Ken Kirchhofer
• Tiffany Thomas, who was appointed by trustee Elizabeth Shaw
• Jessica Hadley, who was appointed by trustee Marques Holmes
• Susie Helms, who was appointed by trustee Robert Scarfo

Houston City Council approved changes to how the city collects fees to pay for city parks and recreational amenities.

What happened: Council approved amendments to the city’s Open Space ordinance at its regular meeting July 15. The ordinance provides parks, recreational amenities and open space for residential areas. It typically uses fees collected from developers to dedicate and maintain the parks.

Part of the amendment is for the system to become a fee-only system. Previously, developers were allowed to dedicate part of their land to open space or pay a fee in lieu of the dedication. The new ordinance eliminates the option to dedicate land. This change is to comply with state law, council member Sallie Alcorn said.

The new fee was originally set at $700 per unit, but Alcorn said they are discussing what an appropriate amount would be.

More details: Part of the ordinance also approved using 30% of the fees collected from developers to be used in different park sectors, instead of only in the sector from which it was collected directly.

Need to catch up on Community Impact’s coverage from this week? Check out these trending stories across the northern portion of the Greater Houston area from July 13-17.

1. Charolais by Chef Austin Simmons opens in The Woodlands featuring customized steak boards

2. Construction to begin in late July on Valley Ranch's H-E-B-anchored Commerce District

3. Houston Airport System welcomes more than 4M passengers during FIFA World Cup

4. Five Spring-Klein area restaurants to participate in Houston Restaurant Weeks

5. Magnolia names Bob Harvey as new city administrator

6. Compassion United opens 2 transitional homes, expanding housing capacity

7. Cy-Fair Fire Department Fire Chief to perform self-evaluation

Gov. Greg Abbott named Robert S. Howden, one of his senior advisers and his office's legislative director, as Texas' 116th secretary of state effective July 18. Howden will succeed Secretary of State Jane Nelson, who resigned effective July 17 more than three years after she took office.

As the state's chief elections officer, Howden will be responsible for overseeing the application of Texas election laws and assisting local election officials. The secretary of state's office also manages business records, government rules and regulations, and other official duties.

Following Abbott's appointment, Howden must be confirmed for the position by at least two-thirds of the Texas Senate. The state Legislature's next regular session will begin in January.