Photo Credit: The Woodlands TownshipNews
The Woodlands Township Board Meeting Updates: Bear Branch Dam, Drainage Projects and Proclamations
The Woodlands Township shared the following recap of the Board of Directors’ Regular Meeting on Thursday, September 18, 2025.
The Woodlands Township Board of Directors discussed several important community topics, including an update on the Bear Branch Dam modification project, approved a letter of support to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers backing The Woodlands Water Agency’s request for federal participation in the Bear Branch and Panther Branch drainage project and more!
PROCLAMATIONS
International Walk to School Month Proclamation
Director Dr. Ann K. Snyder read a proclamation designating October as Walk to School Month in The Woodlands. The proclamation emphasized the importance of physical activity, highlighted the Township’s 220-mile pathway network that connects schools, homes and recreation, and encouraged all residents to consider the safety and health of children throughout the year.
National Night Out Proclamation
Vice Chairman Craig Eissler read a proclamation recognizing October 5, 2025, as National Night Out Day in The Woodlands. The proclamation noted the role of Neighborhood Watch and law enforcement in crime, drug and violence prevention, emphasized the importance of police-community partnerships, and encouraged all residents to participate in the nationwide event.
REGULAR AGENDA
APPROVED – Letters of Support for the Bear Branch Dam Modification Project
Erich Peterson of The Woodlands Water Agency presented an update on the Bear Branch Dam modification project. The project, with a total cost exceeding $14 million, is being funded through local municipal utility districts and federal appropriations. The Board unanimously accepted the report and approved letters of support to the Township’s state legislative delegation and the Texas Water Development Board.
APPROVED – Letter of Support for Federal Participation of the Bear Branch and Panther Branch Drainage Project to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
The Board unanimously approved a letter of support to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers backing The Woodlands Water Agency’s request for federal participation in the Bear Branch and Panther Branch drainage project. The project, currently funded by local municipal utility districts and the State of Texas, is designed to improve drainage and flooding relief near The Woodlands High School and nearby neighborhood areas along Research Forest Drive. Planned improvements include channel modifications and two detention facilities along Gosling Road to reduce high-water elevations during major storm events.
ACCEPTED REPORT – Resolution No. 014-25 Nominating a Candidate to Fill Vacancy on the Board of Directors of the Harris Central Appraisal District
The Board received a report regarding the process to nominate a candidate to fill a vacancy on the Harris Central Appraisal District Board of Directors. No nomination was made. The Board unanimously accepted the report.
ACCEPTED REPORT – E-Vehicle Education Program Task Force
Chief Administrative Officer Karen Dempsey provided an update on education efforts related to pathway safety and noted that additional information on activities and metrics will be presented at the next meeting. The Board discussed options for how to address the topic moving forward and unanimously appointed Director Cindy Heiser as liaison to support the effort.
CONSENT AGENDA
The Consent Agenda consists of non-controversial, or “housekeeping” items required by law. One motion with modifications, if applicable, approves for action, all items contained within the Consent Agenda. Items may be moved from the Consent Agenda to the Regular Agenda by a Board Member making such a request prior to a motion and vote. To view more information about each item, please review the Meeting Agenda online.
The following items were unanimously approved by the Board of Directors:
- Receive, consider, and act upon Administrative Reports for Law Enforcement and Community Policing for August 2025
- Receive, consider and act upon Administrative Reports for The Woodlands Fire Department
Stream the meeting online here and review the meeting agenda online here.
Source: The Woodlands Township
