2025 Infrastructure Recap

As another year comes to a close, we reflect on the infrastructure work completed in 2025 and share what lies ahead for Runaway Bay in 2026. This past year largely focused on foundational work to the City’s water and sewer systems. Much of it behind the scenes and not always visible, but necessary to keeping Runaway Bay safe, compliant, and well-maintained for years to come.

Infrastructure Planning & Oversight

• Water and sewer infrastructure remained a priority for safety, reliability, and regulatory compliance

• Water tower maintenance, including full restoration of the City’s iconic “golf ball” water tower

• Continued progress on water and wastewater system improvements, including preparatory work on lift stations and water lines

• Approved task authorizations with Freese and Nichols for upgrades to the Wastewater Treatment Plant Chlorine Building, the Jim Walters Lift Station, and the Port O’ Call South Lift Station

Oncor Collaboration

• Oncor invested approximately $5 million in Runaway Bay as part of its initiative to improve electrical systems in smaller communities

• Construction of a new substation to improve reliability

• Continued upgrades to poles, transformers, automated equipment, and system hardening measures for wildfire mitigation and outage reduction

Public Works

• Completed a wide range of work orders in addition to daily maintenance responsibilities

• The City invested $18,894.96 in road repairs and materials, including pothole repairs and asphalt work – 1 mile maintenance on Martins Ln

• Re-asphalted the entrance to the City on Runaway Bay Drive

• Provided year-round, around-the-clock response to water line repairs, including street excavation and restoration

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Responsible Financial Planning

• The City secured a $2 million line of credit along with state and federal grant funding to support infrastructure improvements

  • EPA: $1.75 million

  • U.S. Army Corps of Engineers: $6.75 million

• These grants help offset project costs, reducing the financial burden on taxpayers, while allowing critical work to move forward

2026: Looking Ahead

As we look toward 2026, the focus remains simple: maintain what we have, complete projects already underway, and plan responsibly for the future. Priorities include:

• Continued work on water and wastewater infrastructure

• Completing engineering design with Freese and Nichols

• Determining infrastructure upgrade priorities based on the outcomes of engineering reports, ensuring system capacity keeps pace with current and future needs

• Preparing for construction and phased infrastructure work using finalized design plans

• Continued collaboration with Oncor on electrical upgrades, including transitioning systems to three-phase power and improving maintenance procedures

• Addressing road damage on Jim Walters in coordination with County and consulting engineers

• Ongoing road maintenance and repairs as needed

• Monitoring a federal funded grant for upcoming infrastructure projects in coordination with Congressman Ronny Jackson’s office

Thank you to everyone who stayed engaged throughout 2025 by asking questions, attending meetings, and volunteering. Your involvement helps guide the City and strengthens our community.

Here’s to a peaceful and productive new year in Runaway Bay!