Potential routes for the proposed Interstate 14 project through the Bryan-College Station area are taking shape as TxDOT enters the third step in phase one of its long-term study and begins narrowing down where the interstate could eventually go. TxDOT presented the potential routes at Legends Events Center in Bryan Aug. 18. 

What you need to know: Step 3 of the I-14 corridor evaluates up to three viable route alternatives and identifies a recommended preferred route, among other project development planning.

TxDOT said this third round of meetings is critical for gaining public feedback as the department will be in this study for the next three years.

What the public is saying: TxDOT has a public comment form that provides anonymous feedback for the project. Many residents listed concerns over farmland being harmed by the project, displacing homeowners and the corridor's environmental impact.

However, TxDOT said overall feeback has been positive.

What's next: Construction could still be decades away, TxDOT said, but residents are invited to weigh in now before a preferred route is identified.

Brazos County commissioners proposed a 2026-27 property tax rate of $0.448474 per $100 of taxable value Aug. 18, setting a ceiling for the rate they can consider when they adopt the budget in September.

The rate is not final. 

What happened: County Auditor Marcy Turner said the county’s goal is to eventually have its ongoing maintenance and operations revenue cover its ongoing expenses without relying on the county’s fund balance to balance the budget.

Zooming in: At the no new revenue rate, the county would need about $18 million in fund balance this year and would not reach a point where ongoing revenue covers ongoing expenses until 2036 under the county’s projections.

At Commissioner Chuck Konderla’s proposed maximum rate, the county would need about $7.8 million in fund balance this year and would reach that point in 2031.

The vote: The proposed rate passed with Commissioner Fred Brown opposed and Commissioner Bentley Nettles absent.

What's next: Brazos County said it will hold public hearings on the proposed budget and tax rate Sept. 1.

Texas-based fast-food burger chain Whataburger has purchased commercial land in the Rudder’s Landing shopping center in Bryan for a new location.

At a glance: There are currently five locations in the Bryan-College Station area, including a fully renovated location that opened in Bryan in June. With the sale of the property in the northwestern part of the city, the location would greatly expand Whataburger’s availability within the BCS area.

Oldham Goodwin agent Jeremy Richmond told Community Impact the property is 1.41 acres and he expects to see more goods-and-service-oriented businesses to continue move into that area of Bryan.

“The most recent addition of Shipley's and Whataburger proves up the demand for quick-service food and beverage to serve the needs of customers on that side of town,” Richmond said.

The details: 

• Land sold Aug. 14
• FM 2818 & West Villa Maria Road, Bryan

Bryan has been designated a Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community, a state program recognizing communities that use tourism as an economic development strategy.

About the designation: Bryan is the 89th community to receive certification among 157 communities participating in the program.

Zooming in: Spencer Zamora with Travel Texas told the council tourism generated an estimated $190 million in spending in Bryan in 2025. Tourism-related employment supported about 2,300 jobs, generating $74.6 million in earnings, while $8.2 million in local taxes returned to the community.

The designation recognizes more than individual attractions and events, Zamora said, pointing to Bryan’s historic downtown, museums, Lake Bryan, Messina Hof, the Palace Theater and events such as First Friday, the Troubadour Festival and the Brazos Valley Fair & Rodeo.

“Tourism is more than just attracting visitors,” Zamora said. “It’s about sharing a community story, preserving its culture and creating meaningful experiences that have lasting impressions.”

With markets, concerts and plenty of food, Bryan-College Station will have lots to do during the weekend of Aug. 22, including the return of Maroon & White Night. This is not a comprehensive list.

Century Square Cinema: The Devil Wears Prada 2: The sequel to one of the most iconic fashion films is the final movie in the Century Square Cinema series. 

• Aug. 20, 7-9 p.m.

• Free (admission)

• 175 Century Square Drive, College Station

Maroon & White Night in Historic Downtown Bryan: In celebration of the 150th academic year of Texas A&M University, members of the Maroon and White committee will be in Historic Downtown, sharing promotional food and tokens for multiple businesses in the area. 

• Aug. 21, 6-9 p.m.

• Free (admission)

• 120 S. Main St., Bryan

Aggieland Farmers’ Market: The Aggieland Farmers’ Market is hosted in the parking lot of Post Oak Mall every Saturday and features a variety of vendors selling local produce and goods.

• Aug. 22, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

• Free (admission)

• 1500 Harvey Road, College Station