The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) started the US 90A roadway widening project in the summer of 2016 between SH 6 and SH 99.  The project’s purpose was to add a third lane in each direction by removing part of the center median for the westbound direction and adding to the outside edge of roadway on the eastbound direction. TxDOT had to rebuild the signalized intersection at Easton Ave and relocate eight (8) roadway lights in the center median.

Prior to the construction project, the eight roadway lights were maintained through the City’s maintenance agreement with Center Point Energy (CPE). CPE maintained lighting is not metered as the City pays a set rate each month per light for maintenance and electricity. During the project, TxDOT reinstalled the lights with metered service as required by state policy to meet National Electric Code (NEC). This triggered Center Point to remove these lights from their agreement with the City. Center Point will no longer maintain the eight highway lights due to the new metered service installed by TxDOT.

During construction, TxDOT was responsible for the operation of the eight roadways lights. The US 90A construction is now complete and TxDOT has requested the City of Sugar Land to take over operations and maintenance of the eight highway lights per an existing maintenance agreement with the state. The agreement specifies that any City over the population of 50,000 has to maintain and operate the lighting systems along state routes. TxDOT did not account for the cost ($6,846) to purchase the CPE owned lights and requested the City purchase the lights from CPE. The City did not budget for the cost and requested CPE to donate the lights. CPE agreed to donate the lights and if accepted per Resolution No 06-44 (Acceptance of Capital Donations to the City of Sugar Land) which requires council approval, the City will maintain the lights through the City’s continuous lighting maintenance contract. Previously, the City was paying CPE approx. $26/month per light which covered electricity and any maintenance. Staff approximates that the average electricity+maintenance cost for each light is $15/month per light which will be covered within existing operations maintenance contract.

In accordance with City Resolution No. 06-44, Policy for Accepting Capital Donations, the Public Works Department recommends that the City Council accept the Center Point Energy donation, and authorize the execution of the Donation Agreement by and between the City of Sugar Land, Texas and CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric, LLC for eight roadway lights along U.S. 90A, between south Highway 6 and Easton Avenue.