Conroe Council: Roads, Tech, Legal Agenda

**Conroe Council to Weigh Major Infrastructure Investment, Tech Park Partnership, and Legal Budget Oversight**

**CONROE, TX – January 5, 2026** – The Conroe City Council is scheduled to convene this Thursday, January 8, 2026, for a meeting poised to shape the city’s future, with key discussions focusing on accelerating critical infrastructure, fostering high-tech economic development, and rigorously reviewing the city’s legal expenditures. Residents can anticipate significant decisions impacting daily commutes, job growth, and municipal financial strategy.

**Fast-Tracking North Loop 336 Expansion with $5 Million Payment to TxDOT**

A pivotal item on the agenda involves a proposed $5 million payment to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). This substantial investment aims to significantly expedite the widening of North Loop 336, a crucial artery for Conroe residents and commuters. The project targets a 2.4-mile stretch from I-45 to FM 1314, transforming it from a congested two-lane road into a four-lane thoroughfare, complete with a center turn lane and much-needed sidewalks.

TxDOT’s initial timeline projected right-of-way acquisition for 2026, with construction not commencing until 2029. By committing the $5 million, Conroe hopes to fast-track the construction phase, potentially getting shovels in the ground as early as late 2026.

“This payment isn’t just an expense; it’s a strategic investment in Conroe’s future,” stated City Administrator Paul Virgadamo, Jr. “With our city’s rapid growth, traffic congestion on Loop 336 has become a significant concern. Accelerating this project by potentially three years would be a massive win for daily commuters, enhance safety for drivers and pedestrians alike, and improve access for businesses along the corridor. We are committed to working closely with TxDOT to make this a reality for our citizens.”

The expansion is expected to alleviate bottlenecks, improve emergency response times, and accommodate the increasing traffic volume driven by Conroe’s booming population.

**Forging an Innovation Hub at Conroe Technology Park**

In a move signaling a strong push towards diversifying its economic base, the Council will discuss a potential public-private partnership with the Houston Advanced Research Center (HARC) for the Conroe Technology Park. Located on 225 acres at 2701 Technology Forest Blvd., the vision is to cultivate a vibrant innovation and technology campus, attracting high-tech industries and research endeavors.

HARC, an independent non-profit research organization focused on environmental sustainability, has been a tenant at the park since 2011. This proposed partnership would leverage HARC’s expertise and existing presence to create a synergistic environment for research, development, and commercialization.

“The Conroe Technology Park has immense potential to become a regional hub for innovation, particularly in areas like sustainable technology and environmental solutions, aligning perfectly with HARC’s mission,” said Danielle Scheiner, Executive Director of the Conroe Economic Development Council. “This partnership could attract cutting-edge companies, generate high-paying jobs, and foster collaboration with educational institutions like Lone Star College-Montgomery and Stephen F. Austin State University, creating a robust talent pipeline right here in Conroe. It’s about future-proofing our economy.”

The initiative aims to draw on the strengths of academic partners to provide research opportunities, internships, and skilled workforce development, further solidifying Conroe’s position as a dynamic economic center.

**Scrutinizing Legal Spending: 2025 Overruns and 2026 Budget Outlook**

Finally, the Council will conduct a thorough review of the city’s legal spending for 2025 and deliberate on the proposed budget for 2026. The 2025 fiscal year proved significantly more expensive than anticipated, with actual legal expenditures reaching nearly $1.94 million, substantially exceeding the initial $1.1 million allocation.

A significant portion of this overspend was attributed to ongoing litigation with the City of Houston concerning critical groundwater regulations. These protracted legal battles often involve complex issues and extensive expert testimonies, driving up costs.

For the upcoming 2026 fiscal year, the proposed legal budget stands at $1.4 million, reflecting an adjustment based on recent expenditures but still a conservative estimate given the unpredictable nature of litigation.

“While we always strive for fiscal prudence, unforeseen legal challenges, especially complex inter-governmental litigation, can significantly impact our budget,” stated City Attorney Gary Scott. “The City of Houston groundwater regulation lawsuit is a necessary and costly defense of Conroe’s interests and water rights. We are presenting a responsible budget for 2026 that acknowledges these realities while ensuring the city is adequately represented.”

The Council’s discussion will likely delve into strategies for managing future legal costs and the potential long-term implications of ongoing litigation on city finances.

The public is encouraged to attend the meeting at 6 p.m. on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at Conroe City Hall, located at 300 West Davis Street, or to view the proceedings live via the city’s website.