The legacy of sprawl in and around Houston has forced local officials to seek $700 million in bond funding (part of an $848 million bond package) to pay for road improvement projects.
"Harris County Commissioners Court voted to place an $848 million bond referendum on the ballot for the upcoming Nov. 3 election, which includes $700 million for road improvement projects," reports Matt Stephens.
Harris County, which includes the city of Houston, has had difficulty maintaining roads connecting new and aging subdivisions. A July article by Gabrielle Banks also provides more detail about the infrastructure challenges that spurred local officials to go to the voters with the possibility of a bond.
Stephens reports that specific projects likely will not be identified before voters decide on the bond. Precinct 4 Commissioner Jack Cagle is quoted in the article claiming that the bond would not require an increase in property taxes.
Stephens also adds more details about the bond's wishlist: "The bond package also includes $60 million for parks, $64 million to Harris County Flood Control and $24 million for a veterinary and public health center, county officials said. The recommended bond package included $24 million for parks, but commissioners unanimously approved to increase the number to $60 million, which would be distributed evenly among all four precincts."
Read the full story: Harris County Commissioners Court approves $848 million bond proposal for Nov. 3 ballot
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