14/05/2026
State Sen. Lois Kolkhorst, R-Brenham, spoke Wednesday at the Highway 36A Coalition quarterly luncheon, discussing the pressing needs for infrastructure such as Highway 36A to accommodate the region and state’s rapid growth, while wrestling with the need for transparency and communication with residents affected by that growth.
Sen. Kolkhorst mentioned two upcoming projects in particular that will serve to accelerate growth – a $16 billion natural gas plant in Anderson County, and a proposed $119 billion Space X semiconductor manufacturing and advanced computing facility to be located in Grimes County. Those projects added to the existing growth and development in the region create a need for more transportation corridors, she said told the audience. In addition, the growth in exports and the state’s port activity, particularly freight traffic, will increase demand for a robust north-south corridor like 36A.
She also discussed the ongoing state funding challenges, with the expectation that legislators will come into the next session with a slight funding surplus, but one insufficient to meet all competing needs such as transportation.
Sen. Kolkhorst also raised the issue of the incredible demand for data centers, plus the growing opposition they face. She said the state needs to look carefully at how best to regulate them to ensure local residents’ concerns are heard and addressed to the best extent possible.
Thank you to our table sponsors EHRA, AIGTech, Quiddity, LJA, Twinwood Development, and Cobb Fendley & Associates, and thank you to all our guests for your participation and support for 36A Andy Meyers Shane Pirtle P.E. Jim Russ Donna Adams Vernon W. Hegwood, P.E.
