.jpg "HCPH-Riverside-0708-1870×125-Spa (1)")
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — The Woodlands is considering a step toward making it impossible for the community to be annexed by the city of Houston, but the move could cost the township about $50 million.
The Woodlands Township Board of Directors could vote to end its Regional Partnership Agreement with Houston, which has allowed the two communities to work together on regional projects.
The agreement includes a Regional Participation Fund, which is supported by contributions from both The Woodlands and Houston. Township leaders say ending the agreement would allow The Woodlands to gain protection from future annexation by Houston.
Under the proposal, The Woodlands would pay Houston about $50 million from the regional fund.
That includes about $22.6 million by the end of the year and roughly $9 million annually for the following three years.
Brad Bailey, chairman of The Woodlands Board of Directors, said Houston could use the money to address its short-term financial needs.
“One-sixteenth of a penny goes into this fund, and this fund is for regional projects we could work together on,” Bailey said, citing projects such as the Hardy Toll Road or improvements at an airport.
Bailey called the arrangement a “win-win,” saying Houston would receive the money while The Woodlands would gain long-term protection from annexation.
Some residents said they support the proposal despite the price tag.”The amount is excessive, not gonna lie, but if they have the funds,” resident Debborah Mendez said.
Resident Pervez Iqbal said he believes separating the communities could benefit both sides.
“The cup is already full down there. It doesn’t need to be any fuller,” Iqbal said.
The Houston City Council was expected to consider the proposal Wednesday. Councilmember Ed Pollard asked that the vote be postponed for a week while council members consider the financial implications.
It’s likely Houston City Council will take up the measure again next week.
“Unfortunately, it got tagged by one councilmember today, but hopefully we’re back here next Wednesday and will get it across the finish line,” Bailey said.
Bailey said The Woodlands plans to move forward with its portion of the process and remains hopeful Houston will approve the agreement next week.
“We were going to wait for them to act first, but we’re going to act first, bring it back next week and have The Woodlands Independence Day celebration next week,” Bailey said with a laugh.
If approved by the Houston City Council, the agreement would mark a significant step in The Woodlands’ effort to secure its future independence from annexation by Houston.
“This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.“