Barbar Jordan Park in Needville

The County has leased the Barbara Jordan Park in Needville for 4 years at a cost of $1/year. We have been negotiating with the park for a few months now and are happy to have finally reached a deal. I think this park is one of the best in the County.

CRABB RIVER ROAD, FM 762 and the new GEORGE RANCH HIGH SCHOOL

I am seeking the support of my neighbors in Greatwood, Tara, Canyon Gate, Bridlewood Estates, Brazos Lakes and Brazos Gardens to widen Crabb River Road and FM 762 as it passes by the new high school. The project is more fully described below:

FM 2759 (Crabb River Road) will be widened from and existing 3-lane open ditch to a 4-lane divided curb and gutter from US 59 continuing 3.4 miles through the intersection of FM 762 terminating 500 feet south of the new LCISD high school/middle school site and secondary school complex. This continuous 4-lane facility will pass through the city limits of Rosenberg and the extraterritorial jurisdiction of the City of Sugar Land and the City of Thompsons.

The project includes these additional improvements:

· Constructing a four-lane depressed section of through lanes, including on/off ramps along FM 2759 at Sansbury Blvd (Sansbury will remain at-grade) and
· Constructing a grade separation at FM 2759 and FM 762 over the BNSF Railroad with turning lanes.

I know each of you is already aware of the traffic backup on Crabb River Road and of the severe traffic problem that will be created along FM 762 when the George Ranch High School complex opens next year. I believe this project will solve both of these issues as well as afford additional safety to the traveling public by eliminating the at-grade crossing of the BNSF line.

The County seeks funding for this project under a new competitive federal grant called a TIGER Grant. I have already requested a STIP revision. in accordance with HGAC’s guidelines under the TIGER Grant Program, A draft Environmental Assessment will be submitted to TxDOT for review and forwarded to FHWA in January 2010. I anticipate receiving a FONSI by May 2011. If approved, I believe construction will be completed by December 2012 at a total project cost between $70 and $80 million.

Because Fort Bend County will be competing with 1000’s of applications from around the United States, I am trying to make our application as appealing as possible by funding 20% or $14 to $16 million of the project cost. We have a commitment from TxDOT to use a $7 million credit from the previous work completed at US 59 overpass at SH 99 for utilities and right of way costs associated with this project. Sugar Land and Rosenberg have also indicated a willingness to help fund this project. I have requested a donation from the George Foundation of the right of way required for the southern portion of the project along FM 762. All in all, I think we are well on our way to sewing up our 20% share.

One of the requirements of the TIGER Grant application is to submit as many resolutions and letters of support from local and state governments, as well as non-profits, community organizations and individuals as possible. I have received the support of the local state offices of TxDOT, as well as the City of Sugar Land and the City of Thompsons. I am requesting your support. This item will be placed on the August 25, 2009 Agenda of Commissioner’s Court. Please show up at the Travis Building (301 Jackson St., 7th Floor, Richmond, Texas) at 12:45 pm to sign up and speak on its behalf or call Judge Hebert’s Office at 281-341-8634 and let him know you support this project.
I made this project a priority in my election campaign and I once again ask your support to make it a reality. I eagerly await your support, and appreciate your consideration of this request.

Email me your questions and/or comments at:

richard.morrison@co.fort-bend.tx.us

Call my office at:

281-344-9400