Harris County Rail Maintenance Agreement with Watco Dock & Rail

Harris County Commissioners Court approved an agreement with Watco Dock & Rail to maintain an 80-foot right of way in Precinct 2. This interlocal agreement covers maintenance responsibilities for rail infrastructure that supports freight movement through our region. Rail systems move goods to and from the Port of Houston, supporting thousands of local jobs in shipping, logistics, and manufacturing. When rail lines are properly maintained, trains run safely and efficiently through neighborhoods. This reduces truck traffic on our roads and helps prevent accidents. The agreement also includes an access and easement arrangement, giving the county and Watco clear guidelines about who can use this land and how. Precinct 2 covers areas like Humble, Kingwood, and parts of northeast Harris County. Residents in these areas benefit from well-maintained transportation infrastructure that supports economic growth while keeping freight moving smoothly. The Commissioners Court passed this agreement on May 14, 2026, after introducing it on April 29. County staff reviewed the terms to protect public interests while supporting regional commerce. To learn more about transportation projects in your precinct, contact Luis Cabrera at Luis.Cabrera@harriscountytx.gov. You can also attend Commissioners Court meetings to see how infrastructure decisions affect your neighborhood and local economy.

Rail lines near your neighborhood move goods to and from the Port of Houston. Keeping them maintained means fewer big trucks on local roads, safer crossings, and steady jobs in shipping and manufacturing.