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Woodlands board unanimously backs submission to The Boring Company 'Tunnel Vision' challenge
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Summary
The Woodlands Township board voted 7–0 Feb. 19 to authorize staff to submit a revised proposal and a unanimous letter of support to The Boring Company's Tunnel Vision Challenge, directing staff to return with recommended agreements and permitting details if the project advances.
The Woodlands Township Board of Directors on Feb. 19 authorized staff to submit a revised application and a unanimous board letter of support to The Boring Company’s Tunnel Vision Challenge, voting 7–0 to proceed.
Chief Operating Officer Dr. Chris Nunes told the board the company is seeking project ideas and has proposed to construct up to a one-mile tunnel at no construction cost to a selected applicant. Nunes said the township’s draft response envisions a Waterway corridor loop linking Waterway Square, the Marriott, the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, Towne Green and areas as far as Hughes Landing to move people off surface streets during peak events.
"They would construct a tunnel, up to a mile, free of charge," Dr. Nunes said. He emphasized the application is an early-stage proposal and that, if shortlisted, staff would return with recommended agreements, funding requirements and permitting strategies.
Chair Sharon Bailey praised the draft and noted the project would need substantial stakeholder coordination. "Being able to get a mile of this free would be great," Bailey said, adding that the township has discussed the idea with property and venue stakeholders and Montgomery County.
Director Shelly Sekula Gibbs, who helped champion the effort, moved to authorize submission of the application in final form with the president and general manager’s approval and to approve a letter of support signed by the full board. Vice Chairman Craig Eisler seconded the motion. The motion carried by voice vote, 7–0.
Board members acknowledged significant unknowns — including vehicle type, scalability and operational details — and said staff will return with any recommended agreements and a permitting strategy if the township advances to later phases. The board did not approve any contracts or financial commitments at the meeting; the vote authorized submission of application materials and a letter of support only.
The board’s authorization comes with a short turnaround for application materials; staff indicated they are working to meet the approaching deadline and would provide further detail on next steps and community impacts if the township progresses in the competition.
