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$4M road improvements to come, more than $500K acquired in grants
Eagle Lake held their annual State of the City event last Thursday, Nov. 7 at the Eagle Lake Community Center, addressing the city’s future, and accomplishments over the course of the year.
The event saw the community center filled to the brim with guests from all over the city and Colorado County, who enjoyed a steak dinner with complimentary wine alongside their meals.
Mayor Timothy Kelley remarked on some of the city’s accomplishments and informed attendees about plans for work to be done around Eagle Lake, including road repair projects, airport improvements and community center work.
Kelley highlighted a $295,000 Texas Parks and Wildlife grant that was received allowing the city to begin the first phase of renovations and expansion of the bird trail next to the Veterans Memorial Park.
A $300,000 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grant was granted for the completion of an updated airport layout plan for the Eagle Lake Regional Airport according to Kelley.
The airport is undergoing improvements using this grant, including a runway extension and additional hangars. A new courtesy car was also provided for pilots visiting the airport, with efforts ongoing to attract new industry and economic development.
Kelley also remarked on the five new homes that were built through the HOME program, congratulating the new homeowners and emphasizing how community involvement went a long way in making the project possible.
“We were able to go around and see the homes, and it was a beautiful day,” said Kelley. “It is just such a great, great thing.”
Eagle Lake will also be working on approving roads according to Kelley, with a budget of $4.13 million allocated for 4.3 miles of new road repairs. The worst roads in Eagle Lake will be completed soon, with a target start date of Dec. 2nd.
Public works also completed various projects, including pool repairs paid for through grant funds, mosquito control, fixing broken pipes and maintaining the wastewater treatment plant.
The community center also received significant upgrades funded by the Wintermann Foundation, including new windows, a commercial refrigerator, and a projection screen. Several community events and initiatives were highlighted, including Summer Movie Night, National Night Out, and Blue Santa.
