Fort Bend County Approves Major Projects for Roads, Parks, Safety and Services in August 12 Commissioners Court Meeting
The Fort Bend County Commissioners Court gathered on August 12 to make decisions that will shape daily life for thousands of residents — from building the first public pool in Fresno, to improving neighborhood drainage, expanding transportation options, and investing in public safety and veteran services.
The meeting was one of the county’s most wide-ranging this year. And in a continued push to make local government easier to follow, County Judge KP George released a video recap of the court’s actions, inviting residents to better understand how tax dollars are being used to plan for Fort Bend’s future.
Direct Support for Veterans and Community Safety
A $50,000 grant from the Texas Veterans Commission was officially accepted by the Court, ensuring continued general assistance for veterans living in Fort Bend County — from housing support to emergency services, without any local match required.
Public safety efforts also saw new momentum. The Court expanded an agreement with the Precinct 4 Constable’s Office to keep deputies on the Fort Bend Parkway, Westpark, and Grand Parkway toll roads through September 2026 — helping maintain visible law enforcement on some of the county’s busiest roadways.
Additionally, the Fort Bend District Attorney’s Office received a $48,000 boost through the Texas Anti-Gang Program, bringing the county’s share to $173,000 for ongoing task force work to combat gang-related activity.
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Roads, Drainage, and Real Infrastructure Progress
For many Fort Bend families, concerns about road conditions and flooding remain top of mind. The August 12 meeting brought visible progress on both.
Over $110,000 was approved for drainage easement purchases along Koeblen Road (Segment 3), helping the county move forward with a critical mobility bond project in Precincts 1 and 4.
In Precinct 2, two right-of-way purchases totaling more than $42,000 were approved to advance improvements along FM 521 South. Commissioners also authorized a $2.45 million reimbursement agreement with Atmos Energy to relocate utilities along the Grand Parkway (SH 99) — a necessary and long-planned step toward building the frontage road in Precinct 1.
Notably, a change to an earlier TxDOT contract was approved to reduce expenses by $92,013.49, reflecting a rare and welcome construction cost savings.
Fresno’s First Public Pool and Millions for Parks
In a moment that drew heartfelt appreciation from the Court, plans moved forward for the first-ever public pool in Fresno, a much-needed amenity in a fast-growing community. One commissioner summed up the project’s meaning by saying, “There’ll be a public pool for the first time in Fresno that kids can learn how to swim… It will change that community, and I appreciate the support of the court collectively”.
Elsewhere, commissioners awarded a $19.4 million contract to Patriot Contracting to renovate and expand the Mustang Park Community Center in Precinct 2 — a major investment in recreation and gathering space.
They also authorized the next steps to construct the Mission Bend Senior Center and expand electrical infrastructure at Bates Allen Park. And in a vote to preserve local history, the county officially designated 7.66 acres as the new Mirabeau B. Lamar Homestead Park and Archaeological Reserve, which will now be maintained by the Parks Department.
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Taxpayer Snapshot: What Was Approved Here’s a look at how your county funds were allocated during the August 12 meeting:
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Easier Commutes and Expanded Public Transit
Transportation services are also growing. Commissioners approved an amendment to the agreement with the University of Houston to add six new bus stops for commuters — while extending the partnership through July 2026, funded entirely by public transportation grants.
These improvements come as the county continues to strengthen its role in regional mobility and address the needs of students, workers, and seniors who rely on shared transportation options.
Early Voting and Transparency for Property Owners
As the November 4 Joint and Special Election approaches, the Court finalized Fort Bend County’s early voting locations — giving residents a head start in planning when and where to vote.
The Court also approved a new order designating the location for foreclosure and tax sales beginning December 2. The update aims to make the process clearer, more consistent, and easier for residents to track — part of a broader effort to increase transparency in how these public notices and sales are managed.
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Investing in Technology, Operations, and Efficiency
Several items were approved to upgrade county systems and improve how departments operate day-to-day.
Among them:
- $77,391 was allocated to implement an Enterprise Asset Management System, allowing Fort Bend’s road, bridge, and maintenance departments to track repairs, assets, and service more efficiently.
- $118,916 was approved for a countywide upgrade to Windows 11 across employee workstations.
- $135,820 will fund the purchase of smart kiosks for public access services — covering everything from tax payments to community resources — funded through Certificates of Obligation, not general tax revenue.
Redistricting Debate Shows Sharp Division
The most emotionally charged topic of the day was redistricting. The Court voted 3-2 to adopt criteria and submission guidelines for the 2025 redistricting process — a decision that drew passionate remarks from both critics and supporters.
“Session after session, citizens have stood here respectfully and in good faith, asking you to consider concerns. Yet time and again the decisions made do not reflect the wishes of the majority,” said one speaker during public comment.
Another praised the decision, saying, “I am thrilled that you all have listened to the citizens that believe the laws have been violated… This resolution actually addresses those points and gives a thoughtful and timely process”.
Following the vote, a commissioner urged neighbors and leaders alike to move forward with respect: “At the end of the day, we are neighbors… we need to do so honestly, representing our constituents with a sense of decorum that our staff and residents would be proud of”.
Staying Engaged, Shaping the Future
As Fort Bend County continues to grow, so does the complexity of governing it. The August 12 Commissioners Court meeting made that clear — with decisions that touched everything from flood control and parks to public safety, elections, and how future district lines will be drawn.
These aren’t abstract policy moves; they’re choices that shape where families live, how safely they travel, how their kids play, and how services are delivered day to day. And with millions approved in new investments, residents are seeing their tax dollars turned into real, visible improvements across all four precincts.
Residents are always encouraged to attend future meetings in person or watch them online at fortbendcountytx.gov to stay involved in the decisions that impact their communities.
Whether it’s a sidewalk in your subdivision, a patrol car on your commute, or a new public pool opening in your neighborhood, the work of county government is happening close to home.
Stay connected with My Neighborhood News for updates on how these projects unfold — and how your community continues to grow.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
