The U.S. 290 Area Major Thoroughfare Study dates back to the 1960's. Loyd Smith with Harris County's Engineering Department says there have been periodic updates, but this is the first comprehensive review.
He says they're now focusing on development patterns north and west of the Grand Parkway.
"As we saw in the recent rainfalls in the Cypress Creek watershed, these are the upland areas of some of these watersheds that feed into Cypress Creek," explains Smith.
Much of the study area is primarily rural. Smith says there are large tracts of land that are primed for residential development.
"One of the realities of that part of our county is that the drainage network is very important to how the future development could occur," adds Smith.
The study area is part of Houston's extraterritorial jurisdiction, so that means both City Council and Harris County Commissioners Court will have to approve the final document.
There's a public meeting coming up in Hockley where residents can view the plan and put their comments into the public record. The meeting is May 2 from 5:30 to 7:00 PM at Harris County Precinct 3 Hockley Service Center, 28515 Old Washington Road.
See the U.S. 290 Area Major Thoroughfare Study below:
