The Rosenberg City Council authorized the mayor to execute a first amended and restated interlocal agreement with Fort Bend County for the construction of Copeland Road Section 3, project number 220115, which covers the segment between FM 2218 and Spasic Road.

The resolution (R-3910) updates an earlier interlocal agreement the council approved on Sept. 5, 2023 (Resolution R-3506). City staff said the county requested the amendment to harmonize language across mobility-bond agreements, add definitions for ineligible project costs, clarify that the county's maximum contribution will be 50% of eligible project costs, permit the county to postpone construction prior to award of a construction contract, and add force majeure provisions.

City staff said the county-managed portion of the project's remaining eligible cost is estimated at $4,100,000 and that the city previously paid its share of $2,050,000 under the original agreement. Joyce, a city staff member, told the council, "I think the developers were paying over 3,000,000," referring to developer-funded portions of the corridor; staff later described the total project cost as approximately $5,700,000 not including developers' contributions.

Why it matters: the segment lies entirely within Rosenberg city limits and is included in Fort Bend County's 2020 mobility bond and the city's FY2024 capital-improvement program. The amended agreement clarifies cost eligibility and risk allocation between the county and the city and confirms the county's cost-share limit at 50% of eligible costs.

Key details

- Scope and funding: The amended interlocal addresses design and construction of a four-lane divided roadway from FM 2218 to Spasic Road. County language limits the county contribution to 50% of eligible costs; staff stated the project's remaining eligible cost is estimated at $4,100,000, with the city's prior payment recorded as $2,050,000.

- Developer contributions and existing work: Staff representatives said developers have already constructed parts of the corridor (two lanes in locations) and that developer contributions exceed $3,000,000 in some segments; the city described portions already poured and traffic signals installed.

- Risk and safeguards: Council members asked what would happen to city funds if the county decided not to proceed; staff said any funds would be returned to the city if the county canceled the project.

Council action

Councilmembers asked clarifying questions about developer participation, the project map shown on the meeting channel, and the county's role. After brief discussion the council approved Resolution R-3910. The motion was seconded and passed on a recorded vote.

Background and next steps

Staff said the original interlocal was approved in 2023 (Resolution R-3506) and that the project is tied to Fort Bend County's mobility bond program and the city's FY2024 CIP. The amended agreement is intended to provide consistent contract language across county-managed mobility projects; staff recommended approval and the council adopted the resolution. The mayor will execute the amended interlocal agreement according to the council's authorization.

Ending

Council members voiced support for the project as a mobility priority for the area and sought to ensure that developer-built segments and prior city expenditures were recognized in the agreement language. Staff will continue coordination with Fort Bend County on final contract awards and construction schedules.