Conroe Council: I-45 Payment, New Jobs, Legal Spend

**Conroe Council to Tackle Major I-45 Payment, Unveil New Economic Project, and Review Legal Spending at Thursday Meeting**

**Conroe, Texas – January 6, 2026** – The Conroe City Council is set to convene on Thursday, January 8, 2026, for a pivotal meeting addressing significant infrastructure funding, a promising economic development initiative, and a deep dive into the city’s legal expenditures. The session will begin at 9:30 a.m. at Conroe City Hall, located at 300 W. Davis St., and is open to the public.

One of the most substantial financial items on the agenda involves a proposed $2.1 million payment to Webber LLC, a leading construction firm. This payment represents the City of Conroe’s required contribution to the Texas Department of Transportation’s (TxDOT) ongoing Interstate 45 expansion project. Specifically, these funds are allocated for the city’s share of costs related to the expansion of frontage roads, ramps, and mainlanes stretching from FM 830 north to League Line Road.

This segment is part of TxDOT’s broader multi-year, multi-phase effort to alleviate congestion and improve connectivity along the vital I-45 corridor through Montgomery County. City officials indicate that Conroe’s contribution is essential for local road improvements that directly benefit residents and businesses, facilitating better access to the interstate and enhancing traffic flow within city limits. The project, which has been underway for several years, is expected to significantly modernize the highway infrastructure in one of the fastest-growing regions in the state. Funding for the payment is anticipated to come from the city’s Capital Improvement Project (CIP) budget.

Beyond the highway funds, the council will also delve into an exciting new economic initiative, currently referred to as “Project Cornerstone.” Proposed for development within the rapidly expanding Conroe Park North industrial park, this project could bring a substantial economic boost to the city. Preliminary estimates project the creation of 70 to 100 new jobs, with an average salary range anticipated to be competitive for the region, and a capital investment exceeding $12 million.

While details of “Project Cornerstone” remain under wraps pending council approval, sources close to the discussion suggest it involves an advanced manufacturing or logistics facility, capitalizing on Conroe’s strategic location and available workforce. The Conroe Industrial Development Corporation (CIDC) has likely been instrumental in attracting this new entity, and the council is expected to consider potential incentives, such as tax abatements or grants, aimed at securing the investment and job creation.

“These are the types of strategic investments that ensure Conroe’s continued prosperity,” said Mayor Sarah Johnson, anticipating the economic discussion. “Improving our infrastructure while simultaneously attracting high-quality jobs and significant capital investment is fundamental to our city’s growth strategy. Project Cornerstone represents a fantastic opportunity for our community.”

Another item poised to draw considerable attention is a detailed review of the city’s legal service spending, which will be presented by City Attorney Marc Winberry. This comprehensive report will include an update on the recently re-emphasized $100,000 threshold for amending legal service contracts, a measure designed to enhance fiscal oversight and transparency. Any contract changes exceeding this amount now trigger a more rigorous review process, often requiring explicit council approval.

Winberry’s presentation will also offer a look back at the total amount spent on outside counsel since 2018, which stands at over $1.2 million. The report is expected to detail the types of cases and specialized legal needs that necessitate external legal expertise, ranging from complex land use litigation and eminent domain cases to specialized environmental law issues that may exceed the capacity of in-house legal staff. The specific firm, Taylor, Olson, Adkins, Sralla & Zara, is highlighted in relation to these expenditures, indicating their significant role in providing legal support to the city.

This review comes as cities across Texas face increasing demands for transparency and accountability in their expenditures, particularly concerning professional services. The council’s goal is to ensure that legal resources are being utilized efficiently and effectively to protect the city’s interests while managing costs responsibly.

The Conroe City Council meeting on Thursday, January 8, 2026, promises to be a busy and impactful session, charting the course for the city’s infrastructure, economic development, and financial stewardship in the coming year and beyond. Residents are encouraged to attend in person or watch the live stream available on the city’s official website. Public comment opportunities will be provided during the designated portion of the agenda.