Waller County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Waller County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Road funding and TxDOT delays
With TxDOT projects like FM 529 and FM 362 widening pushed past 2030, the court authorized an updated road assessment and directed staff to study transportation reinvestment zones to fund roads with growth revenue instead of property taxes. Commissioners warned of a coming 'log jam' as the county adds population.
Mathis Road reconstruction
The county awarded a $4.8 million contract to rebuild Adams Flat Road, funded from road construction funds. Expect construction activity and, eventually, a smoother drive.
Bond program road construction under budget
A voter-approved bond road project came in at $8.7 million against a $9.4 million estimate — a good sign for taxpayers as bond projects begin delivering.
Road and Bridge Capacity and Subdivision Road Costs
The county can rebuild only about 20 miles of road a year, and subdivision roads cost far more to maintain than older rural roads. Constable Maddox questioned whether the development model is sustainable, and the court discussed updating its eight-year-old strategic and thoroughfare plans.
Morton Road bond project pipeline crossings
Road-bond construction on Morton Road requires agreements with pipeline owners to cross their easements. Roughly 30 pipelines cross the project, and more agreements are still needed.
Morrison Road Right-of-Way Donations
Two developers donated nearly 3 acres along Morrison Road to the county for public right of way, supporting planned road improvements.
Riley Road Bridge Replacement Change Orders
The bridge project picked up about $43,000 in added costs for message signs and closeout reconciliation. It's a modest addition to finish the job right.
Highway 36A / 306A corridor study
Development is filling in the middle of the county along FM 359 and FM 362, and if the state builds 306A without a county-influenced route, homes and businesses could end up in the path — driving up buyout costs and killing any viable route. Commissioner Smith wants a route study funded now so the county can weigh in with TxDOT and preserve a corridor. The court supports starting this year with existing consulting money, but no vote was taken.
Mowing contract failure
The county's road mowing contractor failed to perform — showing up with zero-turn mowers instead of shredders — so the court terminated the contract and will rebid with backup vendors. That's why county ditches have looked rough.
Kickapoo Road/FM 1488 intersection safety fix
The new 575-lot Castle Rock development will realign a dangerous 30-degree skewed intersection at Kickapoo Road and FM 1488 — a major safety win the engineer called significant.
Owens Road rehabilitation extension
The road bond project will now cover the 1,500-foot county-maintained gap in Owens Road between Prairie View and Waller, with a future deal possibly shifting maintenance to the city. Officials noted heavy traffic uses Owens as a relief valve from FM 3602.
Major thoroughfare plan amendment near Kickapoo and Joseph Roads
The county is preserving a future north-south corridor through Precinct 2, near land it may lease for a park and annex. Three alignment options were shown; the item was pulled so affected landowners get mailed notice before a March 4 vote.
Highway safety action plan public input
A public meeting on the regional road safety action plan is set for Tuesday, February 24, with an online survey available for those who can't attend.
Kickapoo Road major thoroughfare plan amendment
The county is preserving a future north-south corridor through Precinct 2, near land it may lease for a park and annex. Three alignment options were shown; the item was pulled so affected landowners get mailed notice before a March 4 vote.
Mitchamore Road shortening
The county will shorten Mitchamore Road by about a mile southwest of Hempstead, ending it at Telephone Road. This cuts maintenance and illegal dumping costs while giving the sole property owner a gate; future development would still trigger right-of-way dedications.