The Courier of Montgomery County reports that in order to finish a $21 million dollar effort to bring sewer and water services to Tamina and provide funds for services to help with mental health issues, Montgomery County Commissioners approved a funding plan using the federal American Rescue Plan Act, or ARPA.
Drainage projects across the county will also use the funds to reach completion.
The information was presented to commissioners by Budget Officer Amanda Carter, who noted that the deadline to use the funds was September 2026.
The primary project on the list is the plan to bring Tamina water and sewer services. About 1,000 people reside in Tamina, a community founded in 1871 by emancipated slaves. It is on the other side of I-45 from the Woodlands.
In regard to the county looking to fund help for mental health, back in November of 2022 commissioners okayed a $15 million dollar extended agreement with Tri-County Behavioral health care, which is an agency that focuses on mental health. With the contract set to expire by the end of the year, the county is in negotiations with Tri-County for renewal, according to the Executive Director for the county’s Office of Emergency Management Jason Millsaps.
If the county does not extend the contract, Budge Officer Carter said it would have available $8 million to fund other projects.
Drainage projects funded by ARPA are being worked on. To take care of drainage issues, back in March of 2023 $20 million in federal funds was allocated with each precinct receiving $5 million.
