Gannoway Lake trail system is identified as a key improvement area in the City of Sugar Land’s 2018 Parks, Recreation, & Open Space Master Plan and remains a top priority for residents. The proposed trail aligns with the 2023 Sugar Land Mobility Master Plan by enhancing connectivity between Gannoway Lake and Cullinan Park. This project also supports the City's broader goals of improving bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure and recreational opportunities.
The trail will feature a 10-foot-wide shared-use path along Burney Road, extending from Voss Road to Oyster Creek, and then west along Oyster Creek to Cullinan Park. Key improvements include:
· Boardwalk construction along Gannoway Lake’s southern edge.
· Connections to Imperial Trails.
· Enhanced pedestrian safety at the SH6 intersection.
· A new pedestrian bridge over Oyster Creek near SH6.
· NEPA environmental clearance.
· Geotechnical investigations.
· Hydraulic and floodplain impact analyses.
· Surveying and bid phase services.
The Engineering Department secured $3,827,204 in funding through the H-GAC Carry Over Spend Down STBG Grant Program to cover project design and construction costs. As these funds originate from federal sources, TxDOT will oversee project administration in accordance with the Local Government Project Procedures (LGPP) Manual. Additionally, $800,000 in funding from Fort Bend County’s 2020 Parks Bond will be made available upon execution of an Interlocal Agreement.
The Engineering Department followed the grant requirement and the City's Professional Services Selection Policy No. PU-109 and published a formal Request for Qualifications (RFQ). The City received seven (7) submittals, which were evaluated according to the published ranking criteria. The two (2) highest ranking engineering consultants were selected for interviews. Based on the interviews, Gauge Engineering, LLC. is recommended as the design firm for this project. Although Gauge has not previously worked with the City, the firm has successfully completed many similar grant funded trail projects in the greater Houston area, including cities of similar structure like the City of Pearland. This track record highlights their ability to manage and execute projects requiring compliance with TxDOT letting processes and LGPP requirements.
The Engineering Department has negotiated the above scope of work with Gauge Engineering, LLC for a fee in the amount of $559,766.86. Completion of design is anticipated in June 2026 followed by a bid phase period and construction starting in the Fall of 2026.
The Engineering Department recommends that the City Council authorize the execution of a professional services contract with Gauge Engineering, LLC for the Gannoway Lake Trails Project CIP CPK2501 in the amount of $559,766.86.