In today's Courier, it was reported that the Houston Galveston Area Council (HGAC) had accepted the new overpass at Grogan's Mill and Research Forest to go forward to the next evaluation phase. There will now be 30 days during which the public can weigh in and express their opinion on the project. Unfortunately, the proposed direct connector at Research and I-45 and the north bound braided ramp at 242 did not make this first cut. The three projects were proposed to alleviate the growing congestion at these locations. All these projects were proposed by the Woodlands Road Utility District #1 (WRUD #1), whom also agreed to provide the required matching funds.

Unfortunately, the City of Shenandoah continues to oppose the Grogan's Mill overpass in spite of the fact that none of this intersection is within their city limits. Their opposition flies in the face of the needs of the many Township employees and residents who use Grogan's Mill and Research Forest. We have a city of approximately 2000 people standing in the way of the needs of thousands of  our residents and their neighbors. Their opposition is also mystifying given that this project has been included in both the 2025 and 2035 Regional Transportation Plan prepared by HGAC. Currently the Grogan's Mill Project is rated a 31 on a scale of 100 but it is still classified as a project that is likely of being funded if properly supported.

The Township Ad Hoc Transportation Committee concluded that the opposition to the Grogan's Mill Project is without merit and represents an unwarranted intrusion into the Township's business. At the Township Board Meeting on Thursday, February 21, the Committee will propose that the Township Board 1) approve a resolution firmly in support of the Grogan's Mill Project and a Township representative speak in public at the March HGAC TPC Meeting to this effect, 2) solicit additional support for the project from our business and residential community, 3)  request Commissioner Noack to speak at HGAC in support for the project and 4) request the WRUD #1 to increase their matching fund commitment.

The Township is continuing it's discussions with the City of Shenandoah in an effort to get them to back off their unjustified opposition to this project. However, as evidenced by today's newspaper article obtaining their support for the project may not be easy. Getting this project approved and overcoming the City of Shenandoah's opposition will not be easy. However, I believe we can prevail with the right level of public support.