The Forster Development Corporation was told on Oct. 13 that the Downtown Eastside drainage project has moved to the bidding phase and that bids will be opened Oct. 28.

City staff said bids are currently being received and that the city anticipates reviewing submissions the week following the opening; staff anticipated taking a contract award forward to the November meeting cycle for approval. Staff told the board that TxDOT permitting for the project has been “squared away” and that there are no outstanding permitting issues blocking the project from proceeding to bid.

Board members asked whether any easements or landowner agreements remained that could slow the work. Staff said the current Downtown Eastside drainage project does not require additional easements; separate negotiations remain underway on a related tributary project and some parcels tied to Huggins Ranch, but staff clarified that those easement discussions are not part of the Downtown Eastside bidding package.

No formal action was taken; this was an informational update on the procurement and permitting status of the drainage project.