Conroe council approves bid award for Well 32 after developer agrees to pause litigation and provide easements

The Conroe City Council on Jan. 31 approved a bid award for CIP Project 2024-19—Water Well Plant 32—after representatives of developer Howard Hughes said the company would temporarily put litigation "off the table" and coordinate easements, upsized water lines and other infrastructure to support the project.

Council approval came by voice vote after discussion and public questions about cost and protections for the city. City staff presented a revised drilling and production bid of $13,646,080; council members and staff said the city had already purchased electrical components previously budgeted at $252,000, which the mayor described as part of the grand total for the project.

Why it matters: The well is intended to serve the northwest region around The Woodlands Hills and related developments. Developers’ commitments on easements, utility coordination and a donated fire‑station site were central to persuading council members to move forward with the contract award.

Council discussion and developer commitments Councilwoman Porter said she attended a Jan. 28 meeting with Howard Hughes leadership during which the developer agreed to several items the council viewed as essential.…