Mary Scott NabersTexas voters approved hundreds of millions of dollars in bond proposals on Election Day this past Tuesday. More than 50 cities, counties and school districts put measures before voters to fund projects such as road repairs, facility construction and renovations and public school campus improvements.
The projects that will be funded are significant because Texas is expected to gain approximately 5 million people by 2036. Population growth over the past decade has been remarkable, leading to significant demands for basic infrastructure and facilities across the state. The projected population growth will only increase the pressure on the state’s aging and already strained infrastructure.
Texas voters approved most of the bond proposals, indicating agreement with the need to prepare for future growth—and particularly showing support for meeting the needs of public schools. The opportunities described here are outlined in the Texas Bond Report, a research document that is produced each year by Strategic Partnerships, Inc. The team also produces the same type of report for all 50 states, and the cumulative national research outlines upcoming projects that represent many billions in new funding that is now available for upcoming projects over the next several years.
Voters in Allen, a suburb of Dallas, approved a $419.1 million bond package to fund renovations and improvements designed to modernize several school facilities. Seven campuses will receive new flooring, wall coverings, lighting, plumbing and HVAC systems. A new multi-purpose complex at Allen High School will be developed to offer lecture-style classrooms. Other initiatives will include construction of a 120-yard simultaneous-use space, the addition of more locker rooms and the expansion of training and recovery areas for student-athletes.
The Allen ISD Activity Complex will receive improvements that include resurfacing the tennis courts, adding new tiered seating and upgrading some track surfaces. Campuses will receive safety and technology improvements such as security camera system upgrades, new automated electric defibrillators, more fire alarms, fire suppression panels and improved central lockdown capabilities.
Sugar Land voters approved all five bond propositions on the ballot, which totaled $350 million. The bond package requested funding of $124 million for public safety projects, including $63 million to support construction of a police headquarters building with updated technology and the renovation of existing police and court facilities. An additional $32.4 million will be used for the design and construction of fire training structures for live fire training and a permanent gun range to allow indoor training.
Voters approved $97.5 million for streets, sidewalks and mobility improvements, including $18 million for reconstruction and/or replacement of full-depth concrete panels on residential streets in various locations. Another $30.6 million is now available for water drainage projects. Approximately $33.4 million is now available for city facilities to be upgraded and modernized with new roofs, HVAC systems and other technology.
Voters In Round Rock, just north of Austin, approved a $932.2 million bond package, one of the largest in the school district’s history. The full bond package included four separate propositions, three of which were passed. Proposition A, which passed, allocates $798.3 million to renovate, maintain and improve multiple campus and districtwide facilities. The funding will support replacing HVAC, roofing, electrical and plumbing systems, along with updates like painting, new ceiling tiles and flooring. It will also fund classroom additions, safety and security upgrades, digital marquees, buses, robotics equipment and a new facility for expanding career and technical education programs.
Also passed was Proposition B, which includes $125.3 million to upgrade instructional technology and infrastructure, such as adding interactive flat panels in classrooms and upgrades to the wireless internet network. Proposition C, totaling $8.6 million, was approved to fund upgrades to stage lighting and sound systems in three of the district’s performing arts centers.
In Corpus Christi, voters said yes to a $175 million bond package that will fund improvements to streets, public safety facilities, parks and recreation facilities and cultural destinations. Approximately $89.5 million was approved for 18 transportation projects, including improvements to residential streets. Project improvements will include new pavement, curbs and gutters, upgrades to sidewalks with ADA-compliant ramps, new signage, pavement markings, lighting, utility improvements and drainage improvements.
Another $37.6 million was approved for improvements to parks, aquatic centers, baseball complexes and boat ramps. Projects include $10 million to replace the club house at the Oso Golf Center with a two-story, 10,000-square-foot facility that will include locker rooms, a pro shop, meeting rooms, a patio, snack bar, kitchen and lounge. Public safety improvements will be supported by $45 million which is allocated for facilities, including $25 million to demolish and replace Fire Station 8 and 10 and $9 million to construct a police substation on the city’s northwest side. Finally, about $3 million is tagged for improvements to cultural facilities such as a railroad museum.
Citizens in El Paso County approved three bond proposals – totaling $155 million – for projects that will be implemented countywide.
Proposition A allocated $95.6 million to parks and recreation facilities, including a new festival area outdoor stage, pavilion parking expansion, walking trail and overhead electric poles at Ascarate Park. Veteran’s Park improvements include an upgraded playground surface, shade structures, outdoor basketball court and landscaping. The proposition also funds new walking trails and lighting upgrades at Sportspark Field.
Another voter-approved funding amount of $26.7 million will fund construction of a new Office of Medical Examiner building while $32.7 million will be used to build the county’s first animal shelter.
In the Dallas suburb of Highland Park, voters approved a $137.3 million bond package that will fund repairs and renovations to campuses districtwide. Priorities include fencing, security and fire alarm upgrades, HVAC, roofs, plumbing, flooring, electrical systems, sump pump replacement, restroom renovations and kitchen improvements at several campuses. The bond package also allocated funding for chiller piping system repairs at the McCulloch Intermediate School and improvements to extracurricular facilities.
The projects recently funded will see high demand for not only professional services, construction and technology, but will also offer numerous opportunities for landscaping along with a demand for furniture and other specialized needs.
Photo courtesy Kara Nuzback
