The Woodlands Edition | May 2023

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soil cement replacement, which is necessary to pro- tect dams and dikes from upstream erosion, as well as a renovation of the spillway itself, Curtis said. The project is budgeted to begin in the third quarter of 2023 with a proposed budget of $5 million. “We’re going to need some help making sure that we’re managing the community’s expecta- tions and keeping the news out there,” Curtis said regarding future partnerships with agencies to keep residents updated. Starting late 2024, work could begin on a number of pipeline replacements in Panther Creek and North Town Center. Budgeted at roughly $28.8 million and $22 million, respectively, the projects are set to begin design in late 2023 and will involve trenchless designs to minimize visual impact in the area, Cur- tis said. Trenchless designs involve making a few points of access to the pipelines and performing the rest of the repairs underground. Given the location of water lines requiring replacement, she said the visual and physical impact to residents would have to be a focus for engineers working the project. SJRA Director of Operations Ed Shackelford said many of the water lines were built in the early 1970s and have been subject to a number of breaks and leaks over the last few years. “We are seeing regular breaks of those lines, and they need to be replaced to extend the life of the infrastructure and maintain the reliability over the next 50 years,” he said. Another upcoming project is the construction of a new water storage tank in the northwest portion of The Woodlands for $8 million for additional growth in the area aecting overall water pressure, Curtis said. Design for the project is expected to begin in the next three months with construction currently slated for third quarter of 2024. Curtis told engineers and contractors at the open house that the sheer number of projects in The Woodlands area for the SJRA may require additional contracts to help move the bidding process along and break down the projects into manageable sections. “If the projects go on a 10-year timeframe, SJRA is not staed such that we can keep these projects moving; we’re going to need assistance,” she said. “Even if it’s a 15-year, we still may need help; even if it’s a 20-year, we still may decide we need help.” Planning the impact One of the main challenges of these projects is

E D INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS The San Jacinto River Authority plans water line replacements throughout Town Center and Panther Creek. EGYPT LN.

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Waste Water Treatment Facility No. 1 Water line work

Panther Creek Town Center

VISION PARK BLVD.

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SOURCE: SAN JACINTO RIVER AUTHORITYCOMMUNITY IMPACT

funding; Shackelford said the majority of projects will most likely be funded out of long-term debt. However, the SJRA is working on seeking funding from state and federal sources. “We are looking at Texas Water Development Board funding, [and Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act funding], but we are aware we may not qualify for many low-interest loans,” Shack- elford said. Shackelford said residents in The Woodlands should expect to see increases on their water and sewer fees at some point over the next several years as the projects are bid out and started. Since the majority of the projects scheduled over the next 10 years are in The Woodlands, residents in the area can expect to see the largest rate increase over the SJRA’s service area, he said. Township ocials are still awaiting more infor- mation from the SJRA regarding plans before

communicating to residents, but ocials plan to work with agencies to ensure residents are aware stay up to date on any service interruptions through- out the process. “SJRA has been conducting public outreach regarding future water and wastewater needs, and we look forward to seeing what types of conclusions are reached,” said Nick Wolda, director of commu- nity relations for the township. Shackelford said the project timeline may change or extend slightly over the next several years while the SJRA determines the funding mechanisms for the projects needed. However, the end-of-life status for many water lines and the wastewater treatment facility will require action sooner rather than later. SPRING 99 TOLL

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THE WOODLANDS EDITION • MAY 2023