The Fulshear Economic Development Corporation meeting on April 14, 2025, focused on a significant proposal regarding the Westpark Toll Road expansion. Public Works Director Gary Shaws presented a request for funding to conduct a vertical alignment study, which aims to explore the possibility of an underpass option for the toll road as it extends through downtown Fulshear.

Shaws emphasized the potential impact of the toll road on the community, noting that the current plans suggest an elevated structure that could further divide neighborhoods. He expressed concerns about the toll road becoming a barrier rather than a connector within the city. The discussion highlighted the importance of considering alternatives that would minimize disruption and maintain community cohesion.

The proposal aims to analyze the feasibility of an underpass, which could alleviate some of the negative effects associated with an elevated toll road. Shaws referenced similar challenges faced by communities across the United States and shared insights from his experiences observing how other cities have addressed such infrastructure issues.

The meeting underscored the urgency of addressing the toll road's design to ensure it serves as a positive addition to Fulshear rather than a divisive element. The Economic Development Corporation will consider the funding request for the study in future discussions, with the goal of fostering a more integrated and accessible community.