INFRASTRUCTURE UPGRADES TO MATCH RAPID GROWTH As Wolfforth continues to expand rapidly, city officials have prioritized infrastructure improvements to accommodate the influx of new residents and businesses. “The growth hit us more quickly than expected, and exceeded some of the preparation that had been made,” explains Randy Criswell, Wolfforth’s City Manager.“Over the past three years, we’ve aggressively expanded our water supply by securing a water supply contract with Lubbock and working with developers to secure water rights.” A key part of this effort is a $31.5 million capital improvement plan focused on water infrastructure, including a recently launched $5 million project to build a half-million-gallon elevated storage tank. “That gets us from trying to catch up to staying ahead of our growth,” Criswell adds. Additionally, the city has undertaken projects to enhance water distribution and storage capacity, including the construction of new treatment facilities and the upgrading of pipelines to ensure long-term water security. Sewer infrastructure is another priority, with plans in place to expand wastewater treatment capacity through a partnership with the City of Lubbock. “We will be working with our neighboring city to enhance our treatment capabilities and ensure that we can efficiently handle our future needs,” Criswell says. Road development is also a major focus, with multiple projects aimed at improving connectivity. “We’re working closely with TxDOT and the City of Lubbock to enhance our roadways and ensure smooth transportation for residents and businesses,” he adds. These initiatives include expanding key intersections, adding traffic control measures, and enhancing public access to commercial zones. MEETING HOUSING DEMAND With growth comes a demand for housing. “We’ve been permitting around 300 new homes annually for the past three years,” says Tara Tomlinson, Director of Development Services. We have four significant developments underway, featuring a mix of starter homes, rental properties, and high-end housing. One of Wolfforth’s unique features is the diversity of 131 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 04 WOLFFORTH, TX
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