Author: HCMUD 501

Update on Greenhouse/Skinner Road Underpass Connection to U.S. 290

Harris County MUD 500 has been working diligently on the design for a roadway underpass and associated trail to connect Greenhouse Road to U.S. 290 and Skinner Road. After significant work and coordination with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and the Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR), the plans and utility relocations are nearing completion. Once the plans are complete, TxDOT will oversee the bidding and construction process for the project, and they will be working with UPRR to finalize the agreements necessary for TxDOT to work within the railroad right of way.

The MUD 500 Board has secured federal funding for 80% of the construction costs for the project in the federal 2026 fiscal year, which runs from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, we expect bidding to occur and construction to start during that timeframe. The MUD 500 Board also is grateful to its local funding partners, Harris County, Precinct 3, the Harris County Toll Road Authority, and Harris County Emergency Services District No. 9 for their agreement to contribute toward the cost of the remaining 20% local share for this important regional mobility project. MUD 500 understands the traffic challenges in the area and is doing everything within its control to get the project underway as quickly as possible.

Spring 2025 Newsletter: Updates from HCMUD 501 on Water Conservation, Safety Tips & Community Events

Stay informed with the latest news from Harris County MUD 501! Our Spring 2025 newsletter highlights essential updates, including:

  • Water Conservation Efforts: Learn how the Eye On Water smart meter system helps detect leaks and save money (only 456 of 1,505 households are enrolled—sign up today!).
  • Community Events: Mark your calendar for the Spring Shred & E-Waste Event on May 10, 2025, at Anthony Middle School.
  • Safety Reminders: Protect your home with practical tips like locking vehicles and closing garage doors. A Security Awareness Seminar is coming soon!
  • Behind-the-Scenes: Directors toured MUD 500’s facilities and attended the AWBD Midwinter Conference to bring best practices to our district.

For full details, download the Spring 2025 Newsletter PDF here. Let’s work together to conserve water and keep our community safe!

Important Reminders Regarding Trash and Recycling Services

The Board of Directors would like to remind residents that trash cans/bags and recycling carts should be placed at the curb by 6:00 a.m. on each collection day.

Additionally, only acceptable materials should be placed into the recycling carts.

For more information on the trash and recycling service guidelines, please visit the “Trash & Recycling” tab at the top of the page or review the Information Sheet here.

Towne Lake Fall Festival – MUD 501 Spreads Joy with Sweet Treats

The Towne Lake Fall Festival was a huge success, bringing together neighbors and families for a day filled with fun, laughter, and seasonal festivities. Held at the Lakehouse, the event featured an array of activities that delighted children and adults alike, but the highlight for many young attendees was the abundance of candy provided by MUD 501. The smiles on the children’s faces as they collected their treats were priceless and added to the joy of the day.

A special thank you goes to Inframark, who not only provided a tent for the event, but they also shared important information about the Eye on Water program, helping residents learn how to monitor their water usage more efficiently. Their presence and assistance made the event even more impactful, benefiting our community in multiple ways.

From pumpkin patches to great music, delicious food, and community engagement, the Fall Festival truly captured the spirit of Towne Lake. Thanks to the efforts of MUD 501 and our partners, it was a day to remember. We look forward to continuing to support our community through events like these in the future!

Fall 2024 Newsletter: MUD 501 Announces Tax Reduction and Switch to Curbside Garbage Collection

This fall, the Harris County Municipal Utility District No. 501 (MUD 501) has great news for its residents. The MUD 501 Board has worked diligently to save you money, announcing a 25% reduction in the 2024 tax rate, the tenth consecutive year of tax rate reductions. Over the years, this has resulted in a cumulative reduction of $0.90 per $100 of taxable assessed value.

In addition to the tax reduction, the MUD 501 Board has made a significant decision to switch to curbside garbage and recycling collection, effective July 1, 2024. This change was necessitated by the escalating costs of garage door service, which would have required an additional $200,000 per year. By opting for curbside collection, MUD 501 residents can enjoy the same high-quality service at a more affordable price.

To learn more about the 2024 tax rate, the new garbage collection services, and other cost-saving measures, please refer to our Fall 2024 newsletter.

Disposal of Liquids

MUD 501 works diligently to provide high-quality garbage collection services to its residents. To that end, the Board would like to remind residents of Texas Pride’s, MUD 501’s garbage and recycling provider, Garbage Collection Service Guidelines.

Recently, a resident disposed of an unknown liquid in their trash and upon compaction in the trash truck, the liquid spilled onto the street. Certain liquids, if not properly cleaned, could leave unsightly stains and foul odors in our community.  They even could pose environmental risks if discharged into the storm sewers, which outfall into the lakes, the centerpiece of Towne Lake. The MUD 501 Board requests that residents avoid placing liquids in their trash to avoid these outcomes.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss solutions for the proper disposal of liquids, please contact MUD 501’s garbage and recycling provider, Texas Pride, at (281) 342-8178.  We appreciate your cooperation in keeping our community safe and looking its best.