Conroe - Montgomery Edition | March 2023

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CONROE MONTGOMERY EDITION

VOLUME 8, ISSUE 12 MARCH 21APRIL 24, 2023

Recreation on the rise

The city of Conroe unveiled its Westside Recreation

Center and Owen Park in late January, a project in the works since 2021 when the city purchased the former YMCA property.

$2.5M

116 acres The park property spans

purchase from the YMCA

Crust Pizza opens to serve Willis customers

$1M+ invested in renovations

Conroe ISD begins rollout of SMART Tag system LOCAL VOTER GUIDE 2023

SOURCE: CITY OF CONROE COMMUNITY IMPACT

Conroe, Montgomery expand parks and recreation programs, facilities The cities of Conroe and Montgomery are expanding facilities and adding new recreational programs to pro- vide more opportunities for residents as parks and recre- ation programs grow. In Conroe, the Owen Park and Westside Recreation BY PEYTON MACKENZIE

Center opened Jan. 23 o Owen Drive, providing recre- ational space to residents on the city’s west side. The project has been underway since the city purchased the former YMCA site in 2021 for $2.5 million, according to Director of Finance Collin Boothe. In Montgomery, Patricia Campuzano began serving as the city’s rst events and recreation specialist in Novem- ber, a new position approved for scal year 2022-23 as the city looks to add recreational programs. Director of Public Works Mike Muckleroy said

Meet the candidates

CAMP GUIDE 2023

CONTINUED ON 32

TxDOT to transform I45 corridor to Conroe

The travel time on I-45 from Beltway 8 to Conroe is projected to increase from 22 MINUTES TO 52 MINUTES

BY CASSANDRA JENKINS & JESSICA SHORTEN

community meetings—including an initial meeting held Jan. 17 at Oak Ridge High School in south Mont- gomery County. Based on the feedback received from the public, TxDOT will then identify and develop more concrete plans. The report is expected to be nalized by the fall. A series of nal public hearings are anticipated to begin in early 2024, according to TxDOT ocials. “The [PEL] Study for I-45 North in

Local summer camps

The Texas Department of Trans- portation is planning how to improve I-45 from Beltway 8 north to South Loop 336 in Conroe as the corridor sees more trac. Discussion began with a series of public meetings that started in 2019 on how to improve safety and mobil- ity along the corridor. The Plan- ning and Environmental Linkages Study is in Phase 2, which includes conducting a series of public

by 2045 if no improvements are made.

Pull the newest teaser from CC Libraries

SOURCE: TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION COMMUNITY IMPACT

CONTINUED ON 34

Advanced care to put cancer behind you.

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Advancing health. Personalizing care.

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CONROE - MONTGOMERY EDITION • MARCH 2023

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THIS ISSUE

MARKET TEAM GENERAL MANAGER Chrissy Leggett SENIOR EDITOR Anna Lotz REPORTERS Cassandra Jenkins, Peyton MacKenzie SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER Ellen Jackson ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Debbie Pfeer METRO LEADERSHIP PUBLISHER Jason Culpepper MANAGING EDITOR Matt Stephens COPY EDITOR Adrian Gandara ART PRODUCTION MANAGER Ethan Pham CONTACT US 16300 Northwest Freeway Jersey Village, TX 77040 • 2814696181 CI CAREERS communityimpact.com/careers PRESS RELEASES comnews@communityimpact.com ADVERTISING comads@communityimpact.com Learn more at communityimpact.com/advertising EMAIL NEWSLETTERS communityimpact.com/newsletter SUPPORT US Join your neighbors by giving to the CI Patron program. Funds support our journalistic mission to provide trusted, local news in your community. Learn more at communityimpact.com/cipatron ABOUT US Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched Community Impact in 2005, and the company is still locally owned today. We have expanded to include hundreds of team members and have created our own software platform and printing facility. CI delivers 35+ localized editions across Texas to more than 2.5 million residential mailboxes.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THIS MONTH

FROM CHRISSY: Spring has sprung, and it’s a great time to enjoy the longer days and warmer temperatures. If you want to be outdoors during this window of beautiful weather, our To-Do list on Page 9 has many activities to take part in over the next few weeks. We also have our Summer Camp Guide on pages 24-25 for those wanting to plan ahead. Summer break is right around the corner along with election day for local positions. If you live in Montgomery, don’t forget to vote in your local city and school board elections beginning April 24. Chrissy Leggett, GENERAL MANAGER

FROM ANNA: If you travel on I-45 at any point in your week, you know trac is a headache. Our cover story dives into possible improvements along the I-45 corridor between South Loop 336 in Conroe and Beltway 8 as part of a Planning and Environmental Linkages study to reduce congestion. Anna Lotz, SENIOR EDITOR

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CONROE MONTGOMERY EDITION • MARCH 2023

IMPACTS

Businesses that have recently opened or are coming soon, relocating or expanding

1097

LEWIS CREEK RESERVOIR

1097

WILLIS

LAKE CONROE

MONTGOMERY ST.

830

Crust Pizza

COURTESY CRUST PIZZA WILLIS

The business also offers casual wear and jewelry. 936-666-5371. www.couturierfashion.com 5 Pizza Hut opened Jan. 12 in Conroe. The eatery is located at 13950 Willis Waukegan Road, Conroe. The pizza shop offers medium and large pizzas as well as wings and desserts, such as cookies and brownies. This location also offers delivery and carryout options. 936-444-4509. www.pizzahut.com 6 Mo Meaux’s Kitchen , located at 15444 Hwy. 105, Montgomery, opened in early January. The new Lake Conroe loca- tion opened after the closing of the busi- ness’ first restaurant in Corpus Christi. Manager Moses Ling said the restaurant serves seasonal crawfish and Cajun fusion dishes, such as blackened fish and shrimp, chicken and sausage gumbo, boudin, and fried alligator bites. 936-224-5458. www.cajun.cc/conroe.com 7 Shebrews opened Jan. 17 at KC Events, 2655 FM 1488, Conroe. Shebrews is a woman-owned food truck that serves coffee and Israeli-based food items, including shakshuka, Israeli chopped salad, burekas and egg pita sandwiches. 832-401-9441. www.facebook.com/ shebrewscafeconroe 8 Rodeo’s Chicken opened Dec. 13. The eatery is located at 2016 N. Frazier St., Conroe, and offers ribs, jumbo wings, baked potatoes and chicken strips. The restaurant also offers meat by the pound, salads and burgers. 936-242-6084. www.rodeostx.com 9 Cold Stone Creamery opened in Conroe on Feb. 24. The business is located at 449 S. Loop 336 W., Ste. 700, Conroe. Cold Stone is an ice cream shop

1484

105

OLD RIVER RD.

3083

336

CONROE

336

MEDICAL CENTER BLVD.

3 9

1314

149

WEST FORK SAN JACINTO RIVER

1488

488

242

MAP NOT TO SCALE

11 12 13

NOW OPEN 1 Crust Pizza celebrated its grand opening March 11 at 990 W. Mont- gomery St., Ste. 100, Willis, according to owners Chris and Susan Harte. The menu includes pizza, pastas, flatbreads and calzones as well as salad and dessert options for dine-in and to-go orders. 936-307-0538. www.crustpizzaco.com

2 Magnolia Woods Office Suites and Meeting Spaces opened its second location in Montgomery at 16915 Walden Road in January. The new space offers 22 offices and two meeting rooms with hourly, daily and monthly rental rates, co-owner James Westbrook said in an interview. The complex also includes complimentary Wi-Fi, coffee and water, and utilities are included in the rental prices for office spaces. 936-449-7110. www.magnoliawoodstexas.com

3 First Watch opened Feb. 27 at 449 South Loop 336, Conroe. The restau- rant serves breakfast, brunch and lunch foods, such as pancakes, chicken pesto hash and the Monterey club. The eatery also offers gluten-free options. 936-320-0033. www.firstwatch.com 4 Couturier Fashions opened Jan. 2 in Willis at 11982 FM 830, Willis. The busi- ness offers prom dresses, bridal dresses, suits and mother of the bride dresses.

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COMPILED BY CASSANDRA JENKINS, ANNA LOTZ & PEYTON MACKENZIE

First Watch

HCA Houston Healthcare Conroe

Bespoke Cigar Lounge and Social Club will open at 870 New Day Ave., Ste. 100, Montgomery.

COURTESY MAC HAIK RESTAURANT GROUP

COURTESY HCA HOUSTON HEALTHCARE

RENDERING COURTESY JASON JOHNSON

that features signature flavors, such as campfire classic and berry berry good. The shop provides dipped cone, waffle cone and waffle bowl options. www.coldstonecreamery.com 10 A Memorial Hermann-GoHealth Urgent Care center opened March 13 at 813 W. Montgomery St., Ste. 300, Willis, according to Memorial Hermann-Go- Health Urgent Care. The urgent care cen- ter will offer services, such as treatment for non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries, X-ray services, and flu vaccines. www.memorialhermann.org/services/ specialties/urgent-care 11 Gourmet cookie bakery Cookie Co. opened March 11 off of Hwy. 242 in Harper’s Preserve. The location offers a weekly rotating menu of cookie flavors as well as its signature chocolate chip cookie flavor each week. Cookie Co. is located at 9662 Hwy. 242, Ste. 200, Conroe. www.cookieco.com 12 Sub sandwich chain Jersey Mike’s opened off of Hwy. 242 on March 15, which was after press time. The location offers a variety of sandwich options, including hot and cold subs and kids options, and cater- ing for large events. Jersey Mike’s Subs is located at 9662 Hwy. 242, Ste. 900, Conroe. www.jerseymikes.com 13 A new AT&T store opened on Feb. 10 at 9662 Hwy. 242, Ste. 800, Conroe. The location offers assistance with AT&T ser- vice and tech, as well as carrying a num- ber of major phone brands and programs. AT&T is a nationwide cellular and service provider with a variety of tech options. 936-220-5851. www.att.com 14 Moonshine Deck Icehouse , located at 6446 FM 1488, opened in late Decem-

ber. General Manager Wesley McDaniel said the icehouse offers indoor and outdoor seating with an open turf that boasts swings and lawn games. The bar serves specialty cocktails and welcomes a host of food trucks with the resident Eat Love Conroe always on property, McDan- iel said. 346-703-0925. www.moonshinedeckicehouse.com COMING SOON 15 Serenity Salt Spa , located at 107 Old River Road, Ste. K, Montgomery, will open the third week in March. Owner Tina Kilburn said dry salt therapy helps reduce inflammation and lessen mucus production to ease breathing for those suffering from asthma, allergies and chronic sinus congestion. The large salt cave will include six zero-gravity chairs where guests will sit while a generator pumps in pure, pharmaceutical-grade salt for a 45-minute breathe and relaxation session. Kilburn said she wants to use salt therapy to help people feel better and look younger. The spa includes the large salt cave, a private suite for two and two massage rooms. 936-777-3682 IN THE NEWS 16 HCA Houston Healthcare Conroe announced Feb. 16 it had completed 2,000 robotic surgery cases, which are minimally invasive surgery procedures. The Conroe hospital has two robots, which aid in gynecological, bariatric and general surgery cases, according to a release from the hospital. HCA Houston Healthcare claims patients who undergo robotic surgery have smaller incisions,

FEATURED IMPACT COMING SOON Owner Jason Johnson anticipates opening Bespoke Cigar Lounge and Social Club in mid-April, he said in an interview. The business will feature a retail shop with 10,000 hand-rolled cigars; prepackaged wine, beer and drinks available for purchase; and an 800-square-foot patio open to the general public to enjoy their cigars, Johnson said. “Anybody’s welcome to come in and select from our cigars. We have an 800-square-foot patio, so everyone is welcome to that,” he said. Indoors, the 2,600-square-foot cigar lounge is available to members only, he said. The exclusive lounge will feature six atscreen TVs and live music. Johnson said the indoor lounge will also have clean air with new air brought in every 2.7 minutes. Members can also enjoy BYOB, gaming tables and less pain and blood loss. The Conroe hospital is located at 504 Medical Center Blvd., Conroe. 936-539-1111. www.hcahoustonhealthcare.com/ locations/conroe Sapphire Gas Solutions donated a fire suppression trailer to the Conroe Fire Department on March 3. Sapphire is a turnkey virtual natural gas pipeline company with headquarters in Conroe. Joseph Zimowski, director of marketing

and private cigar lockers, as it is a members-only club. Johnson said he has been in the cigar business for 20 years and claims launching the world’s rst mobile cigar lounge in 2015—a converted Airstream trailer that served more than 100 weddings a year to take the fellowship of cigars to people before Johnson sold the business last year. Bespoke Cigar Lounge and Social Club will open at 870 New Day Ave., Ste. 100, Montgomery. 281-407-1650. www.bespokecigarlounge.com

P I N E S

NEW DAY AVE.

and corporate development, said Sap- phire ordered the trailer for a project that ended up being complete, so Sapphire decided the piece of equipment should be donated to the city of Conroe. According to a March 3 news release, the fire sup- pression system is a fully mobile Purple-K fire extinguisher with an additional foam tank. Sapphire designed this fire suppres- sion system to be easily deployed and used for emergencies, the release said. 936-522-3000. www.cityofconroe.org

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CONROE - MONTGOMERY EDITION • MARCH 2023

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ome a member of Conroe Chamber! nger in 2023! Join us and become a member of the Conroe/Lake Conroe Chamber! Growing Stronger in 2023!

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CONROE.ORG|936-756-6644

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TODO LIST

April events

COMPILED BY PEYTON MACKENZIE

specimens with items available for purchase. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. (April 21- 22), 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (April 23). Free (admission). Lone Star Convention and Expo Center, 9055 Airport Road, Conroe. www.rmgmpromotions.com 23 ENJOY A COMMUNITY CONCERT The Montgomery Community Band will be hosting its rst concert. With roughly 50 members, the band’s members range from local students to retirees. After the performance, there will be a small reception. 6:30 p.m. (doors open). Free (donations encouraged). Montgomery High School Auditorium, 22825 Hwy. 105, Montgomery. Facebook: Montgomery Community Band 25 NETWORK WITH YOUNG PROFESSIONALS The Conroe/Lake Conroe Chamber’s Young Professionals Network is presenting an event on leadership about how to navigate work changes when moving into a leadership role and how to manage younger colleagues. Noon-1 p.m. Free (members), $15 (nonmembers). Conroe/Lake Conroe Chamber of Commerce, 505 W. Davis St., Conroe. 936-756-6644. www.conroe.org 28 THROUGH 29 SHOP GUNS AND KNIVES The High Caliber Gun and Knife Show will feature more than 100 exhibitors showing guns, knives and related items at discounted prices. The event is a buy, sell and trade event. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (April 28), 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (April 29). Free (children age 12 and younger, law enforcement ocers in uniform); $10 (general admission). Lone Star Convention Center, 9055 Airport Road, Conroe. 281-412-4824. www.texasgunshows.com 29 LISTEN TO JAZZ MUSIC Grand Central Park is bringing back Jazz Fest. Attendees can set up lawn chairs and picnic blankets to listen to the music. There will also be a balloon artist, face painters and food trucks available. Beer and wine will be available for purchase. 1-4 p.m. Free (admission). The Lake House, 1039 Lake House Drive, Conroe. www.grandcentralparktx.com

APRIL 01

MEET MR. BUNNY CARL BARTON JR. PARK

APRIL 30

ATTEND A KIDS FESTIVAL DOWNTOWN CONROE

The city of Conroe is hosting its Mr. Bunny event, where there will be photo opportunities with the Easter Bunny followed by an egg hunt. The egg hunt will be separated by ages. The event is open to ages 18 months-10 years. 10 a.m.-noon. Free (admission). Carl Barton Jr. Park, 2500 S. Loop 336, Conroe. 936-522-3900. www.cityofconroe.org

The city of Conroe is hosting Kidzfest, where there will be free activities, such as inatables and carnival rides. The event will also have a rock wall and fun booths as well as vendors, face painting, crafts and food trucks. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free (admission). Downtown Conroe, 299-201 W. Phillips St., Conroe. 936-522-3900. www.cityofconroe.org

APRIL 01 BROWSE A VENDOR MARKET An artisan market is being held at B-52 Brewing Co. The children- and dog- friendly event will include over 70 artisan vendors, craft beer, live music, food trucks and a photo booth. Noon-5 p.m. Free (admission). B-52 Brewing Co., 12470 Milroy Lane, Conroe. www.facebook.com/vibeartisanmarkets 01 SHOP AT A MARKET The Funky Junque Market will include more than 120 vendors selling items such as women’s clothing, children’s items, homemade decor, food items and fashion trucks. 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. $5 (entry), free (veterans and teachers). Lone Star Convention Center, 9055 Airport Road, Conroe. Facebook: Montgomery County Funky Junque Market 01 TAKE PICTURES WITH THE EASTER BUNNY The Easter Bunny will be posing for photo opportunities. The event will include cookie decorating, crafts, raes and giveaways. 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Commerce is bringing back Tastefest on April 13 with a launch party at the Lone Star Convention Center to kick o the weekslong event. The kicko will include tastings from local caterers, private country clubs and vendors as well as music and a photo booth. Attendees can use the TastePass through May 31 at participating restaurants. 5-8 p.m. (April 13). $25-$40. 936-756-6644. Locations vary for tastings. Lone Star Convention Center, 9055 Airport Road, Conroe. www.conroe.org 15 ATTEND A GALA The Montgomery Christian Academy is hosting a gala, which will include live music by Josh Masters and be emceed by Judge Wayne Mack. Other activities include a silent auction, a live auction and a dessert auction. Child care will be available. 5 p.m. (doors open). $40. Fellowship of Montgomery Church, 12681 FM 149, Montgomery. www.montgomerychristianacademy.com 21 THROUGH 23 ATTEND A MINERAL AND FOSSIL SHOW The RMGM Texas Minerals and Fossils Show will feature a variety of fossils, gemstones, crystals and other mineral

Free (admission). Harvest Market, 2295 Woodforest Parkway N., Montgomery. www.woodforesttx.com 08 HUNT FOR EGGS Refuge Church will host a community outreach event with an egg hunt for infants through grade 6. The family-friendly event also includes vendors, food, games, seles with the Easter Bunny and a silent auction. Live music begins at noon. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free (admission). Refuge Church, 13850 FM 1314, Conroe. The Conroe Crossroads music festival is back for its four-day event that will feature eight venues and 40 shows. Performing artists include Dirty River Boys, Zac Wilkerson and Mike & Moonpies. Venues include 202 Main, 219 Social House, the Owen Theater and The Table at Madeley. $42.50 (general admission). Times and locations vary. www.conroecrossroads.com 13 THROUGH MAY 31 TRY LOCAL EATS The Conroe/Lake Conroe Chamber of www.therefuge.org 13 THROUGH 16 LISTEN TO MUSIC AT A FESTIVAL

Find more or submit Conroe and Montgomery events at communityimpact.com/event-calendar. Event organizers can submit local events online to be considered for the print edition. Submitting details for consideration does not guarantee publication.

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CONROE MONTGOMERY EDITION • MARCH 2023

TRANSPORTATION UPDATES

ONGOING PROJECTS 1 FM 1097 widening From Lake Conroe Hills Drive to Blueberry Hills Road, FM 1097 will be widened to four lanes with a continuous left-turn lane. According to a March 14 update from the Texas Department of Transportation, the project is 15% complete. Timeline: second quarter 2022- first quarter 2024 Cost: $16.09 million Funding sources: federal, state 2 Hwy. 105 median construction Construction of the raised me- dian on Hwy. 105 from FM 2854 to I-45 is 68% complete as of a March 14 update. The project started in October 2021 and is scheduled for completion in the first quarter of 2024. In addition to the raised median barriers, contractor ISI will widen the pavement, and create traffic signals and pavement markings. Timeline: October 2021-first quarter 2024 Cost: $9.83 million Funding sources: federal, state

3 Traffic light at Keenan Cutoff Road

WILLIS

Montgomery County Precinct 2 Commissioner Charlie Riley said a traffic signal is being installed at the overpass at Keenan Cutoff Road and FM 2854 in Montgom- ery. Riley said there will also be a right-turn lane installed, and the project should be complet- ed by April. Timeline: 60-day project Cost: $169,000 Funding source: Montgomery

1097

LEWIS CREEK RESERVOIR

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BLUEBERRY HILLS RD.

LAKE CONROE HILLS DR.

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830

1484

2854

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County Precinct 2 UPCOMING PROJECTS 4 Hwy. 105 widening east of Conroe Construction will begin in

MONTGOMERY

3083

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2854

KEENAN CUT OFF RD.

CONROE

March to widen Hwy. 105 from 10th Street to South Loop 336 in Conroe from two lanes to four lanes. According to a March 14 update from TxDOT, the project will be complete in the third quarter of 2027. Timeline: March 2023-third quarter 2027

336

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Cost: $51.80 million Funding source: state

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TxDOT proposes $100B road construction plan

I45 FRONTAGE ROAD

336

149

105

BUFFALO SPRINGS DR.

Conroe City Council approves design change to North Loop 336, I-45 Conroe City Council approved design changes to a proposed project from engineering rm Kimley-Horn on Feb. 23 for the intersection at North Loop 336 and I-45. City Engineer Christian Bogert said the $139,500 design changes include widening pavement on the south side of North Loop 336, creating a shoulder. There will also be signal optimization at Westview Boulevard, Montgomery Plaza, the I-45 frontage road, Kroger and Hobby Lobby, and Plantation Drive. Public Information Ocer Andrew Yousse said in an email that city ocials noticed trac problems and aim to minimize them with the design changes. A timeline was not provided.

BY HANNAH NORTON

The intersection of Bualo Springs Drive and Lone Star Parkway will receive either a trac circle or roundabout, city ocials said. (Cassandra Jenkins/Community Impact)

Gov. Greg Abbott and the Texas Department of Transportation proposed on Feb. 23 a $100 bil- lion plan to fund transportation projects across the state for the next 10 years. The Unied Transportation Program aims to maintain roadways and improve safety and congestion across Texas. According to a news release, the 2024 UTP will provide a record amount of funding for construction across Texas. The 2023 plan, which was approved in August, made $85 million available for projects. A 2024 draft is expected in June. “Safety is a top priority for TxDOT, and these funding levels reect that,” TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams said in the release.

Process moves forward for improvements at Lone Star Parkway, Bualo Springs Drive

BY CASSANDRA JENKINS

ownership of Lone Star Parkway that is within the city limits,” he said. “That is a valid conversation to have with the county. It’s a road that not only helps city residents but helps the county residents that want to go from [Hwy.] 105 to [FM] 1097.” McCorquodale said the county is working on the design of the trac ow. The agreement will return to the Montgomery County Commis- sioners Court for nal approval; a timeline was not available.

The city of Montgomery approved an interlocal agreement with Montgomery County to add a roundabout or trac circle at the intersection of Bualo Springs Drive and Lone Star Parkway at a Feb. 14 City Council meeting. Assistant City Administrator Dave McCorquodale said in the meeting the city will pay 50% of the project’s total cost, not to exceed $250,000. “The one clause that stuck out in the agreement is that [the contrac- tor] wants the city to assume all

ALL INFORMATION ON THIS PAGE WAS UPDATED AS OF MARCH 14. NEWS OR QUESTIONS ABOUT THESE OR OTHER LOCAL TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS? EMAIL US AT COMNEWS@COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM.

CONROE - MONTGOMERY EDITION • MARCH 2023

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