Friendswood City Council voted unanimously at its May 4 meeting to award an $8.6 million contract to Houston-based Reytec Construction Resources for the Blackhawk Boulevard Reconstruction Phase II-C Project.

The details: The project’s second phase includes full roadway reconstruction, storm sewer improvements, waterline installation and associated infrastructure upgrades, according to city documents. 

Funding the project: The Harris County Precinct 2 Partnership Project, streets improvement fund, water and sewer working capital and water and sewer bonds will fund the project.

The timeline: The contractor has roughly 16 months to complete the project, according to agenda documents.

Manvel City Council approved its final comprehensive plan, which includes the major thoroughfare plan, at its May 4 meeting.

The plan is intended to guide how the city develops infrastructure, community character and manages land use as growth continues, according to city documents.

What you need to know: The comprehensive plan is organized around six areas that shape future policy and development decisions, according to city documents.

The transportation section includes the city’s major thoroughfare plan, which focuses on improving access across Manvel by expanding and connecting roadways, sidewalks and trails, while coordinating roadway upgrades with private development and public projects.

What's next: The city will begin updating the zoning ordinance to align with the comprehensive and major thoroughfare plans and will develop a phased approach to implement the plan’s recommendations over time, Manvel’s Development Services Director Jose Abraham said at the meeting.

The Texas Transportation Commission awarded a $1.4 billion contract to Ferrovial Construction-Webber 99 for design-build and capital maintenance services for the State Hwy. 99 Grand Parkway Segment B-1 project on April 30.

Grand Parkway Segment B-1 extends 15 miles, from south of FM Road 2403 to FM 626 in Brazoria and Galveston counties. 

What’s new: Texas Department of Transportation reviewed bids for a year, narrowing the field to three shortlisted contractors, before choosing Ferrovial Construction-Webber 99 to design and construct the project, along with a five-year capital maintenance contract, according to a May 6 release.

The backstory: This portion of the Grand Parkway loop is designated as a toll project on the state highway system and is being developed by TxDOT under a market valuation waiver agreement executed in March 2009, according to the release.

From Mother's Day brunch to markets, there are several events to celebrate Mother's Day in the Greater Houston area.

Mother's Day Downtown Conroe Sip & Stroll
This event is designed to pamper mothers with a shopping experience featuring local vendors with handcrafted gifts, jewelry and seasonal finds. The first to arrive will be given a free, limited edition Mother's Day tote bag.

• May 9, 10 a.m.

• Free

• 213 North Thompson St., Conroe

Mother's Day Once Upon a Tea
The Tomball Methodist Church is holding a Mother's Day event with refreshments, games, a flower bar and kids' activities.

• May 9, 10 a.m.-noon

• $20 (per person over 18 years old)

• Tomball Methodist Church, 1603 Baker Drive, Tomball

Mother’s Day Edition screening
Rooftop Cinema Club is celebrating Mother's Day with several screenings including "Mamma Mia!" and "Gilmore Girls."

• May 10, 5 p.m. ("Mamma Mia!’", May 12, 7 p.m. ("Gilmore Girls")

• $19.75-$27

• Uptown Houston, 1700 Post Oak Blvd., Houston