Conroe city officials have canceled a $193 million project to extend Old Conroe Road due to a lack of funding commitment from Montgomery County, opting instead to focus on critical water and sewer infrastructure needs. While the city secured federal funds to cover most of the cost, they were still responsible for approximately $40 million. City officials expressed concerns about the financial risk without county partnership, especially given the city’s urgent water infrastructure issues. Despite having already spent $4.7 million on the project, the city estimated an additional $42.5 million would be required due to the county’s uncertain involvement.
Montgomery County Judge Mark Keough, however, stated that the county is committed to moving forward with the Old Conroe Road extension in collaboration with Precinct 2 Commissioner Charlie Riley. Keough emphasized the importance of the project and the potential loss of significant federal funding from the Houston-Galveston Area Council if the project were abandoned.
The 5.7-mile collaborative project between Conroe and the Texas Department of Transportation aimed to connect Sgt. Ed Holcombe Boulevard and Old Conroe Road with a bridge over the West Fork of the San Jacinto River and Lake Creek. Conroe officials noted that only a small portion of the project lies within city limits, suggesting the county would be the primary beneficiary. Mayor Pro Tem Harry Hardman indicated that the county’s recent approval of a substantial bond without allocating funds for this project effectively forced Conroe’s decision.