The Magnolia 4B Community Development Corp. approved two new potential projects pending a public hearing and the go-ahead from City Attorney Leonard Schneider.

One potential project would be the installation of a pressure equalization valve on the 8-inch water line in Unity Park, which would loop the water lines from Water Stations 1 and 2. The addition of the new valve would improve water pressure and fire protection for the Magnolia business district.

City Administrator Paul Mendes said that currently Water Station 2 is at a higher elevation than Water Station 1.

At the time that the pipes were connected in Unity Park, the pipes were intended to be looped with the valve, he explained. However, financial constraints at the time of construction disabled the city from installing the valve.

Mendes said that due to the lack of the valve, Water Station 2 has been creating an overflow in Water Station 1.

According to Mendes, the cost of the valve and installation could be close to $50,000. He said 4B could install the valve itself using resources available to the city, which could possibly cut the cost in half.

Members of 4B unanimously accepted the project pending a public hearing.

Another project 4B could take on would be installing and maintaining downtown upgrades. This would include lighting improvements, drainage improvements, irrigation, and parking, among others.

The board would be able to select new lighting along FM 1774. Mendes said the downtown area would potentially wait until the FM 1774 expansion is finished.

Board members said they would want to confirm with Schneider that the project is within the intent of the statute creating the Economic Development Corporation.

“If the City Attorney says it’s alright, then we’ll do it,” 4B member Clyde Hunt said.

While no official budget was set, board members agreed on $75,000 as a preliminary budget.

Mendes said that at a workshop set for July 29, board members could better analyze the 4B budget and decide on an appropriate budget for the project.

The project was accepted contingent on the OK from the city attorney and pending a public hearing.

A date for the public hearing was not set as of press time last week.

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