By David Taylor / Managing Editor
Pct. 3 Commissioner Tom Ramsey paid a visit to the Crosby-Huffman Chamber of Commerce and gave members an update on what’s coming.
“It’s a pleasure to be here with you today. As business owners, you’re truly fortunate to operate in unincorporated Harris County—there’s no better place anywhere,” Ramsey said. “For the past five years, I’ve had the privilege of serving as commissioner for more than half the county, thanks to the way district lines are drawn. In fact, I oversee nearly half of the county’s unincorporated areas, which means I’m responsible for maintaining 6,800 miles of roads—an enormous task.”
Ramsey emphasized the statutory obligation to maintain infrastructure, noting, “At the end of the day, it’s the unincorporated parts of Harris County where growth is accelerating. In the next decade, we expect 18,000 new homes to be constructed east of Lake Houston. Whatever your business may be, take this into account for future planning. The growth is real, and it’s coming.”
Groundwater and Water Supply Planning
The prospect of developing 18,000 homes raises concerns regarding water supply. During a meeting with the head of the Subsidence District, it was noted that there is currently no established plan for providing surface water to support future population growth. Both industrial and residential activities have drawn significant amounts of water from underground aquifers, which could increase subsidence if additional demand is placed on these sources by new residents. Areas such as Crosby and Huffman have not yet encountered significant subsidence issues, while regions like Katy are experiencing them.
Precinct Projects
There is considerable discussion about the costs of using groundwater versus surface water, with groundwater being substantially less expensive per unit. Water remains an underpriced commodity in Harris County, where supply is abundant but management strategies may require review. The majority of the county’s water is sourced from the Trinity River, which, along with the Neches River, experienced severe drought conditions in 1959. In response, the state legislature authorized the construction of 27 reservoirs in the 1960s, including Lake Livingston and Lake Conroe, but only one has been built since. Recent legislative efforts have allocated additional funding to address long-term water planning. Furthermore, after a series of major storms, Precinct 3 employees removed approximately one million cubic yards of debris, equivalent to the volume of NRG Stadium.
“Our role is to provide core services—cleaning ditches, paving roads, maintaining parks, and preparing for new development,” Ramsey explained. Recent upgrades include improved lighting at Crosby Park for the soccer leagues and enhancements at Raleigh, Chambers, and other parks. For infrastructure, approximately $80 million is being invested in asphalt reconstruction across Channelview, Crosby, Huffman, and Highlands, with some work already underway and Ramsey Road in its third phase. The intersection at Crosby-Dayton will be replaced with concrete for durability, and $10–15 million is earmarked annually for neighborhood street repairs, including Reidland and Holy Road.
Recognizing years of neglected ditching, Commissioner Ramsey hired a contract crew now working from Highlands to Crosby, clearing up to 10,000 feet per day, while in-house teams address neighborhood ditches. He also noted plans for 5,000 to 7,000 new homes on Foley Road, with efforts underway to address future traffic demands in partnership with developers.
Community centers
“Community centers are valuable resources for those who need a place to go, especially seniors like myself,” Ramsey said. I often promote our trips: we have 20 buses and organize one-day outings within a two-hour radius, such as visiting the Blue Bell Creamery in Brenham for free ice cream, with no charge for the bus ride.
Commissioners Court drama
Judge Lina Hidalgo has exhibited ongoing challenges in accepting certain outcomes, particularly following votes she does not win, as these instances tend to be referenced repeatedly. This situation has become noteworthy enough to address the procedural avenues available for removing an official from office. Contrary to misconceptions, the process does not involve gathering public signatures; instead, it requires a formal petition by an individual, after which a district judge would preside over the matter. These procedures exist for valid reasons, and, under certain circumstances, removal could be justified regardless of political affiliation. In candid conversations, many members of the court—including, potentially, some Democratic colleagues, might share similar concerns, though they may not express them publicly.
“My perspective is informed by representing the 1.2 million residents of unincorporated Harris County and recognizing the impact of current approaches on community safety and well-being. For context, there were 550 homicides in Harris County last year, with 95 occurring in unincorporated areas. Statistically, individuals residing in Houston face a fivefold higher risk compared to those in unincorporated Harris County,” Ramsey concluded. Residents prioritize safe neighborhoods, quality schools, and access to parks. “Currently, our area boasts 73 parks, and we remain open to land donations to further expand communal green spaces. Creating and maintaining such assets remains a central focus of our objectives,” he told chamber members.
