From the City of Sugar Land:
Sugar Land City Council approved two contracts to address drainage projects in the city, a top priority identified by Sugar Land residents through the 2020 Citizen Satisfaction Survey. These projects were approved by Sugar Land residents as a part of the 2019 General Obligation (GO) Bond Program.
The approval of the GO Bond Program required a .45 cent tax rate increase in fiscal year 2021, which represents less than $15 per year for the average Sugar Land homeowner. Even with this increase, Sugar Land still has one of the lowest tax rates in Texas. More than half of the GO Bond Program projects address drainage issues.
These two drainage projects and the GO Bond Program are also a part of the city’s Capital Improvement Program (CIP), which identifies capital projects, provides a planning schedule and identifies financing options. The program addresses the current and future needs of the city and residents through efficient and responsible financial management. Based on citizen requests and annual reviews, drainage projects are a major component of the CIP.
The first project will improve drainage along Elkins Road, between Commonwealth Boulevard and University Boulevard. The construction for this project will be conducted in two phases, with phase one construction expected to begin in fiscal year 2022 and phase two to begin in fiscal year 2024. The second project covers the Riverbend neighborhood drainage system, with construction anticipated to begin in fiscal year 2024.
“The city remains committed to responsive and responsible investment in to our infrastructure because this is a city worth investing in,” said Assistant City Manager Chris Steubing. “The CIP allows for careful planning that is essential to ensuring that the needs of our citizens are met while providing the most benefit from their tax dollars. These drainage projects are a part of a large-scale effort to respond to both our infrastructure and residential needs without sacrificing fiscal responsibility.”
The projects are spread geographically throughout the city and can be viewed in detail at www.sugarlandtx.gov/GOBondMap.
For more information about GO Bond Program projects including a complete project listing, visit www.sugarlandtx.gov/GObond.
More information about the fiscal year 2021-2025 CIP Program can be found at https://www.sugarlandtx.gov/2011/Capital-Projects.