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Good morning Precinct 2! Here is the latest information from your Precinct!
HURRICANE HARVEY RELIEF EFFORTS
I cannot begin to express how proud I am to see our county come together to help their neighbors as they escaped their homes during this historical natural disaster. They say a disaster can really show you what people are made of. We confirmed to America that Texas is made of hard working people who will do anything to help those in need. The flood waters of Hurricane Harvey had a major impact on our community. For example, in River Plantation, alone, 507 homes had major water damage. With flooding comes the monumental task of cleanup. Our Precinct 2 staff worked continually to remove debris from all of the 700+ damaged homes, and successfully completed all cleanup as of last week. At the present time, FEMA and the County Engineering Office are physically inspecting each flooded property to asses damage and estimate repair costs. Once FEMA understands repair costs, they will determine if, and when, buyouts will be discussed. We are expecting that this tedious process will take FEMA quite a bit of time.
For more information, you can visit the Disaster Recovery Center which is located at the West Montgomery County Community Center on Friendship Drive, in Magnolia.
MAJOR ROAD PROJECTS ARE BEING COMPLETED YEARS AHEAD OF SCHEDULE
All of Precinct 2's numbered roads (such as 149, 1488, 242, I-45, etc.) are handled through the Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT). Although our office does not manage these State projects, I do work closely with TXDOT to convey our priorities and major needs. Because of that, many projects that were set to begin in 2019, for example, are taking place right now. For example, the 1774 overpass of the railroad tracks in Magnolia was not supposed to begin until 2019. Because of our county's intervention, such as funding $5 million from the 2015 Road Bond, this project will be complete in the 1st quarter of 2019. This type of joint effort between TXDOT and the county has sped up many projects on the timeline. Another example is the widening of 1488 (from I-45 to 2978).
I advised TXDOT that there was enough room to re-stripe FM 1488 from 4 to 6 lanes without construction. This could be achieved by narrowing the shoulders and middle lane. TXDOT agreed and is performing a Traffic Impact Study, in preparation. Once complete, the road will be re-striped to 6 lanes.
You can read more about these projects in the Precinct 2 project list
here.
Please do not hesitate to contact my office any time you have questions or concerns. The office number is 281-259-6492. You mail also email me directly at charlie.riley@mctx.org
I hope you have a wonderful day, I'll see you soon!
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Alden Bridge
First Responders and the Home Owners Association contacted my office regarding growing concerns over the congestion on Ivy Garden Street. It appears that due to street parking, on an already narrow street, emergency personnel could not get to homes in a quick enough manner. Status: After much discussion, we changed Ivy Garden to be a one way street, with street parking not allowed on the NW side. This change was implemented in September and we are already getting positive comments from First Responders and residents. We are currently in the process of studying other streets in the subdivision where these types of changes may need to happen, as well.
Research Forest
Construction to widen Research Forest to four continuous lanes began in May. Status: The initial expectation was this project would take one year, but the project is moving much quicker. The new expected completion date is set for the end of this year.
Kennan Cutoff
Phase 1 - In order to improve the roadway, before the start of the 2017 school year for Montgomery ISD, it was decided to scale back the project. The new description was to add shoulders on both sides of the roadway, a right turn lane going West into the schools, and a center turn lane along the entire width of the school property. This will allow for a safer roadway, now, with the ability to add additional lanes in the future. Phase 2: Provide an overpass of the railroad tracks and FM 2854. Status: Phase 1 - Complete. Phase 2 - The overpass is under design and we are in the process of acquiring right of way now.
Egypt Lane
Phase 1 -
Widen road from 2 to 5 lanes (4 driving lanes and one middle lane) from FM 1488 to Research Forest Drive. Phase 2 - Add shoulders and rehab Egypt Lane from Research Forest Drive to FM 2978. Status: The
Westwood Montgomery Improvement District (WWMID) signed a $3.2 million contract to begin construction. Phase 1 construction expected to being end of year. Phase 2 Construction expected to begin Spring of 2018.
Copperhead Road
This project is to construct a new road to connect Nichols Sawmill Road to Sanders Cemetery Road and ultimately to Mueschke Road and FM 2920, diverting traffic off of residential streets. Status: R
ight of way is clear and design is complete. Project is going out for bid this month. Construction is slated to begin December 2017.
Decker Prairie
This project improved drainage by raising the road at the 3 way stop signs, which is an intersection prone to flooding. Also, this project rehabilitated the road from 249 to Pinehurst Loop. Status: This project is complete and resulted in no flooding during Hurricane Harvey.
Notes: This is just a sample of the many road projects going on in Precinct 2. You can see a complete list of Precinct 2 road projects
here. It also includes updates on TXDOT project which are numbered roads, such as 242, FM 1488, FM 2978, and FM 1774.
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THE WOODLANDS COLLEGE PARK
Cavaliers Helping After Harvey
CONROE, TEXAS (September 22, 2017) - Hurricane Harvey was an event to test a community's spirit. Neighbors were helping neighbors throughout the region, and that same spirit was alive and well in Montgomery County and The Woodlands College Park Feeder Zone.
The Woodlands College Park High School opened its doors as a shelter during the event. Within 20 minutes of the call going out from the principal, Dr. Mark Murrell, the Cavalier family mobilized a shelter by filling over 250 volunteer positions scheduled over four days and by bringing in food, bedding, cots, and clothing to the school's main gym. When the shelter was no longer needed, College Park parents, students, and staff loaded four box trucks and two trailers with supplies to help start the shelters at Lone Star Convention Center and The Woodlands Church.
Once the storm passed, the Cavaliers sprang into action as they began to help those in need. Between the sports groups, music groups, JROTC, staff, students, and parents, the clean-up effort began and Cavaliers were everywhere. In many cases, Cavaliers were working with Highlanders, War Eagles, Panthers, and Tigers; Everyone helping each other! The Woodlands College Park feeder schools also came together to collect gift cards and brand new clothing for 150 families and individuals. [READ MORE HERE]
Disclaimer: Spotlight on Our Schools is a monthly topic which features the Publicly Funded High Schools in Precinct 2. They are Magnolia West High School, Magnolia High School, and The Woodlands College Park High School.
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UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS
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FAMILY FUN DAY AND DANCE - (Unity Park, Magnolia)
Join your family and friends for a
FREE community event kicking off Commissioner Riley's Re-Election Campaign. Bring the kiddos out!! Day will feature exotic petting zoo (with baby camel, wallaby, lemur, etc.), camel rides, pony rides, bounce houses, balloon artists, face painting, and lots of fun. When the sun starts to set, the
Charlie Riley Band will entertain friends with an evening dance featuring classic country music. Picnic baskets welcome, or purchase food at event from La Magnolia.
What to bring: Chairs or blankets (for seating), family, and friends. Email info@charlieriley.org for sponsorship information or questions.
Join your neighbors and community for a weekend celebrating Freedom with Texans United for Freedom (TUFF), and the Lone Survivor Foundation, at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds. Event starts November 9th, at 3 p.m., with a flag retirement ceremony and FREE dinner for all vets. Friday night will feature auction (7 p.m.), fireworks, and live music. Headliner is Jesse Raub, Jr., with Shay Domann opening. On Saturday, there will be live music throughout the day (Texas Cut-Ups, Borderline Grimes, JJ & The Stone Ponies). Kid Zone with moonwalks, rock-wall, carnival games, etc. throughout Friday and Saturday. TUFF Kid's Cookoff, Veteran's Day Ceremony (Led by Conroe VFW Post 4709), and Car-show on Saturday. The event ends Saturday night. Cookers can sign up online here. Vendors, contact Teresa Buckely at 281-543-7111. Click here to read all about this event.
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MAGNOLIA FIRE DEPARTMENT'S AWARD BANQUET
October 6th was Magnolia Fire Department's 65th Annual Member Appreciation Awards Banquet. A big thank you to Chief Vincent and all the men and women who serve our community and keep us safe!
MAGNOLIA ISD LIVESTOCK SHOW AND SALE 2017
All of the Youth did a great job showing their livestock at the 2017 show! Commissioner Riley is proud to continue to sponsor this great program!
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Political Ad Paid for by Charlie Riley, JoAnne Moore Treasurer
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