Harris Street delays, $22,155 water‑line relocation and easement dispute slow downtown drainage projects

Fulshear staff told the Economic Development Corporation on Jan. 13 that two construction setbacks and an unresolved easement have delayed downtown infrastructure work and could limit near‑term growth in the historic core.

Anelle (economic development staff) reported a safety incident involving a subcontractor and a power line on the Harris Street reconstruction project and said crews discovered an unexpected 8‑inch water line that must be relocated. The relocation will cost $22,155.15 and will be paid from the project contingency of $75,000, staff said.

On the Eastside Drainage project, staff said a drainage easement is required and that PAS, the city's land acquisition consultant, sent an offer to the landowner on June 24, 2024. Negotiations resumed after the owner responded July 17; city staff said the property owner has since retained additional legal counsel and negotiations are ongoing. City staff and legal counsel are handling discussions; staff said without a finalized easement the project cannot proceed and a start or completion date cannot be estimated.

Board members asked whether the city’s GIS and utility maps should have identified the water line; staff said GIS data sometimes lags and that the database is being updated. Several board members raised broader concerns that unresolved property negotiations and limited road capacity (FM 1093, FM 359, SH 1463) constrain the city's ability to attract larger retailers or employers until infrastructure and access improve.

No new funding requests were made at the meeting; staff said the additional $22,155.15 relocation cost will be covered from the existing contingency.