Victoria County Commissioners Court authorized the county judge to enter into an agreement with Beck, Wright & Sons Ltd., pending legal review, to construct a ditch drainage project on Old Highway Road.

A staff presentation said the project — developed over about a year of surveying and engineering — will replace roughly 50 "cobra" pipes (culverts) and improve drainage on a stretch of Old Highway Road between Mercado Creek and about halfway to Midway Road. The presenter said the low bidder, Beck, Wright & Sons Ltd., has prior experience working for TxDOT and has been checked out by county staff. The project will use local funds.

Court members moved and approved the award by voice vote with no opposition and authorized the county judge to sign an agreement pending legal review.

Why it matters: the project addresses recurrent washouts on Old Highway Road and is expected to improve roadway drainage and reliability for local traffic. The award is the result of a competitive bidding process and includes review of the low bidder's qualifications.

Clarifying details: the presenter cited about 50 culverts to be changed; staff confirmed the project was bid and Beck, Wright & Sons was the low, recommended bidder.