The La Porte City Council convened on October 14, 2024, to address several key agenda items, including the adoption of a drought contingency plan and updates on ongoing construction projects.

The meeting began with a discussion on the necessity of a drought contingency plan, mandated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) for public water systems with over 33,100 connections. City officials highlighted that La Porte has maintained a drought plan since 1999, which requires evaluation and adoption every five years. The latest update revealed no significant changes to the plan, aside from minor corrections. The plan aims to manage and conserve water supply during drought conditions, which have recently intensified in the region.

City representatives noted that Texas is currently experiencing severe drought, with 32% of the state under some drought stage. The council emphasized the importance of the plan in mitigating the adverse effects of water shortages, which can lead to increased water usage, infrastructure stress, and higher bills for residents. The plan outlines four stages of water use restrictions, escalating from voluntary measures to mandatory restrictions based on water supply capacity. The council unanimously adopted Ordinance 2024-4024, formalizing the updated drought contingency plan.

Following the drought discussion, the council received a presentation on the third quarter Capital Improvement Program (CIP) report. Updates were provided on several construction projects, including the Bayside Terrace project, which is approximately 60% complete and expected to finish by March 2025. The Lomax lift station is also progressing, with the wet well expected to be completed by December 2024. Additionally, the Recreation Center's first phase is nearing completion, with a projected opening for staff in early January 2025.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue monitoring the drought situation and ensuring the timely completion of ongoing projects, reinforcing the city's dedication to infrastructure improvement and resource management.