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The East Aldine Management District Board of Directors voted Tuesday to approve a $1.7 million funding partnership with Harris County Water Control and Improvement District No. 74, advancing a critical water infrastructure project and reinforcing the district’s long-standing commitment to priorities identified by residents nearly three decades ago.

The action aligns with the district’s Aldine Service and Action Plan, which was developed from a 1998 Harris County study capturing the community’s top concerns — including water and sewer infrastructure, transportation, public safety, neighborhood cleanup, environmental design and economic development.

$1.7M approved partnership supports water infrastructure

The Harris County Water Control & Improvement District (WCID) #74 proposal drew significant public interest during Tuesday’s meeting.

The project will help WCID #74 comply with Houston–Galveston Subsidence District regulations requiring a conversion from groundwater to surface water. The effort includes construction of a 12-inch surface water transmission line and disinfection system upgrades, with total costs estimated at approximately $4.48 million.

WCID #74 initially requested a 50/50 partnership valued at about $2.24 million from each entity. After discussion, the board unanimously voted to support the partnership at an amended amount of $1.7 million with set parameters, and the motion was approved.

Residents urged approval, noting that funding the project solely through water bills could significantly impact elderly residents and households on fixed incomes.

The vote directly supports one of the Service and Action Plan’s foundational goals: strengthening water and sewer infrastructure.

Public comments reflect community-driven priorities

Several speakers also raised concerns about a proposed apartment complex near Aldine Meadows, citing traffic, public safety and school capacity.

Among them was Jezebel Zavala, a Johnson Elementary student, who read a statement expressing concern about how additional development could affect her school.

Other residents thanked the board for its continued investment in neighborhood events and public spaces, including the recent Zydeco Festival.

Financial report shows strong start to 2026

The board approved January financial reports showing $1,475,858.56 in total sources of funds and $704,895.33 in total uses of funds, resulting in a monthly excess of $770,963.23.

Executive Director Richard Cantú said revenues are trending more than $235,000 above budget early in the year, averaging 11% to 14% above expectations — positioning the district to continue implementing Service and Action Plan priorities.

Investments span infrastructure, mobility, public safety and economic development

In addition to the WCID partnership, the board approved actions that touch nearly every major category of the Service and Action Plan:

Water & Sewer Infrastructure

  • Approved $2,072.10 for the Hartwick Sanitary Sewer Extension Project.
  • Approved $63,008 in engineering invoices related to district projects.
  • Authorized a Loan Forgiveness Agreement through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund with the Texas Water Development Board.
  • Approved issuance of $11 million in Sales Tax Revenue Bonds to support capital improvements.

Transportation & Mobility

  • Received updates on an $850,000 federal grant for sidewalk improvements near Worsham Elementary.
  • Advanced planning updates related to Keith-Wiess Park and additional street lighting phases.

Security & Public Safety

  • Approved up to $6,000 to support HCSO Explorer Post 42’s participation in a statewide police explorer competition.
  • Continued investment in street lighting, including approval of additional park lighting not to exceed $51,000.

Neighborhood Cleanup & Environmental Design

  • January crews collected more than 13,000 pounds of litter and removed 928 bandit signs.
  • Approved a $90,000 Town Center art installation and a $16,000 student-led bollard art project to enhance community spaces.

Economic Development & Public Relations

  • Approved a $4,000 annual economic development data tool to help attract investors and site selectors.
  • Approved sponsorship partnerships with the Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Northside Chamber.
  • Approved community event funding, including the district’s first Annual Spring Festival and a four-show drone contract tied to major district events.

Leadership & Community Engagement

  • Approved $75,000 for Bonding Against Adversity to support citizenship and civic engagement programs.
  • Funded a field trip for approximately 100 special education students in recognition of academic growth.

Since adopting the Aldine Service and Action Plan, the board has taken direct action across each of these categories, translating resident priorities into funded projects and measurable improvements.

The meeting reflected that continued approach — pairing fiscal stewardship with infrastructure investment and community programming rooted in long-standing neighborhood input.