Crockett Plans Major Water Line Replacement Along East Houston, East Goliad
By Greg Ritchie
Messenger Reporter
CROCKETT — The City of Crockett is preparing for a major water infrastructure project that will replace aging water lines along East Houston Avenue and East Goliad Avenue between the downtown Square and Loop 304.
The existing 4-inch cast iron lines were installed in the 1940s and are approximately 80 years old. They will be replaced with new 8-inch C900 PVC pipe as part of a $3.4 million project supported by the Texas Water Development Board.
The project will be divided between a $1.7 million grant and a $1.7 million zero-interest loan, both provided through the TWDB.
City Administrator John Angerstein said the project reflects a broader effort by Crockett to pursue outside funding for infrastructure improvements while maintaining the financial reserves needed to qualify for grant programs.
“Historically, the city has passed on some very good grant opportunities, whether because of the time and effort required for lengthy applications and ongoing reporting, or because the city did not maintain sufficient cash reserves to provide the required local match,” Angerstein said. “During my tenure, we have made it a priority to change that approach by aggressively pursuing grant opportunities and maintaining healthy reserves so that when funding becomes available, Crockett is in a position to compete for it.”
The water line project will replace approximately half of the existing pipe in its current location through a burst-and-replace method. In areas where the roads widen, the new water line will be relocated into a city easement.
The work will also include installation of new valves and meter connections.
Angerstein said the city’s aging water and sewer infrastructure requires an investment that would be difficult for local residents to bear without outside assistance.
“The condition of our aging water and sewer infrastructure requires major investment, arguably more than our citizens could ever reasonably afford on their own,” he said. “That makes it critical that we leverage every local dollar to bring as many outside dollars back to Crockett as possible.”
The city is slated to invest nearly $20 million in water and sewer infrastructure this year, Angerstein said. The majority of that investment is expected to come from grant funding, with the remainder financed primarily through zero-percent and low-interest loans.
“The East Goliad and East Houston water line project is another example of that strategy at work and of our continued commitment to rebuilding Crockett’s infrastructure for the future,” Angerstein said.
The project also targets areas where old water lines have contributed to leaks and water discoloration complaints.
“We are prioritizing replacing the areas where we experience the most water leaks and discoloration due to old piping,” Angerstein said.
The city plans to advertise construction bids and open them in late September or early October 2026. The Crockett City Council is expected to award the construction contract in November.
A pre-construction conference and Notice to Proceed are planned for December 2026. Construction is expected to begin in early 2027 and is estimated to take approximately 10 months to complete.
Once the water line work is finished, the Texas Department of Transportation is expected to install new pavement along both streets in late 2027.
Because East Houston Avenue and East Goliad Avenue are state highways, the roadways are maintained by TxDOT rather than the City of Crockett. Angerstein said TxDOT is prioritizing pavement work in the areas where the city replaces the water lines.
The coordinated schedule is intended to allow the underground infrastructure work to be completed before the streets receive new pavement.
Greg Ritchie can be reached at [email protected]
