Brazos County residents question Inner Loop East project's population growth projections

The Brazos County Commissioners Court meeting on June 3, 2025, focused on the contentious Inner Loop East project, with significant concerns raised about population growth projections and their implications for the project’s necessity.

During the meeting, a resident, Sharon Burt, expressed skepticism regarding the projected 91% population growth by 2045, which was initially presented to justify the Inner Loop East project. Burt highlighted that this figure was based on outdated 2010 population data and questioned its validity. She pointed out that updated projections from the state demographer suggest a much lower growth rate, with two scenarios indicating a population of either over 458,000 or just under 357,000 by 2060. This discrepancy, she argued, could significantly impact the justification for the project.

Burt urged the commissioners to pause the project and hold a workshop to reassess the need for the Inner Loop East, emphasizing the importance of accurate data in planning. She raised concerns about the potential for misleading information being used to support the project and called for accountability from county staff and the consulting firms involved.

Another resident, who also spoke during the meeting, shared personal concerns about the impact of the project on their property and the surrounding community. They argued that the current traffic patterns do not support the need for the new loop, suggesting that existing roads require improvements rather than new construction.

The discussions highlighted a growing apprehension among residents regarding the planning process and the assumptions underlying major infrastructure projects in Brazos County. The commissioners are now faced with the challenge of addressing these concerns while considering the future of the Inner Loop East project.