Rowlett Infrastructure

Okay, a little disclaimer on the picture above. Before you say, "I've never seen

traffic this bad in Rowlett!" I will admit that the picture is a “slight” exaggeration

of our traffic conditions here. However, I am sure you will agree that this is what it

feels like sometimes from the viewpoint of our windshield!

Infrastructure comprises things like local roads, streets, access roads, bridges, and

sidewalks. An expanded view would also include waste disposal, water, and

sewer, etc. For the purposes of this topic, allow me to confine the discussion to local roads

and streets because I believe that’s where attention is warranted and the public

desires. Both people and businesses want and deserve better infrastructure. It’s an

understatement to say, but there are many streets and bridges that can no longer

meet the demands of increased growth in our city’s population. If I were to name

many of these streets and locations, then this writing would read more like a

novel.

One such example is the stretch of Miller Road to Chiesa, east of George Bush.

Many whose travels take them on this journey (some might call it an adventure)

will attest to how poor this portion of our road system is. There are many

complexities involved in improving infrastructure, with cost being the primary

driver. I am proud to say that I helped secure the funding for improvements, east of the

bridge to Dalrock Road, as well as the on-going improvements for Chiesa (Miller

to Dalrock). Our city has also worked hard to improve efficiencies in improving our road

infrastructure by taking on more of the work in-house. We have the expertise to

rebuild/resurface many of the roads/streets ourselves, and we will continue to

see more of this type of work performed by city employees. That provides

considerable savings to the citizens when compared to external contractors.

Our infrastructure challenges are not only related to money, but coordination

outside of the city of Rowlett. When you consider the fact that the bridge over

the lake is under the control of the City of Dallas, then it adds more to the complexity since improvements must include coordination/agreement with Dallas, as well as securing funding from Dallas County. Why is infrastructure so important? Well, strictly from a quality-of-life issue it’s important for people who already live here. It’s also important for our current and

future growth. Rowlett is growing (population-wise) an average of 1.77% annually. In 2020 our population was 69,765. In reality we are closer to 73,000 now in early 2025. From

the 2010 census to the 2020 census, Rowlett’s population increased by 24.14%. I will continue to push for additional funding that addresses our infrastructure needs. The challenge will always be to move forward in improvements, while keeping the tax burden as low as possible for our citizens.

Mike4Rowlett