The event at the DoubleTree by Hilton Abilene Downtown Convention Center opened with a welcome from City Manager Robert Hanna, setting the stage for Mayor Weldon Hurt’s address. Hurt covered a range of pressing issues, including street improvements, Abilene’s water future, quality of life initiatives, safety bonds, and more.
Following the mayor’s remarks, a panel of local leaders shared insights from their areas of expertise, featuring:
Check out our recap of Mayor Weldon Hurt’s full address below, and stay tuned for the complete forum coming to BigCountryHomepage later this week!
Cypress Street Improvement Project
Quality of Life & Bond Projects
In Phase 1, the city completed 20-foot-wide sidewalks, reconstructed the street for single-lane, two-way traffic, installed hand-laid paver intersections, added mid-block pedestrian crossovers, and developed landscape beds for native trees and landscaping. This phase was completed in late fall.
Phase 2 began on January 6, 2025, and Phase 3 is expected to begin in the summer of 2025. The entire project is anticipated to be completed in early 2026, including final landscaping and decorative lighting, with a maximum price of just under $9.549 million.
Abilene has seen major improvements in its infrastructure since bond packages in 2015. Implementing a street maintenance fee in 2018 has played a role in these efforts, as well as an additional $22.763 million from the City and the Development Corporation of Abilene. As a result, 29% of Abilene’s streets have been reconstructed or improved. These funds have allowed a $148.6 million investment in Abilene streets.
In 2025, the city is suggesting several areas for improvement in street maintenance.
The city has made strides in enhancing its water supply and management. The city has secured nearly 11 billion gallons of additional raw water supply annually and has adopted innovative techniques for reusing treated wastewater. Their collaboration with San Angelo and Midland has led to the formation of the West Texas Water Partnership, which aims to strengthen our water resources. Additionally, the council is advancing the permitting process for a new water source at Cedar Ridge Reservoir.
While they face increasing challenges from the EPA concerning the removal of PFAS levels from our water, Hurt says they remain committed to exceeding regulatory requirements and delivering excellent water utility services to residents.
All Kind Animal Initiative relocated to the Jane & Phil Guitar Pet Adoption Resource Center (PARC) in October. This project is a result of a public-private funding partnership, which included $5.5 million from All Kind and $6.1 million from the city. Mayor Hurt mentioned that they are also exploring additional ordinances related to pet ownership and breeding.
Camp Barkeley was relocated for the expansion of the AYSA flat fields and reopened next to the PARC, featuring:
New restroom facilities are set to be installed in February 2025.
The Cedar Creek Walkway is a new 10-foot-wide concrete hike and bike trail from East South 11th to East North 10th.
The new facility is strategically located at 707 Spur at Highway 83/84, catering to the needs of the far south side of Abilene. Groundbreaking for the project took place in October 2024, with a projected completion date set for January 2026. The development is being funded with $8 million from 2022 bond money.
The new parking lot, funded by the 2023 Bond, will be completed in the summer, and the Caribbean Cove exhibit renovation will open in early summer. An expanded sloth exhibit, new aviaries, a renovated children’s area, full-view animal warm-holding exhibits and more are still underway in this nearly $24.5 million expansion
The Abilene Youth Sports Authority Recreation Outdoor Complex, located on city parkland leased to AYSA for $1 over 40 years, is set to open in 2025. While the city has partnered with some of the improvements, this project is primarily funded from private donations.
Land has been cleared for the Cesar Chavez and G.V. Daniels Recreation Centers following demolitions in January. Groundbreaking is scheduled for Spring 2025, with a goal for grand openings in Spring 2026. Funding of $28 million comes from the 2023 Bond.
A total of 30 projects entered the Rebuild ABI Program. Of the granted $1 million, $997,409 has been fulfilled. This includes 28 new builds and two major renovations completed by 10 builders and investors. Eight homes have been sold to residents who will be living in them. Within one month of opening, the 2025 fiscal year program has committed 95% of its $1 million budget.
In onemonth of
opening, the 2025
fiscal year program
committed 95% of
its $1million
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